Congress

Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), left, and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are seen during a break in testimony by Attorney General Merrick Garland at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on September 20, 2023.

The GOP Turns the House Judiciary Committee Into an Absurdist Spectacle The GOP Turns the House Judiciary Committee Into an Absurdist Spectacle

With a looming government shutdown, Republicans showcased their preferred use of resources: to hammer away at Merrick Garland.

Sep 21, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), a member of the right-wing House Freedom Caucus, talks to reporters on his way to a House Republican caucus meeting at the US Capitol on September 19, 2023, in Washington, DC. Gaetz opposes a deal between factions of House Republicans to pass a stopgap spending bill and avoid a government shutdown, which will be tested Tuesday with a procedural vote.

The Government Shutdown Is a Cartoonishly Bad—but Still Terrifying—Sequel The Government Shutdown Is a Cartoonishly Bad—but Still Terrifying—Sequel

The latest congressional villains are the GOP’s hard-right nihilists, but their motives for sabotaging the government make no sense.

Sep 19, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) listens to reporters' questions during a news conference at the US Capitol on September 12, 2023.

Mitch McConnell Will Not Go Gently Into the Senate Goodnight Mitch McConnell Will Not Go Gently Into the Senate Goodnight

Even if the senator wanted to retire, there’s no way he’ll let Kentucky’s Democratic governor choose his replacement, even temporarily.

Sep 18, 2023 / Elie Mystal

Morocco

Morocco Morocco

On the media.

Sep 15, 2023 / Steve Brodner

Senator Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney's Lonely Exit Mitt Romney's Lonely Exit

The former GOP presidential nominee is now a pariah in his own party.

Sep 15, 2023 / Jeet Heer

A close-up shot of Kevin McCarthy in a hallway speaking to reporters.

Kevin McCarthy Isn’t Up to This Battle. But Neither Is Anyone Else. Kevin McCarthy Isn’t Up to This Battle. But Neither Is Anyone Else.

All that protects McCarthy right now is the tiny but effective coat of armor he wore in January: No one else can get a majority vote.

Sep 14, 2023 / Joan Walsh

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) leaves the Senate Chamber with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) following a vote in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol Building on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021

It’s Now Clearer Than Ever: The US Is Choosing to Impoverish Children It’s Now Clearer Than Ever: The US Is Choosing to Impoverish Children

Robert Reich has been telling us for years that policymakers have the power to end—or increase—poverty. New Census data proves him right.

Sep 13, 2023 / John Nichols

Kevin McCarthy shutdown

Is Kevin McCarthy Burning Down the House? Is Kevin McCarthy Burning Down the House?

The Republican speaker has caved to the party’s right flank by greenlighting impeachment hearings against President Biden. But an impasse over spending legislation may trigger a s...

Sep 13, 2023 / Chris Lehmann

Youth Mental Health

What Will It Take to Solve the Youth Mental Health Crisis? What Will It Take to Solve the Youth Mental Health Crisis?

Almost 12 percent of high school–age youth experience severe major depression. The root causes of the problem are rarely confronted.

Sep 13, 2023 / StudentNation / Eshaan Mani

First Amendment, Amendment?

First Amendment, Amendment? First Amendment, Amendment?

Bite your tongue!

Sep 12, 2023 / OppArt / Peter O. Zierlein

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