Demand Progress Education Fund: FTC Must Investigate AI Book Burning
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 -- Demand Progress Education Fund issued the following news release:
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FTC Must Investigate AI Book Burning
AI Companies are Scanning and Destroying Millions of Books to Keep in Private Databases
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On Friday, Demand Progress Education Fund and a coalition of civil society advocates asked the FTC to investigate AI companies like Anthropic and Amazon for buying books in bulk, scanning them and then destroying the original work--including rare books. In a letter sent to more
A Better Wisconsin Together: Congressman Tom Tiffany's AI Deep Fake Campaign
MONONA, Wisconsin, Aug. 22 -- A Better Wisconsin Together, a state-based research and communications hub for progressives, posted the following news release:
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Congressman Tom Tiffany's AI Deep Fake Campaign
Voting Record Reveals Tiffany Sides With Big Tech Oligarchs, Not People of Wisconsin
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MADISON, Wis. - Congressman Tom Tiffany may be talking tough about big tech on the campaign trail in Wisconsin, but the longtime politician's voting record in Washington D.C. is one of siding with more
AI Chatbots as Companions - Overview, Uses & Considerations for Congress Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49189) on Aug. 14, 2026, entitled "AI Chatbots as Companions: Overview, Uses and Considerations for Congress" by science and technology policy analyst Dominique T. Greene-Sanders.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
A chatbot is an application or a program that simulates human conversation by generating responses to user prompts. Chatbots have existed for approximately 60 years. Technical advan more
AI Chatbots as Companions - Overview, Uses & Considerations for Congress Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49189) on Aug. 14, 2026, entitled "AI Chatbots as Companions - Overview, Uses and Considerations for Congress:"
(Continued fromPart 1 of 2)
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Selected Issues: AI Chatbot Use
As mentioned, much of what is known about AI chatbot interactions is from short-term studies or company disclosures. Some surveys indicate that the use of AI chatbots for companionship is becoming more prevalent,/71 more
ASTM International Launches CET Division to Accelerate Standards for Rapidly Converging Technologies
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pennsylvania, Aug. 22 -- ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, which develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products, systems and services, posted the following news release:
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ASTM International Launches CET Division to Accelerate Standards for Rapidly Converging Technologies
Proven in advanced manufacturing, the new Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) Division scales ASTM's standards mo more
Campbell Law Clinic Director Ciara Rogers at Heart of St. Augustine's University Bankruptcy Case
BUIES CREEK, North Carolina, Aug. 22 -- Campbell University issued the following news:
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Campbell Law Clinic Director Ciara Rogers at heart of St. Augustine's University bankruptcy case
RALEIGH - Ciara L. Rogers, director of Campbell Law School's Stubbs Bankruptcy Clinic, has been a key voice in Saint Augustine's University Chapter 11 proceeding since the institution filed bankruptcy earlier this year.
Rogers, who is an attorney for Saint Augustine's University, represented the 158-year- more
DSCC Friday Takeaways: Get Out of My Swamp, Sullivan is Ruined in Alaska, Crumbling Little Bigot Mike Collins, and All-Inclusive Ashley
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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DSCC FRIDAY TAKEAWAYS: Get Out of My Swamp, Sullivan is Ruined in Alaska, Crumbling Little Bigot Mike Collins, and All-Inclusive Ashley
TGIF. Welcome back to Friday Takeaways from the DSCC - your weekly update from the DSCC Press Team on what you need to know across the Senate battlegrounds. There are 74 days until the midterms. DROP US A LINE: press@dscc.org.
GET OUT OF MY SWAMP! Dam more
Mich. Democratic Party: Blue Book - Benson and Brinks Will Bring Down Costs and Win Back The Democratic Trifecta
LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 22 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following news release:
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The Blue Book: Benson and Brinks Will Bring Down Costs and Win Back The Democratic Trifecta
Hello and welcome to The Blue Book, the Michigan Democratic Party's weekly recap to keep you in the know about Michigan politics. Every Friday, we'll bring you the latest in how Democrats are delivering for Michiganders and standing up to Republican extremism in the Great Lakes State.
