Posting or Hosting Sex Ads Could Mean 25 Years in Federal Prison Under New Republican Proposal
A related measure would open digital platforms to liability for past crimes committed by users.
Congress
Tax Bill Mixes Very Encouraging Developments With Very Disappointing Ones
The GOP would be on higher ground if it stood on principle for a tax code that treats everyone the same.
Today at SCOTUS: Does the Federal Ban on Sports Gambling Violate the 10th Amendment?
The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Christie v. N.C.A.A.
Tax Reform Is on Track to Add $1 Trillion to the National Debt, Even After Accounting for Economic Growth
The GOP tax plan looks like it could pass, but should it?
Are Dry Stream Beds Navigable Waters of the United States?
According to federal regulations, they are. But Congress is now subjecting that rule to scrutiny.
Maybe Not Libertarian, But There Are Some Things to Like in This Tax Reform
The House and Senate still refuse to consider cutting government spending.
How Congress Keeps Its Sexual Harassment Hush Money Secret
Documents from a $27,000 harassment settlement from Rep. John Conyers' office show how Congress keeps its tax-funded settlements secret.
The Good, the Bad, and the Unspeakably Ugly: A Reason Surveillance Reform Bill Primer
Congress must make a choice before the end of the year on the level of protections Americans get from unwarranted snooping.
Current Farm Bill Waste Targeted as Congress Moves Toward Next Farm Bill
Two new efforts in Washington seek to rein in the subsidies.
Why the Senate Tax Reform Bill Is a Big Deal for Gig Economy Workers
The newly released bill would clarify Uber drivers' and Airbnb hosts' status as independent contractors but would require tax withholding.
Showdown Looming over Reform of Federal Surveillance Laws
House leadership rejects stronger protections shielding Americans from unwarranted snooping.
Law Enforcement Groups Oppose Senate Sentencing Reform Bill, Again
Hardline prosecutors continue to beat the drum against any reduction in mandatory minimums.
The NFL Wants to Block Tax Reform Because It Would End a Common Stadium Subsidy
Cities have issued more than $13 billion in untaxed bonds for stadium projects since 2000, and the NFL wants to keep the cronyism flowing.
Five Important Details from the GOP Tax Plan
Fewer income tax brackets, a bigger standard deduction, a lower corporate rate, and a new cap on mortgage deductions. But what about the deficit?
Did Trump's Ex-Im Bank Nominee Flip-Flop or Is He Being a 'Trojan Horse'?
Rep. Scott Garrett seeks to head the agency he previous sought to end.
UPDATE: Congressional Republicans (and Maybe Donald Trump Too) Could Be Coming For Your 401(k)
Tax reform will change how Americans save for retirement, but lowering a tax deduction for 401(k) savings would be a fiscal and political misstep.
It's Past Time for a New Vote on the War on Terror
The Trump administration pushes back on the idea of a new AUMF; Congress should push harder.
The Real Insult to the Troops Is Rudderless Military Adventurism
Honor the dead by taking service members out of harm's way.
Congressional Republicans Aim to Loosen Rules Restricting Export-Import Bank Cronyism
Legislation would return the crony-capitalist agency to former glory.
Congress Could Let All Patients Have the 'Right to Try' Without Going Through the FDA's Complicated Application Process
The FDA is slashing paperwork requirements for expanded access trials in response to state-level "right to try" laws. That's good, but it's not enough.
House Passes Bill Making Abortion After 20 Weeks a Federal Crime
The Trump administration has signaled support for the ban, which would throw abortion doctors in jail and let women who get abortions sue their doctors.
Order Some More Avocado Toast: What Tax Reform Means for Millennials
Young Americans need a fairer, simpler tax code, but there are reasons to worry Congress will screw this up.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Defenders of the CFPB's Newest Financial Regulation Are Ignoring Crucial Facts
Senate Republicans could vote as soon as this week to repeal the CFPB's ban on arbitration clauses.
Rand Paul and John McCain Might Have Killed the GOP's Obamacare Repeal Bill
Paul says he won't be swayed by Trump's threats. "I'm a big boy."
Want to Do Tax Reform Right? Here Are Four Ideas.
Trade-offs, trade-offs, trade-offs, and does Congress have the guts to cut $70 billion in spending?
Graham-Cassidy Promises States More Flexibility; Leaves Washington Fully in Charge of Americans' Health Care
The limited amount of federalism in the Graham-Cassidy bill would come only with the expressed permission of the federal government.
Congress Does Not Want Its War Power
A Senate vote shows that even Trump critics are happy to let the president use the military as he pleases.
Congress to Trump: Reform Surveillance Authorities or Lose Them
FBI, Intel want broad snooping powers to stay intact. That may not be an option.
Yes, Licensing Boards Are Cartels
The case for why Congress should get involved.
House Rules Committee Blocks Amendment Protecting Medical Marijuana
The rider could still be renewed if a conference committee decides to put it in the final bill.
Instead of Filling Vacancies, Congress Should Abolish the NLRB
The NLRB's "arbitrary and capricious" decision-making no longer represents the interests of the public. It's been politicized to the point of no return.
Hurricane Harvey and the National Flood Insurance Fiasco
Don't build in flood plains, and especially don't rebuild in flood plains
Why Trump's Wall Is Not Going to Happen
Plenty of GOP members would rather put Barack Obama on Mount Rushmore than underwrite this addled project.
Anti-Interventionists in Congress Respond to Trump's Afghanistan Strategy
Amid efforts to get Congress to vote on a new Authorization for Use of Military Force
Canadians Can Eat Genetically Enhanced Salmon; Americans Can't
Because Congress requires the FDA to come up with a "frankenfish" labeling scheme
Trump Launches a Suicidal War on His Own Party
Instead of striving to ingratiate himself with those who hold his fate in their hands, the president seems determined to antagonize them.
Unconstitutional State Food, Agriculture Crackdowns Spur Congress to Act
States like Massachusetts attempt to control how farms outside their borders operate.
Trump Needs Congressional Authorization for Pre-Emptive Strike on North Korea
But Congress has to assert its role if that's to mean anything.
Regular Cars Didn't Need Federal Regulation; Neither Do Driverless Vehicles
New federal legislation is more likely to hinder rather than help the development of autonomous vehicles.
Lawmakers Demand Sessions Investigate Backpage's 'Criminal Role in Sex Trafficking' in Wake of Misleading Washington Post Article
Post says Backpage hired a contractor that catfished on foreign competitors' sites.
Congress Wants to Make It Harder for Trump to Pursue Peace, Easy as Ever for Trump to Pursue War
Congress limiting president's power to loosen sanctions, but not to pursue military adventurism.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Senate Republicans Aim to Block New Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Rule
It's the latest effort to use the Congressional Review Act to assert the authority of elected lawmakers over appointed bureaucrats.
Open the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository
The Washington Post is right: "Put Yucca Mountain to work. The nation needs it."
GOP Pushes Bad, Punitive Anti-Federalist Immigration Bills Through the House
Rep. Justin Amash breaks from party and rejects both bills, citing constitutional violations.
Airport Scrutiny to Get Worse as House Moves to Mandate Sex-Trafficking Training
FAA reauthorization bill would require airline ticket-counter and gate agents to be trained on reporting "potential human trafficking victims."
Democrats Accuse Republicans of Mass Murder
The argument carries a powerful emotional charge but it isn't a particularly constructive or clear-minded way to think or talk about writing laws.
The Illusory Savings From Cutting Medicaid
Congressional Republicans promise to achieve greater frugality in Medicaid without inflicting more hardship. It's not gonna happen.
