senate

COMMENTARY

Fetterman will wear a suit in the Senate. Can we all move on now? Please?

BY: - September 27, 2023

For anyone who thought the furor over U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) wearing shorts and a hoodie on the Senate floor was eventually going to die down, well, you and I were both sorely mistaken.  I steered away from writing about it here or covering it as “news” because it seemed like there were other, […]

David McCormick launches campaign for Senate

BY: - September 21, 2023

He made the announcement at an event in Pittsburgh on Thursday, throwing his hat into the ring for a second bid at the Senate.

With two weeks until the money runs out, Congress grinds to halt on spending bills 

BY: - September 14, 2023

Amid rising tensions and an approaching hard deadline, the U.S. House and Senate ended their work week on Thursday without a deal to fund the federal government past the end of the month. 

The exterior of the Pennsylvania state Capitol on March 7, 2023 (Photo by Amanda Mustard for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star).

Pa. is still without a final budget. What does the impasse mean for state, county programs?

BY: and - July 14, 2023

Here’s what to know about the impasse and what a late budget means for Pennsylvania programs:

Pa. Senate Democrats, Lt. Gov. Davis call for vote on gun control bills

BY: - June 5, 2023

The House narrowly approved the bills in May, sending them to the Senate for consideration.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Senate committee advances bill expanding access to sexual assault nurse examiners

BY: - May 2, 2023

A Republican-controlled Senate panel has voted to expand access to expert nurses who help ensure best practices and a safe environment for sexual assault survivors during examinations.

The ceiling of the main Rotunda inside Pennsylvania’s Capitol building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Senate votes to confirm Henry as attorney general, Paris as police commissioner

BY: - March 9, 2023

Lawmakers in the upper chamber voted 49-0 to approve Michelle Henry as attorney general and Maj. Christopher Paris as State Police commissioner.

Pa. Senate approves bill banning TikTok on state devices, networks

BY: - March 8, 2023

In Pennsylvania, some government offices already prohibit employees from using TikTok on state-owned devices.

Online access to Pa. Senate spending remains, but a Democrat proposes expanded transparency

BY: - March 5, 2023

Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, has again proposed legislation requiring that all legislative expenses, including both House and Senate lawmakers, be publicly posted online in an easily searchable format by each chamber’s chief clerk.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Senate swears in new Republican member

BY: - February 28, 2023

A Republican who won a Senate special election earlier this month took the oath of office on Tuesday, bringing the 50-seat upper chamber to full complement.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Senate Democrats urge vote on House-approved proposals providing relief for abuse survivors

BY: - February 27, 2023

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats argue that the upper chamber hasn’t fulfilled a commitment to providing relief for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Pennsylvania Capitol Building. May 24, 2022. Harrisburg, Pa. (Photo by Amanda Berg, for the Capital-Star).

Pa. Rep. Culver elected to represent 27th Senatorial District

BY: - February 1, 2023

State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver will fill an open seat in the Pennsylvania Senate following a special election on Tuesday.