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FIVE THING more
Pilot Innovation Challenge inspires next generation of Oklahoma entrepreneurs
TULSA, Oklahoma, Aug. 22 -- The University of Tulsa posted the following news:
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Pilot Innovation Challenge inspires next generation of Oklahoma entrepreneurs
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UTulsa's inaugural Innovation Challenge gave high school students experience turning real-world challenges into practical solutions. Working in teams, students learned about customer discovery, prototyping and pitching while developing ideas that addressed accessibility, mobility, social connection and more. The initiative demons more
Pilot Innovation Challenge inspires next generation of Oklahoma entrepreneurs
TULSA, Oklahoma, Aug. 22 -- The University of Tulsa Collins College of Business posted the following news:
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Pilot Innovation Challenge inspires next generation of Oklahoma entrepreneurs
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UTulsa's inaugural Innovation Challenge gave high school students experience turning real-world challenges into practical solutions. Working in teams, students learned about customer discovery, prototyping and pitching while developing ideas that addressed accessibility, mobility, social connection and more
Policy Matters Ohio: Ohio Employers Add Jobs While More Ohioans Exit the Labor Force
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 22 -- Policy Matters Ohio, a nonpartisan policy research institute, posted the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Ohio employers add jobs while more Ohioans exit the labor force
Today, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), in partnership with the Department of Labor, released job and unemployment indicators for July, showing Ohio employers added 5,100 jobs. The number of Ohioans in the labor force fell by 15,000 in July, on trend with the las more
Six Imbalances Facing the U.S. Economy Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12732) by macroeconomic policy specialist Marc Labonte.
Here are excerpts:
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Six Imbalances Facing the U.S. Economy
The economy has been growing in line with its potential, and the unemployment rate has been relatively low since the recovery from the 2020 COVID pandemic. Nevertheless, the economy faces several imbalances that pose risks to economic expansion if their unwind more
Two Maine Law Students Helping Shape the Future of Higher Education in Maine
PORTLAND, Maine, Aug. 22 -- The University of Maine School of Law issued the following news:
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Two Maine Law students helping shape the future of higher education in Maine
For Laura Prince and Blake Shepherd, serving on the University of Maine System Board of Trustees is about more than attending meetings or reviewing budgets. It is an opportunity to advocate for their peers, learn how public institutions are governed, and help shape decisions that affect thousands of students across Main more
Unisys and Refroid Partner to Advance Deployment of High-Performance AI Infrastructure
BLUE BELL, Pennsylvania, Aug. 22 -- Unisys, a technology solutions company, issued the following news release:
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Unisys and Refroid Partner to Advance Deployment of High-Performance AI Infrastructure
Partnership combines liquid cooling innovation and global field services to scale organizations' AI infrastructure
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Unisys (NYSE: UIS) and Refroid Technologies, a data center liquid cooling company, have partnered to help organizations build, deploy and maintain the high-performance comput more
AI in the Rock Comes to UA Little Rock to Explore AI in Education, Industry, and Innovation
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Aug. 21 -- The University of Arkansas Little Rock campus issued the following news:
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AI in the Rock Comes to UA Little Rock to Explore AI in Education, Industry, and Innovation
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What happens when artificial intelligence (AI) moves from the screen into the real world? Find out at the upcoming AI in the Rock @ UA Little Rock event on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Hosted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and M more
Alton Standifer named Vice President, Chief of Staff
CLEMSON, South Carolina, Aug. 21 -- Clemson University posted the following news:
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Alton Standifer named Vice President, Chief of Staff
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Alton C. Standifer, Ph.D., will join Clemson University as vice president and chief of staff, bringing broad experience in executive leadership, institutional strategy and partnership development across public higher education. Throughout his career, Standifer has worked at the intersection of presidential leadership, academic affairs, student experie more
Franklin University Expands M.S. in Information Systems with Five New Career-Focused Specializations in AI, Analytics, Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Business Leadership
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 21 -- Franklin University issued the following news release:
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Franklin University Expands M.S. in Information Systems with Five New Career-Focused Specializations in AI, Analytics, Cybersecurity, Healthcare and Business Leadership
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Enhanced master's degree program prepares professionals to lead at the intersection of technology, data, business strategy and organizational transformation
Franklin University today announced the expansion of its Master of Science in I more
From NOVA to NNSA, this student is putting people first in cybersecurity
FAIRFAX, Virginia, Aug. 21 -- George Mason University issued the following news:
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From NOVA to NNSA, this student is putting people first in cybersecurity
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Siddartha Shakya believes that there's more to cybersecurity than just hacking. The George Mason University Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's Applied Science student spent his summer interning with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and now he's even more confident in the importance of balancing humans and machine more
Innovation, modernization, readiness highlight SecAF visit to McConnell AFB
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Air Force issued the following news:
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Innovation, modernization, readiness highlight SecAF visit to McConnell AFB
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MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) -
Readiness, modernization and cutting-edge aviation technology brought Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink to McConnell Air Force Base, Aug. 12.
