Congress

House Ways and Means Committee Takes on Bipartisan IRS Reform

On Friday, April 13, the House Ways and Means Committee reported favorably on a package of bills intended to reform and modernize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Sponsored by two Democrats and three Republicans, the set of bills is expected to pass the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Several of the bills are designedContinue reading “House Ways and Means Committee Takes on Bipartisan IRS Reform”

Perspectives on Speaker Paul Ryan’s Retirement

By Kelly Wert Last Wednesday, House Speaker Paul Ryan announced that he will not run for reelection and will retire from the House of Representatives in January 2019. After reluctantly accepting the job after John Boehner stepped down in 2015, Ryan announced that though he was satisfied with what he has accomplished and is readyContinue reading “Perspectives on Speaker Paul Ryan’s Retirement”

Ryan Announces Retirement, Spurs Leadership Contest

By Jack Brownfield Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced this Wednesday that he will not run for reelection in November, sparking a competition among Republicans for the House leadership and, depending on how the midterm elections play out, the role of Speaker. Ryan said he believes that he has “done [his] part…to setContinue reading “Ryan Announces Retirement, Spurs Leadership Contest”

Omnibus Spending Bill

by Lindsay Tausch On Thursday, March 22, the House of Representatives passed a $1.3 trillion bipartisan spending bill that will fund the federal government until the end of fiscal year 2018, which runs from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. The massive “omnibus” package combines several appropriations bills, which Congress would ordinarily pass individuallyContinue reading “Omnibus Spending Bill”

Senate Passes Banking Reform Bill with Bipartisan Support

On March 14th, the US Senate passed the “Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act” by a vote of 67 for and 31 against to reform the Dodd-Frank banking bill of 2010. Twelve Democrats and one independent joined the Republican majority to pass the bill. Sponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID),Continue reading “Senate Passes Banking Reform Bill with Bipartisan Support”

Medicaid Expansion Gains Bipartisan Traction

When Congress passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, it forced states to expand Medicaid as part of its plan to create universal healthcare coverage. The federal government would provide 100% of the funding for the first few years, and then gradually have the states contribute up to 10% by 2022. In June 2012,Continue reading “Medicaid Expansion Gains Bipartisan Traction”

Responses to the Parkland School Shooting

By Lindsay Tausch On Wednesday, February 14, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz gunned down 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Cruz used an assault rifle that authorities believe he purchased legally, despite having a “significant” history of mental illness. Republicans and Democrats alike have voiced their horror at yet another mass shootingContinue reading “Responses to the Parkland School Shooting”