SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Congress " 4,324 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Republicans Gave ICE a Slush Fund. Democrats Want to Limit It.
The sweeping domestic policy law that Republicans muscled through Congress last year made ICE the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency in the country, with no strings attached.
Where Congress stands on the DHS funding fight
The killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has sparked anger and dominated political thought since it happened Saturday.
Accelerating Science: A Blueprint for a Renewed National Quantum Initiative
Sustained U.S. leadership in quantum information science is critical to ensuring that breakthroughs in computing, sensing, networking and materials translate into secure technologies and industries, a skilled domestic workforce and long-term strategic advantage. To secure this future, Congress must act and reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative (NQI).
WATCH: Coons, Rubio disagree on whether Congress should’ve been consulted before Maduro ouster
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the Trump administration failed to properly consult with Congress in the months leading up to the dramatic U.S. military raid that ousted President Nicolás Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was "a trigger-based operation."
‘I don’t let bullies win’ Ilhan Omar says after attack, as Trump says he will ‘de-escalate’ in Minneapolis
President had mocked congresswoman hours before she was sprayed with unknown substance during a town hall event
Top Five Moments: Budget Committee Hearing on Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
The Official U.S. Congressional website of The Republican Budget Committee
National Institutes of Health Need Agencywide Strategy to Prioritize and Fund Pediatric Research, Says New Report
Childhood health is foundational to lifelong well-being. A new National Academies report makes recommendations on how NIH and Congress can best support pediatric health research and improve health outcomes through childhood and beyond.
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
Commentary: They said Katie Porter was dead politically. I checked her pulse
A one-two punch of unflattering videos caused many to write off Porter's gubernatorial candidacy. But the former O.C. congresswoman remains a top contender.
Congress is poised to take this big step intended to lower drug costs
A deal attached to the Senate government funding package would "delink" PBM compensation from drug prices in Medicare Part D.
Another Threat to VA Health Care
A VA privatization pilot in Congress could weaken veterans’ care, degrade quality, and cost taxpayers over $100 billion a year, experts warn.
Trump’s Choice to Be Alabama’s Next Senator Finds an Odd Political Target: the Modern Gas Can
ENTERPRISE, Ala.—U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, a longtime political figure in this rural Alabama community, has his priorities. Among them? A reform effort aimed at the modern gas can. A congressman since 2021, the Republican may be headed toward one of the most powerful positions in Yellowhammer State politics, a seat in the U.S. Senate, given […]
After town hall attack, Ilhan Omar condemns ‘terrorizing’ immigration push and criticism from GOP
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar ignored staffers’ pleas to end a town hall early and get a medical check Tuesday after a man rushed the podium and sprayed a substance at the Democratic congresswoman.
Man douses Ilhan Omar with unknown substance at town hall in Minneapolis
The congresswoman pledged to keep speaking. People close to her said the substance smelled "terrible" and called on her to "go get checked."
Virginia Democrats’ redistricting push is dealt a setback by state court
A state court on Tuesday blocked Virginia Democrats’ redistricting effort, delivering a setback to the party’s plans to redraw congressional lines ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Senate Dems demand immigration enforcement reforms before funding DHS : The NPR Politics Podcast
Congress may be headed toward a partial government shutdown. After a federal immigration officer fatally shot Alex Pretti last weekend in Minneapolis, Senate Democrats say they won’t vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security without changes to how the federal government enforces immigration laws. We discuss what Democrats want, what Republicans are offering, and the political risks of another government shutdown. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
A closer look at what Congress protected in the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice, and Science bill—and how lawmakers plan to hold agencies accountable
"What we're trying to do here is make sure that the Congress's powers under the Constitution are upheld and can be enforced," Sen. Van Hollen (D-Md.) said.
Sen. John Fetterman asks Trump to fire DHS chief Kristi Noem
The Democratic lawmaker known for his independent voting record and willingness to work with the GOP slammed Noem as "betraying" the agency.
Vern Buchanan to retire from Congress after 20 years of distinguished service
'Every achievement worth doing began with listening to my constituents and fighting for their priorities.'