When Meink first began his Air Force career, the KC-135 Stratotanker as his aircraft. Currently, he is the Air Force's senior civilian leader, experiencing more
Kessel Run awards OTA for next-gen Aerospace Readiness Enterprise System
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the following news:
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Kessel Run awards OTA for next-gen Aerospace Readiness Enterprise System
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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -Following extensive operator testing, the Department of the Air Force has reached a critical milestone in overhauling its aircrew management systems, officially awarding VivSoft a production Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for the Aerospace Readiness Enterprise System more
Marshall University Idea District welcomes Synthesis Health to advance rural health and radiology innovation
HUNTINGTON, West Virginia, Aug. 21 -- Marshall University posted the following news release:
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Marshall University Idea District welcomes Synthesis Health to advance rural health and radiology innovation
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Marshall University's Idea District is expanding its growing healthcare innovation ecosystem with the addition of Synthesis Health, a Canadian-based, radiology-focused company locating an operation in Huntington. The new venture is positioned to improve diagnostic care in rural and und more
Miriam Johnson to Lead Technology Law and Policy Center
DURHAM, North Carolina, Aug. 21 -- North Carolina Central University issued the following news:
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Miriam Johnson to Lead Technology Law and Policy Center
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North Carolina Central University School of Law has appointed Miriam Johnson '18 as interim director of the Technology Law and Policy Center. Johnson is a technology and privacy attorney, legal scholar and educator.
Since joining NCCU Law's Technology Law and Policy Center as a Technology Law Fellow in 2023, Johnson has helped expand more
NAACP Demands EPA Withdraw Proposed Rule that Cuts Public Input
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 [Category: Political] -- The NAACP posted the following news release:
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NAACP Demands EPA Withdraw Proposed Rule that Cuts Public Input
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WASHINGTON -The NAACP submitted formal comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly opposing its proposed rule to eliminate federal minimum public participation requirements for the Minor New Source Review (NSR) program under the Clean Air Act (Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2025-1212).
The proposed revision would str more
National laboratory research collaboration focuses on accelerated qualification of critical nuclear components
OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, Aug. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release:
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National laboratory research collaboration focuses on accelerated qualification of critical nuclear components
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The Department of Energy's (DOE) Oak Ridge and Idaho national laboratories announced a collaboration to expand the domestic supply chain of industrial pressure vessels. Together, the labs will help enable wire arc 3D printing of these large compon more
New botanist aims to revitalize herbarium collections for Texas A&M AgriLife
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 21 -- Texas A&M University, a component of the public university system in Texas, posted the following news from its agriculture program:
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New botanist aims to revitalize herbarium collections for Texas A&M AgriLife
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Dawson White, Ph.D., is bringing his global studies of plant diversity, which combines field observation and collections, herbarium specimens, genomics and emerging spectral technologies, to the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
As a more
Northern Virginia entrepreneur Anil Sharma and his wife, Anupama, provide transformational support for Costello College's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
FAIRFAX, Virginia, Aug. 21 -- George Mason University issued the following news:
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Northern Virginia entrepreneur Anil Sharma and his wife, Anupama, provide transformational support for Costello College's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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Anil Sharma is many things: an entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, angel investor, and philanthropist.
Although the 22nd Century Technologies CEO and his wife, Anupama, are not George Mason University alumni, they have strong ties to the uni more
Researchers Use AI to Decode Key DNA Sequence in Gene Activation
LA JOLLA, California, Aug. 21 -- The University of California San Diego campus posted the following news:
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Researchers Use AI to Decode Key DNA Sequence in Gene Activation
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Key Takeaways
* Scientists have revealed the DNA sequence code of the "initiator," a crucial sequence that kick-starts gene activation.
* A machine learning analysis of a half million experimental data points yielded an AI model that has deciphered the identity of the initiator.
