Author: Ramsey Touchberry
Top senators from both parties are cautiously allowing Senator Johnson time to negotiate a short-term spending agreement, but they caution that action may be necessary to prevent a shutdown on October 1. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledges the successful bipartisan history among appropriators in the Senate, while Senator John Cornyn expresses doubt about the House’s ability to generate a bill in time. Following Republican pushback, Johnson was forced to delay the vote on a continuing resolution, paired with the GOP’s Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which would extend government funding until late March. The Senate prefers a shorter stopgap…
George Helmy was recently sworn in as the 81st senator from New Jersey, taking over for former Sen. Bob Menendez who resigned due to his conviction in a public fraud scheme. Helmy, appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy, will serve until November and then make way for the winner of the Senate race between Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw. At 44, Helmy brings a wealth of experience, having served as Murphy’s chief of staff and worked with Sen. Cory Booker. He will now handle Menendez’s committee responsibilities on Foreign Relations, Finance, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. Despite maintaining…
Will Maryland’s Senate candidates ever face off in a debate this fall? Former Gov. Larry Hogan and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks are at a standstill, accepting invitations to different debates and accusing each other of dodging the stage. The Washington Examiner reports that Hogan is eager to debate but has accused Alsobrooks of ducking for several months. Alsobrooks claims to be the only one interested in dialogue and a traditional statewide debate. The Baltimore Sun editorial board is urging the candidates to come to a mutual agreement for the benefit of Maryland voters, advocating for multiple debates. However,…
Presidents must make thousands of political appointments within the federal government, but not all require Senate confirmation. However, there is a push to add confirmation for the director of the Secret Service, following an assassination attempt on former President Trump. Bipartisan efforts led by Senators Masto and Grassley aim to pass a bill requiring Senate confirmation for future Secret Service directors. This move is to ensure transparency and accountability within the agency, similar to other federal law enforcement bodies. Despite concerns about politicization, the idea of Senate confirmation for the Secret Service director garners support from key senators. Proponents argue…
Senator J.D. Vance’s potential nomination as former President Donald Trump’s running mate could give Senate Democrats a slight advantage in tight votes, thanks to his absence potentially creating more breathing room in the razor-thin majority they hold. History has shown that senators with presidential or vice presidential aspirations often prioritize their campaign over their Senate duties, leading to absenteeism during crucial votes. This trend could have significant implications for the current Senate, where Democrats hold a slim one-seat majority. If Vance does indeed become Trump’s running mate, he may follow in the footsteps of past vice presidential nominees who have…