How Climate Superfund Bills Use Science to Make Polluters Pay
This week, communities across the country are asking their state legislators for a common-sense solution—using a practice that's been around for decades—to make polluters pay. In 1980, following decades of high-profile disasters from toxic pollution, Congress passed the Comprehensive Environmenta
Congress Should Prioritize Transparency and Accessibility in Live Entertainment Industry
January 27, 2026 The Honorable Marsha Blackburn Chairman Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy 357 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable John Hickenlooper Ranking Member Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy 316 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Chairman Blackburn, Ranking Membe, Author(s): Alexander Ciccone
The shootings in Minneapolis are upending the politics of immigration in Congress
Democrats have awakened to what they see as a moral moment for the country.
The shootings in Minneapolis are upending the politics of immigration in Congress
The shooting deaths of two American citizens at the hands of federal law enforcement in Minneapolis have upended the politics of the Trump administration’s deportation agenda
New Orleans leaders, congressional Democrats condemn Trump’s anti-immigrant campaign
The hearing follows ICE killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. It's one of several the group of Democratic Congress members plans to hold across the country to hear from immigrant and civil rights advocates and call attention to the treatment of people during the crackdowns.
Another shutdown appears likely after Minnesota shooting prompts revolt by Democrats
The standoff has also revealed fractures among GOP lawmakers, who have called for a federal and state investigation into the shooting and congressional hearings.
These 3 Policy Moves Are Likely To Change Health Care for Older People
By Paula Span | KFF Health News Month after month, Patricia Hunter and other members of the Nursing Home Reform Coalition logged onto video calls with congressional representatives, seeking support for a proposed federal rule setting minimum staff levels for nursing homes. Finally, after decades of ...
Will the government shut down again? What we know before Jan. 30 deadline
After the most recent fatal shooting by federal agents, Democrats are rejecting a DHS funding provision. It could shut the government down.
Trump Changes Tack in Minnesota After Rare GOP Pushback
Trump is sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota as Congressional Republicans call for an investigation into the murder of Alex Pretti.
Political fallout grows after Minnesota shooting
With lawmakers in Congress divided after Saturday’s fatal shooting involving federal officers in Minneapolis, Democrats are now threatening to vote against funding the Department of Homeland Security, as a deadline to fund the government looms, threatening a potential shutdown. NBC News’ Monica Alba reports.
Longtime DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is ending her reelection campaign for Congress
The District of Columbia’s longtime delegate is closing out her career in Congress
Michael Smolens: San Diego life science industry still faces ‘headwinds,’ despite reversal of Trump cuts
Biocom CEO says congressional budget action is “encouraging” but great uncertainty still exists in the science world.
Politics: Hinson's bill supporting pregnant students passes House
A bill introduced by a local congressional representative to support college students who are pregnant passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
Democratic congressman punched in racist attack at Sundance film festival
Maxwell Alejandro Frost says attacker ‘told me Trump was going to deport me’ as police say suspect arrested
Maxwell Frost punched at Sundance Film Festival after assailant made racial remarks
Park City police arrested the man, and Capitol Police are participating in an investigation of the assault.
How a court win could help the Democrats pick up a House seat in New York
A judge’s decision to toss out the boundaries of the only Republican-held congressional district in New York City could help Democrats notch a win in the national redistricting wars — but for now, the outcome remains uncertain
Trump endorses Spartz, other Indiana members of Congress for re-election. Here's who else
"Congressman Jim Baird is a Tremendous Champion for the Great People of Indiana’s 4th Congressional District!," Trump wrote.
Republicans move forward with plans for a midterm convention featuring Trump
The Republican National Committee voted Friday to hold a midterm political convention, launching an unusual GOP festival that President Donald Trump will headline in hopes of rallying supporters to focus on the critical fall fight for control of Congress.
Mo Brooks getting back into politics with run for seat in Alabama House of Representatives
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Three years after losing a Senate race against Katie Britt and ending a 12-year stint in Congress, Mo Brooks is getting back into the political arena, this time in Alabama…
Nurses demand Congress abolish ICE, invest in health care
Nurses demand the removal of immigration enforcement agents from communities, the abolition of ICE, and accountability for this administration’s crimes against all residents of the United States.