* With the initiator's sequenc more
The Skills Every Career Still Requires
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Aug. 21 -- Ivy Tech Community College posted the following news:
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The Skills Every Career Still Requires
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Technical skills can prepare students to perform a job. But knowing how to communicate clearly, solve problems, evaluate evidence, and make sound decisions determines how effectively they can apply that knowledge.
Those foundational skills are sometimes dismissed as requirements to complete on the way to a degree.
How often have you heard - or even said t more
WHAT OHIOANS ARE WATCHING: Jon Husted Begs For Billionaires And Corporations To Bail Out Failing Campaign
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 21 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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WHAT OHIOANS ARE WATCHING: Jon Husted Begs For Billionaires And Corporations To Bail Out Failing Campaign
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COLUMBUS, OHIO -In case you missed it, a new NRSC memo shows that Jon Husted -"the face of data centers" -is being crushed for leading the charge to bring hundreds of massive, power-hungry facilities to Ohio that have sent electricity rates skyrocketing.
The memo states that "Ohio is one of the leade more
ANS names 2027 Congressional Fellows
LA GRANGE PARK, Illinois, Aug. 20 [Category: Energy] -- The American Nuclear Society posted the following news:
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ANS names 2027 Congressional Fellows
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Loumis
Lockhart
The American Nuclear Society is excited to announce that it has officially selected two of its members to serve as the 2027 Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows. Madeline Lockhart and Aristidis Loumis will provide key support to one of the Society's four strategic pillars of action: informing p more
Congressional Research Service Reports (Weekly)
Adult Protective Services - Background & Funding Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12917) by health and aging policy specialist Kirsten J. Colello.
Here are excerpts:
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Adult Protective Services: Background and Funding
Background
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories provide Adult Protective Services (APS) to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults. APS programs serve seniors and adults with disabilities by offeri more
China's One Belt, One Road Initiative - Economic Issues Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11735) on Aug. 12, 2026, by Asian trade and finance specialist Karen M. Sutter and international trade and finance analyst Michael D. Sutherland.
Here are excerpts:
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China's One Belt, One Road Initiative: Economic Issues
The People's Republic of China (PRC or China) in 2013 launched an ambitious and multifaceted foreign economic policy initiative - One Belt, One Road - to more
Columbia River System Operations & the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 4)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49059) on Aug. 3, 2026, entitled "Columbia River System Operations and the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams."
The report is written by natural resources policy specialists Anna E. Normand and Pervaze A. Sheikh and research planning coordinator Erin H. Ward.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
Congress has repeatedly debated how to operate and allocate resources from federal water resource more
Columbia River System Operations & the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 4)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49059) on Aug. 3, 2026, entitled "Columbia River System Operations and the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 4)
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Snake River Salmon and Steelhead Trout Populations Listed Under the ESA
The ESA was enacted to conserve species identified as endangered or threatened and their habitats./52 Three species of anadromous fishes listed under the ESA are currently more
Columbia River System Operations & the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams Topic of CRS Report (Part 3 of 4)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49059) on Aug. 3, 2026, entitled "Columbia River System Operations and the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams:"
(Continued from Part 2 of 4)
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Conserving and Restoring Snake River Fishes
Federal, state, local, and tribal stakeholders have conducted activities to conserve and restore Snake River salmon and steelhead trout. Most federal activities aimed at restoring salmon and steelhead more
Columbia River System Operations & the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams Topic of CRS Report (Part 4 of 4)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49059) on Aug. 3, 2026, entitled "Columbia River System Operations and the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams:"
(Continued from Part 3 of 4)
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Litigation and Administration Actions Following the 2020 Record of Decision
After the action agencies issued the 2020 ROD, NWF and the other plaintiffs in existing litigation over Columbia River System operations filed an eighth supplemental co more
Constitutional Authority Statements & Repeal Legislation Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13287) by legislative attorneys Dave S. Sidhu and Madeline W. Donley.
Here are excerpts:
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Constitutional Authority Statements and Repeal Legislation
To introduce a bill or joint resolution, House Rule XII requires Members of the House to attach a statement identifying the source of Congress's constitutional authority to enact such legislation, known as a Constitutional Au more
ESA Section 7 Consultation & Cooperative Federalism Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11470) by legislative attorney Cassandra J. Barnum:
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ESA Section 7 Consultation and Cooperative Federalism
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (together, "the Services") in advance of agency activities with the potential to impa more
FY2027 NDAA - Active Component End-Strength Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12728) on Aug. 12, 2026, by defense policy analyst Nicholas M. Munves.
