Congress

Representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) attends a news conference with the Pro-Choice Caucus on the reintroduction of the “Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act,” outside the US Capitol on January 26, 2023.

The Reason Gavin Newsom Didn’t Appoint Barbara Lee Is the Reason She Should Be a Senator The Reason Gavin Newsom Didn’t Appoint Barbara Lee Is the Reason She Should Be a Senator

Lee called out the California governor’s approach to filling the vacancy, maintaining her tradition of speaking truth to power. Newsom wasn’t impressed. But voters should be.

Oct 4, 2023 / John Nichols

Kevin McCarthy House of Representatives

Kevin McCarthy Is History Kevin McCarthy Is History

The Republican speaker of the House has become the first ever to be ousted from his position.

Oct 3, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman celebrates his victory

Schumer Drops Senatorial Dress Code Schumer Drops Senatorial Dress Code

Oct 3, 2023 / Column / Calvin Trillin

Kevin McCarthy speaking to two reporters in the Capitol.

The Perils of My Kevin The Perils of My Kevin

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy averted a government shutdown with massive help from Democrats. Will he save his job the same way?

Oct 2, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz exits a GOP caucus meeting about the federal budget.

What’s at Stake in the MAGA Shutdown Threats What’s at Stake in the MAGA Shutdown Threats

The immediate specter of a shutdown has abated, but the GOP’s appetite for destruction remains intact.

Oct 2, 2023 / Max B. Sawicky

Lawmakers May Finally Update Strict SSI Rules That Keep Families in Poverty

Lawmakers May Finally Update Strict SSI Rules That Keep Families in Poverty Lawmakers May Finally Update Strict SSI Rules That Keep Families in Poverty

Asset limits in the program have created a system in which millions of people cannot save money for their families or their future.

Oct 2, 2023 / Rebecca Cokley

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, speaks to reporters at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on September 30, 2023.

Congress Hits the Snooze Button to Stop Shutdown—for 45 Days Congress Hits the Snooze Button to Stop Shutdown—for 45 Days

Democrats temporarily bailed out flailing GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, but underlying chaos remains.

Oct 1, 2023 / Jeet Heer

The US Capitol against a blue sky with yellow Caution tape in the foreground.

You Made Your Bed, My Kevin. Now Toss and Turn in It. You Made Your Bed, My Kevin. Now Toss and Turn in It.

McCarthy’s desperation to keep the House speakership is driving the country toward shutdown. And he isn’t doing too well himself.

Sep 29, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Senator Dianne Feinstein on Capitol Hill

Dianne Feinstein’s Empty Seat Dianne Feinstein’s Empty Seat

After the California senator’s death, the balance of power in American politics is left uncertain.

Sep 29, 2023 / Sasha Abramsky

Debate Sketchbook

Debate Sketchbook Debate Sketchbook

Split screens.

Sep 29, 2023 / Steve Brodner

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