Trump lawyers urge Supreme Court to block California's new election map while upholding Texas'
Texas hopes to elect five more Republicans to Congress, while California would like five more Democrats.
Democrats Ditch Bill Clinton and Contempt Crisis Looms
Plus, Elon Musk dives back into U.S. politics, JD Vance visits Minneapolis and how Congress ceded war powers to President Trump
These 3 Policy Moves Are Likely To Change Health Care for Older People
Two Trump administration regulatory rollbacks affect nursing home staffing and home care workers, and a new AI experiment in Medicare has alarmed eldercare advocates and congressional Democrats.
US health insurance executives testify before Congress about increasing costs of healthcare
CEO of UnitedHealth Group said his company will return profits earned from Affordable Care Act plans to customers
McGarvey backs effort to impeach DHS secretary
The impeachment effort is unlikely to move forward, with Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress.
Big Insurers Try to Shift Blame for High Health Costs to Hospitals and Drug Makers
At two congressional hearings, lawmakers slammed executives of major companies, saying they were failing to rein in the cost of medical care for consumers.
Exclusive: Pelosi privately blasts Democrats for vote to hold Clintons in contempt in Epstein probe
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was disappointed after nearly half of the House Oversight Committee’s Democrats voted Wednesday to hold Bill and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas in its Jeffrey Epstein investigation. And on Thursday, she let them know it.
Federal judge appears skeptical that Trump has legal authority to proceed with White House ballroom
A federal judge expressed deep skepticism Thursday that the White House has legal authority to construct President Donald Trump’s massive new ballroom without express authorization from Congress.
Key moments from Jack Smith's House testimony
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith on Thursday defended his investigations of Donald Trump at a public congressional hearing in which he insisted that he had acted without regard to politics and had no second thoughts about the criminal charges he brought.
Frustration over U.S. health costs erupts at congressional hearing
Democrats and Republicans are divided on many things, but they joined in pillorying health care executives at a committee hearing on Thursday.
Analysis: A former pro is about to play for Alabama’s basketball team. It’s the latest college sports absurdity with a simple solution
If Charles Bediako plays for Alabama against Tennessee on Saturday night, it will not be because college sports are broken or Congress refuses to act or the NCAA is feckless.
Pallone Delivers Health Care Wins for New Jersey in Government Funding Agreement
Pallone Delivers Health Care Wins for New Jersey in Government Funding Agreement WASHINGTON – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) touted the inclusion of important health care provisions in the final set of government funding bills, which passed in the House today. The package of health care initiatives was rejected by the House Republican leadership in[...]
Congress grills health insurance CEOs over high pay
Lawmakers asked five executives during a House hearing on health care affordability why they're paid so much as their customers are struggling.
Is NYC About to Lose Its Only Republican in Congress?
A judge’s decision means that yet more redistricting chaos may be in store for the city this year.
House passes appropriations package for health care funding, extends key health care provisions
The House Jan. 22 voted 341-88 to pass a three-bill minibus for fiscal year 2026 that includes funding for key health programs and other bipartisan health care provisions and extensions. The bill includes extensions of AHA-supported priorities, such as the Medicare-dependent hospital and low-volume adjustment programs for one year, telehealth flexibilities for two years, and hospital-at-home flexibilities for five years.
Ron DeSantis implores Idaho to back his call for a balanced federal budget
The Governor believes the states can compel action, while Congress won't act without pressure.
This Democratic Socialist running for Congress wants to abolish ICE and help Utah workers
Luis Villarreal, a self-described Democratic Socialist and son of immigrants, brings the field of Democrats running for Congress to seven.