Here are excerpts:
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FY2027 NDAA: Active Component End-Strength
Background
In accordance with 10 U.S.C. Sec.115(a), Congress sets the maximum size of the active component of the Armed Forces annually, typically in a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The active component comprises the full-time more
FY2027 NDAA - Reserve Component End-Strength Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12727) on Aug. 12, 2026, by defense policy analyst Nicholas M. Munves.
Here are excerpts:
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FY2027 NDAA: Reserve Component End-Strength
Background
In accordance with 10 U.S.C. Sec.115(a), Congress sets the maximum size (i.e., end-strength) of the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces annually, typically in a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congress a more
MQ-25 Stingray - Background & Issues for Congress Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12972) on Aug. 12, 2026, by defense policy analyst Daniel M. Gettinger.
Here are excerpts:
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MQ-25 Stingray: Background and Issues for Congress
Introduction
The U.S. Navy is developing a carrier-based uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) to perform aerial refueling and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The MQ-25 Stingray, if the system is fielded as more
Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12352) by health policy analyst Nora Wells:
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Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC)
Information technology (IT), or the use of devices such as computers to handle electronic data, has existed for decades, but it has only recently become accessible to many Americans in a health care context. The federal government has tasked the Office of more
SBA's Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12726) on Aug. 12, 2026, by economic development policy analyst Adam G. Levin:
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Small Business Administration's (SBA's) Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative
In May, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new round of funding for the Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative (MAGI). The 2026 round expands a program introduced in 2025 and appear more
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 - Background, Impact & Issues Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49058) on July 31, 2026, entitled "The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 - Background, Impact, and Issues" by social policy analyst Zhe Li.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
SUMMARY
The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (SSFA; P.L. 118-273), signed into law on January 5, 2025, repealed two provisions in the Social Security Act: the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Pr more
Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 - Background, Impact & Issues Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49058) on July 31, 2026, entitled "The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 - Background, Impact, and Issues:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
* * *
Impact
This section discusses the impact of the SSFA on existing and prospective beneficiaries who would otherwise have been affected by the GPO or WEP, as well as its effects on the solvency and administration of Social Security, railroad retirem more
Supreme Court Says Negligence Suits Against Military Contractor Operating in a Combat Zone Are Not Preempted Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11469) by legislative attorney Andreas Kuersten:
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Supreme Court Says Negligence Suits Against Military Contractor Operating in a Combat Zone Are Not Preempted
On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case Hencely v. Fluor Corp. This case involves a former servicemember (Winston Tyler Hencely) who sued a military contractor (Fluor) under South Carolina la more
Taiwan Presidents' U.S. Transit Visits Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12371) on Aug. 12, 2026, by Asian affairs specialist Susan V. Lawrence.
Here are excerpts:
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Taiwan Presidents' U.S. Transit Visits
Introduction
Since 1994, five sitting presidents of self-governing Taiwan, which also calls itself the Republic of China (ROC), have undertaken a combined 30 trips abroad that have included transit stops in the United States. U.S. policy has more
U.S.-China Tariff Actions Since 2018 Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12990) by Asian trade and finance specialist Karen M. Sutter.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
U.S.-China Tariff Actions Since 2018: An Overview
Since 2018, the U.S. government has imposed a series of tariffs on imports from the People's Republic of China (PRC, or China) with the stated intention of addressing U.S. concerns about PRC trade practices and foreign policies. Since 2025, t more
Afro-descendants of Latin America - Selected Resources Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN11790) by senior research librarian Carla Y. Davis-Castro.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Afro-descendants of Latin America: Selected Resources
The United Nations (UN) estimates that approximately "200 million people identifying themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas." Congress has long demonstrated interest in the status of Afro-descendants abroad through its le more
Federal Rental Assistance & Affordability Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12824) by housing policy specialist Maggie McCarty.
