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
Biden picks former public school teacher as secretary of Education
By Ariana Figueroa WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday formally introduced his nominee for secretary of Education—Miguel Cardona, a veteran of public schools and the third Latino selected for the Cabinet. “We knew we needed an education secretary who truly understands what it’s been like for educators, administrators, families, caregivers and students this past year,” Biden […]
The top 10 unforgettable moments of a tumultuous year in D.C.
Amid a global pandemic, a bitter race for the presidency and protests over police brutality, news in Washington never let up. As the year winds to an end, let’s take a look back at the moments of most drama, controversy, shock and sadness that headlined an exhausting 2020 in D.C.
Congress passes massive ‘first step’ in pandemic relief with $900B package
House leaders divided the bill into two parts and passed the emergency relief portion on a 359-53 vote. Another portion, which included Pentagon and other spending for the coming year, passed 327-85. The Senate combined the two bills and cleared the package in an overwhelming 92-6 vote shortly before midnight.
What’s in the $900B emergency relief bill—and what’s out
By Laura Olson and Ariana Figueroa WASHINGTON— Congress is set to pass a massive bipartisan emergency relief bill that’s intended to aid Americans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Summaries from House Democratic appropriators say it includes: DIRECT CHECKS —$166 billion in another round of economic impact payments that will go directly to Americans. —$600 stimulus checks […]
Pa.’s Toomey blamed as COVID-19 relief deal hits snag
“We are simply saying these programs were meant to be temporary, they're going to be temporary,” Toomey said during a conference call Thursday.
Workers’ COVID-19 lawsuits could be quashed under GOP push in Congress
Senate Republicans dropped their insistence that a liability provision be included in a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package that could pass Congress as soon as this weekend.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos heads for the exits, leaving a legacy of turmoil
In four years in office, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos failed to broaden her appeal beyond the moment she won a wild Senate confirmation fight by the closest of margins. She didn’t even try.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects Texas suit that tried to overturn election results
“Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections,” according to the unsigned court order. “All other pending motions are dismissed as moot.”
FDA authorizes first COVID-19 vaccine, clearing the way for states’ rollout
The vaccine authorized for emergency use from Pfizer and German partner BioNTech is expected to begin shipping across the country within 24 hours of Friday’s approval from the FDA.
States just one step away from COVID-19 vaccine rollout after federal panel OK
The Food and Drug Administration still must give its approval on the Pfizer vaccine’s emergency use, but the agency is expected to follow the recommendation from its advisory committee. That FDA decision could come within days, followed by another vote next week on another proposed vaccine from Moderna.
More than half of U.S. House Republicans back Texas suit claiming election ‘irregularities’
In asking to join the suit filed in the U.S. Supreme Court, Louisiana Rep. Mike Johnson led 105 of his Republican colleagues in supporting the efforts of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Biden to tap a trio of Midwesterners to lead agriculture, housing, veterans affairs agencies
If confirmed by the Senate, Fudge will lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the second Black woman to head the $50 billion agency, and Vilsack will be agriculture secretary, a position he held for eight years in the Obama administration.