Alarm as US mulls prioritising citizens in research funding
A senior White House official said the Trump administration is considering ways to prioritise research funding to American citizens, triggering alarm in the research community that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”The precise meaning of his impromptu comments, and what they could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have alarmed former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Related articlesNIH turmoil risks reciprocal EU-US access to health research fundingUS set to close office responsible for global science and technology dealsTrump halts new NIH grants to international health-research partnersSince then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing Examining Health Insurance Affordability
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
Alarm over US plan to prioritise citizens in research funding
The US’s leading science official has said the country will focus its research spending on scientists with US citizenship, triggering alarm that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”Kratsios’s precise meaning, and what it could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have stunned former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Since then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
Ethanol politics helps delay spending package
Biofuel boosters made a last-minute appeal for E15 language to become part of the latest fiscal 2026 minibus.
Can a bipartisan health deal pass?
Congressional leaders announced Tuesday that they had reached a bipartisan deal to address some aspects of the health care system.
Congress’ health deal still has hurdles
The package, which would put guardrails on to drug intermediaries, faces a tough test this week.
Prosecutor Jack Smith to testify about Jan. 6 evidence against Trump
Jack Smith is facing Republican accusations that his cases against then-ex President Trump were politicized. Now he will testify to Congress about it.
Insurers point to providers, drugmakers for driving up health costs
Health insurance CEOs plan to blame hospitals and drugmakers when they testify to Congress on affordability Thursday.
Defiant Trump continues calls for acquiring Greenland : The NPR Politics Podcast
The president continued his fight to acquire the Danish self-governing territory of Greenland during a speech billed as an address related to domestic affordability issues. We explain what happened.Then, members of Congress met with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Copenhagen last week to discuss the increased tensions with the U.S. We talk about how the meetings went, and what Danes are thinking about it all.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
House takes step closer to referring Clintons for criminal charges with Democratic support
House Republicans vote to advance contempt votes against Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton for refusing to comply with congressional subpoenas in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Comprehensive energy permitting reform benefits Colorado, the mountain west
By Ron Dickson Thank you, U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd, for your participation in the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus and your support of comprehensive energy permitting reform. We also appreciate U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper’s continued efforts to enhance our national electricity grid. The energy demands of the mountain west are rapidly growing. Data […]
Wes Moore targets Maryland’s only GOP congressman with redistricting, but a powerful Democrat stands in his way
A commission convened by Maryland’s Democratic Gov. Wes Moore recommended a new congressional map Tuesday that targets the state’s lone Republican in the US House.
What’s in Congress’ sweeping health care deal: PBM reform, telehealth, science funding
The health department would get $116.8 billion in funding, a modest increase over 2025 but $33 billion more than Trump requested.
Congress clinches bipartisan health deal
The agreement released Tuesday morning would advance health policies that have languished since they were dropped from a government funding bill in 2024.
Congress revives health care deal with PBM reforms
This is the web edition of D.C. Diagnosis, STAT's twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine.
Inside Democrats’ dilemma over how to battle Trump in fight to control Congress
When a rogue House Democrat surprised his own party with an impeachment vote against President Donald Trump last month, drama quickly rippled through the rank-and-file.
Trump targets a familiar villain for soaring health costs
President Donald Trump and Congress are intensifying pressure on health insurance executives, responding to popular anger about high premiums and denials.
Republicans will be hard-pressed to pass Trump’s ‘Great Healthcare Plan’
A lack of Democratic cooperation and strict Senate rules threaten the legislative viability of the White House framework.
Doctor who treated Dick Cheney calls for congressional inquiry into Trump’s presidential fitness
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, cardiologist to the late former Vice President Dick Cheney, called on Monday for a congressional inquiry into President Trump’s fitness. Reiner, a CNN medical analyst, cited T…
Congress revives bipartisan health care proposal, including drug middlemen provisions
Elements of a health care deal that was blown up by Elon Musk are getting a fresh look in Congress.
Has Trump's control over the GOP in Congress waned? It's complicated.
Recent votes have made it clear: While the hold of Trump and GOP leaders on Republican rank-and-file remains strong, it's slipping in notable ways.
U.S. lawmakers wrap reassurance tour in Denmark as tensions around Greenland grow
A bipartisan congressional delegation traveled to Denmark to try to deescalate rising tensions. Just as they were finishing, President Trump announced new tariffs on the country until it agrees to his plan of acquiring Greenland.
