DC BUREAU
Our Washington, D.C., bureau reports on congressional delegations and key Supreme Court and administrative decisions that affect our state.
STAFF
Jane directs national coverage, managing staff and freelance reporters in the nation’s capital and assigning and editing state-specific daily and enterprise stories.
Jacob covers federal policy as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.
Ashley Murray covers the nation’s capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include domestic policy and appropriations.
Jennifer covers the nation’s capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include congressional policy, politics and legal challenges with a focus on health care, unemployment, housing and aid to families.
Ariana covers the nation's capital for States Newsroom. Her areas of coverage include politics and policy, lobbying, elections and campaign finance.
STORIES
Increases in royalties paid by oil and gas producers, lease rates targeted in Biden review
Interior leaders at an online forum said that rates the oil and gas industry pays for leasing, royalties and bonding could be due for increases, as the administration makes multiple moves to combat climate change.
Biden slams ‘un-American’ GOP drive to curb voting rights in the states
Biden said he would work on educating the American public about the proposals being shepherded through state legislatures, including Pennsylvania, saying the Republicans he knows “find this despicable.”
Pa.’s Levine wins Senate confirmation to No. 2 job at Health & Human Services; Casey, Toomey split on vote
The Senate voted 52-48 to confirm her as an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. Two Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Democrats in supporting her nomination.
Biden calls on Senate to act on background checks after mass shooting in Colorado
Biden’s remarks came after deadly gun violence in two states within a week. On March 16, a series of spa shootings left six women of Asian descent dead in Atlanta, as well as two other people.
Collapsing union pension plans win long-sought help from rescue package; How Pa. benefits
The $1.9 trillion pandemic relief measure included $86 billion that will be used for grants to help shore up the most troubled of those pension funds, covering the cost of retiree benefits for the next 30 years.
With Senate panel’s action, Pa.’s Levine moves a step closer to becoming highest-ranking transgender person in U.S. gov’t
During her confirmation hearing last month, Levine faced a tirade from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., about gender-affirmation surgery for minors.
Senate confirms Haaland as first-ever Native American to serve in the Cabinet
Senate Democrats praised Haaland for her conduct at the rough Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing.
Biden to states: Make all adults eligible for COVID-19 vaccines by May 1
The Department of Health and Human Services will launch a new website for individuals to check if they are eligible to volunteer to administer shots.
U.S. House sends Biden giant $1.9T COVID relief package; Pa. lawmakers break on party lines
Biden is expected to sign it on Friday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at a briefing.
CDC: It’s OK for vaccinated grandparents to visit family if no risk for severe disease
People who are fully vaccinated are now advised that they do not need to quarantine or seek a COVID-19 test if they are exposed to the virus, as long as they do not have symptoms of infection.
U.S. Senate passes coronavirus relief aid; bill now returns to the House; Pa.’s Casey, Toomey split
GOP Senators filed more than 400 amendments. Of those amendments, only three were adopted into the bill. Democrats introduced eight amendments, of which five were passed.
Pa.’s U.S. House delegation splits along party lines on sweeping voting rights package
Even though Democrats control Congress and the White House, their slim majority in a 50-50 Senate is not enough to enact into law a massive package that tackles dark money in campaigns, voter suppression and election security that requires 60 votes rather than a simple majority.