Congress Archives

James Reilly, pictured here aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2001.

News in Brief

The USGS Director’s Newest Job Description: Maintaining ‘Scientific Integrity’

There was a recurring theme during former astronaut James Reilly's confirmation hearing to become the new USGS director: the importance that he prevent the agency from corruption.

Francie Diep

People participate in the first annual Disability Pride Parade on the 25th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act on July 12th, 2015, in New York City.

Social Justice

Why Congress Is Close to Gutting a Key Provision of the ADA

Retail lobbyists are pushing through a law that will limit equal access for disabled Americans in commercial spaces.

David M. Perry

Economics

Breaking Down the Ramifications of the Congressional Budget Deal

The latest deal, once again, kicked longstanding budget issues down the road, and puts more pressure on future generations.

Linda J. Bilmes

An oil slick is visible on the surface of the Pacific Ocean near Refufio State Beach on May 21st, 2015, in Goleta, California.

Environment

The Budget Deal Reinstates a Tax to Fund Oil Spill Clean-Ups

The tax on both domestic crude and imported petroleum products generated $500 million a year, on average, in federal revenue.

Kate Wheeling

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell returns to the U.S. Capitol just before midnight on February 8th, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

Economics

Three Key Numbers in Congress’ Budget Compromise

Here's what you need to know about the big bipartisan spending package Congress just passed.

Dwyer Gunn

Environment

Congress Includes Massive Sale of Oil Reserves in Budget Deal

The congressional spending deal includes a sale of roughly 100 million barrels of oil from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a cache of federally owned oil.

Kate Wheeling

U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions from the press during a meeting with former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the Oval Office on October 10th, 2017, in Washington, D.C.

News in Brief

Trump’s Last Speech to Congress Was Remarkably Unremarkable

Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address tomorrow. Last year's (well-received) speech before Congress can serve as a blueprint for what we can expect to hear.

Seth Masket