US House of Representatives Archives

Congressional Leaders Receive at Least $1 Million in Pension Payouts Paid for by Taxpayers

July 20, 2020July 19, 2020 Minnesota Sun Staff

As the nation struggles with record high unemployment, extended job losses, continued statewide shutdowns, and crippling national debt, a new report reveals that congressional leaders will receive an estimated $1 million each in retirement payouts on top of their lifetime pensions, fully funded by taxpayers.

First published by Forbes, OpenTheBooks.com’s report, “Why Are Taxpayers Providing Public Pensions To Millionaire Members Of Congress?” compares the financial benefits that both top leaders in Congress receive.

Kentucky Democrats Still Looking for the Winner in Last Week’s Primary

June 30, 2020 The Associated Press

One of Kentucky’s most unpredictable political races in years is headed toward the wire Tuesday, but it’s taking a full week after the June 23 primary to sort out a possible photo finish in the Democratic U.S. Senate contest.

Absentee ballots that stacked up amid the coronavirus pandemic have delayed the vote count in the neck-and-neck race between progressive candidate Charles Booker and establishment-backed Amy McGrath. Both are vying for the chance to take on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who coasted to victory in the GOP primary in his bid for a seventh term.

Black Candidates Tap Protest Energy to Challenge Incumbent Democrats

June 23, 2020 Minnesota Sun Staff

Amy McGrath and Eliot Engel live hundreds of miles apart in states with dramatically different politics.

Yet they’re the preferred candidates of the Democratic Party’s Washington establishment as voters in Kentucky and New York decide their congressional primary elections on Tuesday. And both may be in trouble.

Commentary: Seven Specific Policy Ideas for Republican Congressional Candidates

June 16, 2020June 15, 2020 Minnesota Sun Staff

This year, hundreds of Republican candidates for federal office will be on the ballot this fall, and many of them lack the resources to put together a strong policy team. While taxes, abortion, guns, school choice immigration, and defense are all very important issues, they have limited reach beyond the usual Republican voters. Here are seven policy ideas for House and Senate candidates who would like to expand their platform to try to appeal to more voters – without alienating key elements of the Republican base.

Commentary: Congress Shirks Its Powers and Then Cries ‘Thief!’

February 25, 2019February 24, 2019 Minnesota Sun Staff

by Rachael Bovard A bipartisan howling is coming from Congress about President Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to build the border wall. And while hypocrisy in Washington is always in the water, on the question of immigration, there is enough of it to make your hair curl. Both…

Incoming House Members Prep for Dos and Don’ts on The Hill

November 14, 2018November 14, 2018 Admin

Don’t hire someone you can’t fire, like the son of a campaign donor or the child of the mayor. No matter what you may have said during the campaign about changing Congress, hire enough Hill veterans to make the office run smoothly. And make sure the person answering the…

Tennessee Right to Life Endorses Dr. Mark Green for Congress

July 4, 2018July 3, 2018 Admin

Tennessee Right to Life announced Tuesday it has endorsed Dr. Mark Green to represent the people of Tennessee’s 7th district in the US House of Representatives. “Mark Green understands the crucial importance of protecting human life and has devoted his public and professional life to the care of the weak and…

GOP Lawmakers in House Pass $15 Billion Spending Rescission Package

June 9, 2018July 18, 2018 Admin

by Rachel del Guidice The House of Representatives voted 210-206 Thursday night to claw back $15 billion in appropriated spending, making good on the lead of President Donald Trump, who submitted the rescission request last month. “The administration applauds today’s passage of H.R. 3, the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs…

Arizona’s Rep. Paul Gosar Introduces Appropriations Amendment to Hold Out-of-Control Federal Employee Responsible

June 9, 2018July 18, 2018 Admin

by Printus LeBlanc The Holman Rule allows the House of Representatives to offer amendments to appropriations legislation that reduces the salary of a specific federal employee. The rule was created in 1876 but rescinded in 1983. The 115th Congress reinstated the rule hoping to trim the federal bureaucracy of bad actors.…