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

  • Congress Works to Finalize Final Funding Bills Ahead of Shutdown Deadline

    Congress Works to Finalize Final Funding Bills Ahead of Shutdown Deadline

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Appropriations Committee unveiled the last four remaining government funding bills, which would fund departments and agencies related to: Homeland Security, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Defense. If Congress can’t reach an agreement by the end of January, there could be another government shutdown. Some Democrats are looking to reduce funding for agencies like ICE following the protests in Minnesota which has captured national…

  • Fight Over Greenland, Tariff Threats Escalate as Trump Departs for World Economic Forum  

    Fight Over Greenland, Tariff Threats Escalate as Trump Departs for World Economic Forum  

    The fight over Greenland is heating up — on the ground, at the negotiating table, and in global markets — after new troop movements and fresh tariff threats from the Trump administration. 

  • At MLK Memorial, King’s Legacy Transcends Generations 

    At MLK Memorial, King’s Legacy Transcends Generations 

    Families and visitors stopped by the 30-foot granite sculpture to celebrate the federal holiday honoring the civil rights leader who challenged the nation to live up to its promise of equality and justice. 

  • Groups Raise Concerns over Trump Administration Removing MLK Day, Juneteenth from National Park Free Entrance Days

    Groups Raise Concerns over Trump Administration Removing MLK Day, Juneteenth from National Park Free Entrance Days

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Access to our national parks have been free on certain days, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the US. Late last year, the Interior Department removed MLK Day and Juneteenth from the entrance fee-free days and added Flag Day, which is also President Donald Trump’s birthday, to the list of free days for US citizens to access national parks.   

  • Members Weigh Different Approaches in Reforms for Congressional Members Trading Stocks

    Members Weigh Different Approaches in Reforms for Congressional Members Trading Stocks

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional members on both sides are in agreement: reforms for congressional members trading stock needs to happen. However, what kind of reforms differ among lawmakers. There’s a renewed push on the Hill about this issue.  

  • Congressional Members Weigh in on Iran Protests, Regime and Possible US Involvement

    Congressional Members Weigh in on Iran Protests, Regime and Possible US Involvement

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – We are monitoring the latest developments on the protests in Iran. For more than two weeks, protests began over economic grievances which have transformed into a call for regime change. We spoke with Congressional members about Iran and what the United States’ role should be.  

  • 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.