Category: Erie News Now – Washington, D.C. Bureau

  • Michigan Senator Slotkin says she is Under Investigation over Illegal Orders Video

    Michigan Senator Slotkin says she is Under Investigation over Illegal Orders Video

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin (D- MI) revealed she is being investigated after she took part in a video telling military members they can refuse illegal orders. The freshman Senator is pointing the finger at the President saying he is using the FBI and DOJ against people who disagree with him. 

  • Amid Federal Reserve Chairman Investigation, Political Scientist Explains Importance of Agencies’ Independence from Executive

    Amid Federal Reserve Chairman Investigation, Political Scientist Explains Importance of Agencies’ Independence from Executive

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Justice’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has rattled some congressional Republicans. Some are worried this will erode the Fed’s independence. We spoke with a political scientist on why agencies like the Fed are meant to be independent from the White House.  

  • Concerns Raised about DOJ’s Independence Following Probe on Fed Reserve Chair Powell

    Concerns Raised about DOJ’s Independence Following Probe on Fed Reserve Chair Powell

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Department of Justice served the Central Bank with subpoenas and threatened a criminal indictment over his testimony about the Fed’s building renovations. Powell said this unprecedented action should be seen in the broader context of the administration’s threats and ongoing pressure. 

  • House Approves 3-Year Extension of Expired ACA Subsidies as Senate Eyes Compromise

    House Approves 3-Year Extension of Expired ACA Subsidies as Senate Eyes Compromise

    Extending enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits that expired on Dec. 31 has been a key reason for recent gridlock in Washington. The debate triggered last fall’s government shutdown — and now, it’s back at center stage. 

  • Senate Advances Measure Limiting War Powers in Future Venezuela Operations

    Senate Advances Measure Limiting War Powers in Future Venezuela Operations

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Less than a week after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise military operation, the Senate moved forward with a measure to limit future operations without Congress’ authority. 

  • Congress Probes Fraud Claims Tied to Somali-run Childcare Centers in Minnesota 

    Congress Probes Fraud Claims Tied to Somali-run Childcare Centers in Minnesota 

    The congressional inquiry comes after a conservative content creator published a video visiting several childcare centers and claiming they illegally collected federal money meant for low-income families. 

  • Trump Administration Freezes Billions in Child Care Funds to Five Democrat-Led States, Alleges Fraud

    Trump Administration Freezes Billions in Child Care Funds to Five Democrat-Led States, Alleges Fraud

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Trump administration has paused ten-billion dollars federal childcare funding in five Democrat-led states over claims of alleged fraud. However, the administration hasn’t provided any evidence of fraud.  

  • Lawmakers React as Trump Administration Discusses Greenland After Venezuela Operation

    Lawmakers React as Trump Administration Discusses Greenland After Venezuela Operation

    President Trump has long eyed the more than 800-square-mile island that holds a strategic advantage between the U.S., Europe and Russia. Hopes of someday acquiring Greenland are nothing new for President Donald Trump. But after Saturday’s extensive, covert military operation in Venezuela, the president has put other nations — and some…

  • Secretary Rubio Unveils Three-Phase Plan for Venezuela Following Maduro Capture

    Secretary Rubio Unveils Three-Phase Plan for Venezuela Following Maduro Capture

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the weekend’s surprise military operation taking Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro into US custody, the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, told congressional members the US has “tremendous control” and “leverage” over Venezuela. Following that closed-door briefing, Democrats claim not all of their questions were answered. In the briefing, Secretary Rubio said he shared their three-part plan for Venezuela. 

  • Lawmakers Seeking More Info on Next Steps for Venezuela

    Lawmakers Seeking More Info on Next Steps for Venezuela

    Over the weekend, the U.S. carried out targeted strikes on Venezuela and forcibly removed its leader, bringing him and his wife to New York City, where they face a slew of charges. This week, Congress will have to weigh its constitutional role in matters of war, foreign intervention and executive power.