Here are excerpts:
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Federal Rental Assistance and Affordability
Housing is generally considered affordable if it costs a household no more than 30% of their income; households who pay more are considered cost-burdened. About half of U.S. renters are cost-burdened and the lowest-income renters have the highest cost burden more
HUD's FY2026 Continuum of Care Program Competition Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12709) by housing policy specialist Libby Perl:
* * *
HUD's FY2026 Continuum of Care Program Competition
The Continuum of Care (CoC) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), funds housing and services to assist people experiencing homelessness. CoC funds are awarded through a competitive process announced in annual Notices of Funding O more
Legacy Restoration Fund for Deferred Maintenance - 119th Congress Reauthorization Bills Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12729) by natural resources policy specialists Laura B. Comay and Carol Hardy Vincent:
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Legacy Restoration Fund for Deferred Maintenance: 119th Congress Reauthorization Bills
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA; P.L. 116-152) established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF; 54 U.S.C. Chapter 2004), with dedicated funding to address deferred mai more
Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IF12809) by public finance analyst Nicholas E. Buffie:
* * *
The Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit
P.L. 117-169, commonly known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), enacted a tax credit for the production of component parts and critical minerals used in clean energy equipment. The credit is referred to as the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit or more
U.S.-Mexico Trade Relations Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11175) by international trade and finance analyst Danielle M. Trachtenberg.
Here are excerpts:
* * *
U.S.-Mexico Trade Relations
The 119th Congress is engaged in a range of legislative and oversight activities related to trade policy toward Mexico, which in 2025 was the largest U.S. trading partner in total trade (exports plus imports) of goods and services. Mexico's proximit more
Wildland Fire Smoke, Air Quality & Health Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12730) by natural resources policy analyst Alicyn R. Gitlin and environmental policy analyst Omar M. Hammad:
* * *
Wildland Fire Smoke, Air Quality and Health
Wildland fire smoke is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced by burning materials during wildland fire events that temporarily degrades air quality over long distances, creating health concerns and decreas more
Alien Terrorist Removal Court Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13285) by legislative attorney Amin Aminfar:
* * *
The Alien Terrorist Removal Court: A Brief Overview
On July 16, 2026, the Alien Terrorist Removal Court of the United States (ATRC) issued its first order since it was established by Congress in 1996. The court's order indicated that the government had, the previous day, filed an application to remove an alien terrorist, the fi more
Identifying Minors Online Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47884) on July 28, 2026, entitled "Identifying Minors Online" by Clare Y. Cho, industrial organization and business policy specialist:
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SUMMARY
Concerns about potential harms to minors on the internet, particularly on social media platforms, have grown in recent years. Dating to the 1990s, policymakers have enacted legislation seeking to protect minors online, some of which create requir more
Identifying Minors Online Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R47884) on July 28, 2026, entitled "Identifying Minors Online:"
(Continued from Part 1 of 2)
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Policy Considerations for Legislation
Multiple bills introduced in the 119th Congress seek to increase protections for minors online by creating new or amending existing requirements for website operators. Some of these bills would require certain operators to implement age verification methods more
Office of Personnel Management's Request to Collect Claims Data From Federal Employees Health Benefits Carriers Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13285).
The white paper is written by legislative attorney Wen W. Shen, health care financing specialist Ryan J. Rosso and health policy specialist Amanda K. Sarata:
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The Office of Personnel Management's Request to Collect Claims Data from Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Carriers
On December 12, 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published a notice to more
Second Amendment at the Supreme Court: Challenges to Federal Gun Laws Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11108) by legislative attorney Dave S. Sidhu:
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The Second Amendment at the Supreme Court: Challenges to Federal Gun Laws
Ratified in 1791, the Second Amendment provides, "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." For over two hundred years, the Supreme Court remai more
Social Security Administration's FY2027 Annual LAE Appropriation Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49047) on July 28, 2026, entitled "The Social Security Administration's (SSA's) FY2027 Annual LAE Appropriation: In Brief" by income security specialist, William R. Morton.
Here are excerpts:
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Contents
Introduction ... 1
Background on SSA ... 1
Overview of the Annual LAE Appropriation ... 1
FY2027 Budget Requests for the Annual LAE ... 2
Commissioner of Social Security ... 2
Presid more
Artificial Intelligence in Health - Overview of Selected State Liability Frameworks Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Legal Sidebar white paper (No. LSB11467) by legislative attorneys Wen W. Shen and Jennifer A. Staman:
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Artificial Intelligence in Health: Overview of Selected State Liability Frameworks
A variety of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly used for various health care or related purposes. These purposes include core clinical health care functions such as the diagnosis and treatment more
Child Welfare - Purposes, Federal Programs & Funding Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF10590) by social policy specialist Emilie Stoltzfus.