Gershom Faulkner returns to Charlie Crist orbit, as new Vice Chair of St. Pete Shines PC
Faulkner previously worked in Crist's Congressional office.
NC health insurance consumers left in limbo by Congress
Despite compromise US House bill to extend ACA subsidies, Senate hasn’t reached a deal. Customers in NC seeing insurance premiums soar.
Trump vows to ‘take out’ Indiana GOP leader over redistricting fight
President Trump said he is working with a conservative ally to oust Indiana Senate Majority Leader Rod Bray after the chamber blocked a congressional redistricting plan.
Trump urges Louisiana Rep. Julia Letlow to run for U.S. Senate: ‘Run, Julia, Run!”
Trump referred to Letlow as a “Highly Respected America First Congresswoman” and said she is “Great Star, has been from the very beginning, and only gets better!”
Endorsements roll in for Evan Power CD 2 bid
'Exactly the kind of America First leader we need in Congress.'
How abortion coverage threatens to prevent a congressional deal on health care subsidies
There's broad bipartisan support in Congress for reviving federal health care subsidies that expired at the beginning of the year
NIL regulations for college athletes face hurdles in Congress
A bill introduced last year sought to cool off the arms race in college sports, but the measure has hit a roadblock in Congress
Congress, content creators, and Can't Let It Go : The NPR Politics Podcast
There's another fight on Capitol Hill as lawmakers work to get four more spending bills passed before the end of the month. We talk about what's at stake and how both parties are navigating the high cost of health care.Then, a look at how the Trump administration is using social media content to sway public opinion & influence governance, and what our panelists can't stop thinking about this week.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and political reporters Stephen Fowler & Jude Joffe-Block.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
See Krysten Sinema's political career, time in Congress, in photos
See former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona's political journey, from recent legal trouble to leaving the Democratic party and Congress.
Trump Presses GOP to Move Health Plan as Premium Hikes Loom
President Donald Trump urged Republican lawmakers to quickly move on a White House healthcare plan, seeking to shift the narrative on an issue that threatens his party’s hold on Congress with millions of Americans facing premium hikes or the risk of lost coverage.
AUDIO: NFIB President Brad Close on How Congress Can Support Small Business
ICYMI: NFIB President Brad Close joined the Small Business Rundown podcast to share how Congress can take action to support small businesses in 2026.
‘Resetting’ the GOP health care vision
President Donald Trump released his health care affordability plan Thursday — a sweeping blueprint pressuring Congress to cement many of his executive actions into law.
Congress passes bill to fund U.S. science agencies, rebuffing Trump’s requested cuts
The Senate voted to provide billions more to NASA, NOAA and the National Science Foundation than the president had asked for.
The oldest members who aren't ready to quit Congress: From the Politics Desk
Plus, why Vance's Venezuela vote could be a 2028 landmark.
Trump unveils health care affordability plan
President Trump is unveiling his long-awaited health care proposal. The framework includes many proposals that Trump or Congress have pushed in recent years.
WATCH: Leavitt says every American with health insurance will see lower costs under Trump plan
President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the outlines of a health care plan he wants Congress to take up as Republicans have faced increasing pressure to address rising health costs after lawmakers let subsidies expire.
Trump unveils healthcare plan without clear funding or execution timeline
Trump's healthcare plan promises lower costs but lacks specifics and faces challenges from a divided Congress.
What's in the Trump health care plan? White House releases blueprint.
Trump called on Congress to pass a series of measures aimed at lowering drug prices and health insurance costs in his long-awaited health care plan.
‘Absolutely no detail’: experts alarmed as Trump unveils healthcare plan
Months after Trump boasted of ‘concepts of a plan’, framework offers few specifics – and could stall in Congress
Trump admin warns of 'widescale doxxing' of ICE if House Dem's new bill passes
Trump administration fires back at Bronx congressman's QR code plan for ICE agents, calling it a 'doxxing campaign' to protect 'criminal illegal aliens.'
Cook Political Report shifts 18 House races toward Democrats
The Cook Political Report on Thursday shifted 18 House races toward Democrats in the latest sign of the party’s momentum ahead of the midterms. Citing President Trump’s unpopular polling numbers a…