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Pentagon December 20, 2015

House passes $601 billion defense bill

The House has backed a $601 billion defense authorization bill that spares planes, ships and military bases in an election-year nod to hometown interests.

Legislation December 20, 2015

House approves curbs on NSA record-gathering

The House on Thursday passed legislation to end the National Security Agency's bulk collection of American phone records, the first legislative response to the disclosures by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

Domestic Policies December 20, 2015

House GOP leaders block immigration votes

House Republican leaders on Wednesday blocked any votes on immigration legislation, raising doubts about the prospects for election-year action on overhauling the nation's laws.

Illegal Immigrants December 20, 2015

Pentagon weighs allowing illegal immigrants to join the military

The Pentagon is weighing allowing some immigrants brought illegally to the country as youths to serve in the military, a unilateral step by the Obama administration as immigration legislation remains stalled in the Republican-led House.

Domestic Policies December 20, 2015

USDA delays whole grains requirement for schools

The Agriculture Department will allow some schools to delay adding more whole-grain foods to meals this year, responding to criticism from school nutrition officials and Congress that the standards were too difficult to put in place.

Domestic Policies December 20, 2015

Earmarks may be dead, but pet projects live on

Despite a three-year-old ban on earmarks, members of Congress have found ways to bring home the bacon.

Legislation December 20, 2015

Flying high: Members of Congress get free reserved parking as well as first-class flights

While legislation proposed this week would bar members of Congress from flying first class at taxpayers' expense, Capitol Hill lawmakers have another travel perk not likely to disappear anytime soon: free parking at Washington-area airports.

Immigrant Rights December 20, 2015

Tea party leader endorses immigration overhaul

A national tea party leader is endorsing immigration overhaul legislation including legal status for the 11.5 million people now here illegally.

Legislation December 20, 2015

Bill would ban lawmakers from flying first class using taxpayer dollars

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill aimed at preventing lawmakers from flying first class using taxpayer money. 

Federal Relations December 20, 2015

GOP rep wants to cut funding for federal ‘paramilitary units’ after BLM dispute

A Republican congressman wants to crack down on the proliferation of armed law enforcement units within the federal government, on the heels of the standoff last month between supporters of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and a federal land agency.

Republicans December 20, 2015

Sneaking through? Conflicting reports on ‘secret’ immigration plan

The comments come amid speculation that GOP leaders are keen to advance a bill, in part because the window may be closing to act on immigration and in part because doing so may help the party with Latino voters.