Here are excerpts:
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Child Welfare: Purposes, Federal Programs, and Funding
The Work of Child Welfare Agencies
Children depend on adults - usually their parents - to protect and support them. The broadest mission of public child welfare agencies is to strengthen families so that children can depend on their families to more
Defense Primer - U.S. Space Force Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF12610) by defense policy analysts Jennifer DiMascio and Hannah D. Dennis.
Here are excerpts:
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Defense Primer: U.S. Space Force
The U.S. Space Force, established by Congress in 2019 (P.L. 116-92, Sec.952), is one of the six branches of the Armed Forces. According to Title 10, Section 9081, of the U.S. Code, "The Space Force shall be organized, trained, and equipped to - (1 more
Federal Brownfields Program - Background & Issues for Congress Topic of CRS Report (Part 1 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49055) on July 31, 2026, entitled "Federal Brownfields Program: Background and Issues for Congress" by environmental policy analyst Lance N. Larson.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA; 42 U.S.C. Sec.Sec.9601 et seq.) provides the federal framework for the cleanup of contaminated sites for which the federal govern more
Federal Brownfields Program - Background & Issues for Congress Topic of CRS Report (Part 2 of 2)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49055) on July 31, 2026, entitled "Federal Brownfields Program - Background and Issues for Congress:"
(Continued from part 1 of 2)
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History of Brownfields Appropriations
This section provides a history of annual appropriations for the federal Brownfields program beginning in the early years of the pilot initiative in FY1993 through FY2002 and continuing as a codified program in CERCLA more
Reserve Component Duty Statuses - Background & Issues for Congress Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49056) on July 31, 2026, entitled "Reserve Component Duty Statuses: Background and Issues for Congress" by defense policy analyst Nicholas M. Munves.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
The Reserve Components (RCs) of the Armed Forces (the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve) largely consist of per more
U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement - Labor Provisions Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF11308) by international trade and finance specialists Cathleen D. Cimino-Isaacs and Danielle M. Trachtenberg:
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USMCA: Labor Provisions
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force in 2020 (P.L. 116-113), replacing the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Concerns among some Members of Congress about the protection of worker rights and enforceabi more
Tipoffs: Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules
Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center Doctor Urges CMS to Adopt CPT Definition of Dose and Increase MUE Limits to Improve Medicare Patient Access
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- In response to a federal agency request for information, the following public comment letter was submitted electronically to the regulations.gov site.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Department of Health and Human Services
Attention: CMS-1848-P
P.O. Box 8016
Baltimore, MD 21244-8016
CMS Online submission link
Re: CMS-1848-P-CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule; CPT Code 95165
Dear Administrator Oz:
I am a practicing allergist-immunologist more
Tipoffs: Iran
DNC: In the States - American Families Are Worse Off Under Donald Trump and Republicans' Failing Economy
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
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IN THE STATES: American Families Are Worse Off Under Donald Trump and Republicans' Failing Economy
Thanks to Donald Trump and Republicans' costly agenda, millions of Americans are going into debt and cutting back to afford daily necessities. From Trump's disastrous tariffs and sweeping cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, to his deeply unpopular and reckless war with Iran, working families are seeing the c more
DSCC Fact Sheet: Republican Senate Candidates' Corruption Takes Center Stage in Battleground Races
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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FACT SHEET: Republican Senate Candidates' Corruption Takes Center Stage in Battleground Races
GOP Senate candidates are facing scrutiny over extensive lobbying ties and corporate conflicts, mired in corruption and ethics scandals, and caught red-handed in self-dealing
Across key Senate battleground states, GOP Senate candidates have a corruption problem - with records chock-full of et more
DSCC Friday Takeaways: Get Out of My Swamp, Sullivan is Ruined in Alaska, Crumbling Little Bigot Mike Collins, and All-Inclusive Ashley
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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DSCC FRIDAY TAKEAWAYS: Get Out of My Swamp, Sullivan is Ruined in Alaska, Crumbling Little Bigot Mike Collins, and All-Inclusive Ashley
TGIF. Welcome back to Friday Takeaways from the DSCC - your weekly update from the DSCC Press Team on what you need to know across the Senate battlegrounds. There are 74 days until the midterms. DROP US A LINE: press@dscc.org.
