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2017
Dec. 13, 2017, 3:12 p.m.
Many may remember the classic song “I’m Just a Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock!; it’s one of my favorites. It does a great job of explaining the legislative process. But if I were the writer of that catchy tune I would amend the chorus slightly:
“I’m just a bill. Yes I’m only a bill,
And I was rushed into Capitol Hill.
Well, now I’m back in committee
Because Congress violated some rules trying to claim a victory.”
It’s hardly a surprise that the leading party would try to rush a bill into law—both parties do it. This process cost Congress some time in their efforts to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. After the bill was debated in committee it passed for a second time in the House, but violated some budget rules and was edited and sent back for another final vote on December 20th. With this process, it’s easy to get confused about where the bill stands and what provisions remain. So I’m sure you have questions.
June 27, 2017, 9:37 p.m.
Many voters don’t like to read–I’ve probably lost those voters already. Politicians use titles and labels to steer the conversation in whatever direction they choose–think Trumpcare vs. Better Care Reconciliation Act. This was no different with the President’s “Travel Ban.” Because many are unlikely to read the executive order, the labels and titles attached to it have a lot of influence into its perceived impact. Is it a Muslim Ban? A Travel Ban? Or extreme vetting?
After several roadblocks, the Supreme Court has, by a unanimous decision, allowed part of the “Travel Ban” (formally titled Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States) to go into effect. Since its inception, this executive order has received criticism for its restrictions that would limit entry from certain predominantly Muslim nations to the US.
June 19, 2017, 4:26 p.m.
“Good afternoon. Today, the United States of America is changing its relationship with the people of Cuba.” These were the opening lines of Barack Obama’s announcement of his plans to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba back in December of 2014. Those words could have also opened President Trump’s speech on Friday where he announced plans to roll back some of the changes set forth by the Obama administration.
“We will not lift sanctions on the Cuban regime,” President Trump proclaimed, ”until all political prisoners are freed, freedoms of assembly and expression are respected, all political parties are legalized, and free and internationally supervised elections are scheduled. Elections.”
These plans come just weeks after the bipartisan coalition consisting of US Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced legislation that would lift the Cuban trade embargo.
June 2, 2017, 8:19 p.m.
James Comey, health care, and foreign policy in under 140 characters. Read on to find out what has kept Congress and President Trump's Twitter account so busy.
May 8, 2017, 7:37 p.m.
In political news, there is a lot of talk over the use of filibusters in the Senate, especially during the U.S Senate's recent confirmation of supreme court judge Neil Gorsuch. Are these efforts an effective political strategy or are legislators wasting everyone's time?
2016
Aug. 4, 2016, 2:09 p.m.
The ideological debate between campus carry supporters and opponents remains contentious, with students rallying around both sides of the argument.
Aug. 1, 2016, 2:06 p.m.
Some legislators are beginning to act on the task of increasing the minimum wage, while others are actively trying to stop the increases.
June 27, 2016, 2:31 p.m.
Have you seen a recent headline about Congress passing an omnibus bill? Curious about what this obscure sounding piece of legislation is? Below we provide a non-partisan explanation of omnibus bills.....
June 15, 2016, 5:23 p.m.
Has your state recently passed a Voter ID law? Want to know what the arguments for/ against this legislation are? Read our non-partisan breakdown of this heated political issue:
June 1, 2016, 2:11 p.m.
Heard of Common Core, but not sure what it is? Curious about how states receive federal funding for education? Below, we break down this hot-button issue, and provide the 2016 presidential candidates’ stances towards Common Core......
April 13, 2016, 2:54 p.m.
On February 13, 2016, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away. According to the United State Constitution, the president-elect is responsible for nominating the replacement justice, and the Senate is then responsible for confirming or denying that nomination; however, some politicians are calling for President Barack Obama to abstain from the nomination, leaving 8 justices to make judicial decisions for almost a year.
2015
Oct. 29, 2015, 6:59 p.m.
Did you miss our Live-Tweet event for the Republican Debate? You can get a recap of all we did here!
2014
Oct. 27, 2014, 6:09 p.m.
2013
March 29, 2013, 3:19 p.m.
Click here to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter...
2012
Oct. 29, 2012, 8:07 p.m.
A 20-year study of over 15,000 congressional candidates and their willingness to answer questions on the major issues
2011
Dec. 7, 2011, 5:25 p.m.
There is one issue that only pops up every decade with noticeable consequences, and that issue is redistricting.
Nov. 22, 2011, 8:19 p.m.
The U.S. Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction was established with the goal of improving both the short and long term financial outlook of the US and reducing the deficit “...by at least $1,500,000,000 over the period of fiscal years 2012 to 2021” But they missed their deadline...
Nov. 14, 2011, 4:33 p.m.
Research intern Julie Bissinger takes a closer look at what the 2012 presidential candidates have said recently on the issue of health care.
2009
2008
2007
July 18, 2007, 5:06 a.m.