GET OUT OF MY SWAMP! Dam more
Ecuador in Brief - Overview & U.S. Relations Topic of CRS Report
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following report (No. R49188) on Aug. 14, 2026, entitled "Ecuador in Brief - Overview and U.S. Relations" by foreign affairs analyst Joshua Klein.
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
Ecuador is an ethnically and geographically diverse country of 18.1 million people, encompassing parts of South America's Pacific coast, Amazon basin, and Andean highlands. Following a period of bilateral tensions under former President more
ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax
Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax to discuss the conflict in Iran, Economic D-Day, and the ongoing response to severe weather in Indiana.
Key Excerpts on Iran and Economic D-Day:
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): "Economic D-Day has begun, and it's been very effective, combined with the full forc more
Six Imbalances Facing the U.S. Economy Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12732) by macroeconomic policy specialist Marc Labonte.
Here are excerpts:
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Six Imbalances Facing the U.S. Economy
The economy has been growing in line with its potential, and the unemployment rate has been relatively low since the recovery from the 2020 COVID pandemic. Nevertheless, the economy faces several imbalances that pose risks to economic expansion if their unwind more
What They're Saying: "GOP's Senate Map Gets Shakier" as IA and TX Races Shift Toward Dems - Creating "Multiple Paths" to the Senate Majority
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "GOP's Senate Map Gets Shakier" as IA and TX Races Shift Toward Dems - Creating "Multiple Paths" to the Senate Majority
Cook Political Report's Jessica Taylor on CNN: "Democrats have increasingly expanded the competitive battlefield and are putting Republicans on the defensive in more states in double-digit Trump states that really should not be competitive"
MS NO more
"The Most Expensive August on Record": Mike Carey's Reckless War is Squeezing Ohioans at the Pump
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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"The Most Expensive August on Record": Mike Carey's Reckless War is Squeezing Ohioans at the Pump
*
Thanks to the endless war in Iran that Mike Carey has continuously voted to support, gas prices are rising like never before. In Ohio, gas is now averaging $4.17 a gallon, a 25-cent hike from just a week ago.
Reminder: Carey's war of choice is overwhelmingly unpopular: almost two-th more
A Message from the Chair: Trump Regime Shows Shameful Disregard for Service Members
BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 21 -- The Idaho Democratic Party issued the following news:
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A Message from the Chair: Trump Regime Shows Shameful Disregard for Service Members
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Service members willing to protect this country deserve the utmost respect. They should never go hungry aboard an American ship or beg for answers from the government that sent them there.
Families of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln warned for months that deplorable conditions and collapsing morale were pushing the more
Gabe Evans Is Beholden To Donald Trump
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Gabe Evans Is Beholden To Donald Trump
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Colorado Sun: "Evans has never shied away from Trump or the Trump administration"
A loyal lapdog, Gabe Evans has consistently put Donald Trump ahead of Coloradans. Whether it's gutting health care, greenlighting price-hiking tariffs, or signing off on a war in Iran, Evans "has never shied away from Trump or the Trump administration," the C more
House Republicans' "Midterm Message" Is Getting Hosed By The War In Iran
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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House Republicans' "Midterm Message" Is Getting Hosed By The War In Iran
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Gas prices are up, Republicans' odds of keeping the majority are down
House Republicans have an Iran War problem. After voting in lockstep with the Trump administration to continue their reckless war of choice, Republicans are now panicking that the conflict will spoil their midterm message -whatever that more
RI Gas Prices Surge Above $4 & National Gas Price Climbs to $4.11 as August Average Hits Record High, AAA Says
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release:
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RI Gas Prices Surge Above $4 & National Gas Price Climbs to $4.11 as August Average Hits Record High, AAA Says
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CRANSTON, RI - Due to President Trump's ill-conceived war with Iran and strategic incoherence, gasoline, heating oil, jet fuel, and diesel costs have all surged, putting more upward pressure on prices for everyday products that American consumers and companies depend on.
Today, the ave more
Week in Review: At League of Arizona Cities & Towns Conference, Kelly Meets with Arizona Mayors on Community Priorities
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 -- Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Week in Review: At League of Arizona Cities & Towns Conference, Kelly Meets with Arizona Mayors on Community Priorities
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Kelly stopped by the Greater Arizona Mayors Association's annual meeting to hear from mayors across Northern Arizona on housing, water, and wildfire recovery
Kelly also hosted a meet and greet with rural mayors from Central and Southern Arizona to hear directly about the challenge more
