News and Updates

Senate Keeps Seating Judges in Lame-Duck Session, Close to Approving Federal Claims Pick

Senator Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat Vermont, said Monday that his GOP colleagues should stop stalling passage of the Heroes Act – a $3 trillion relief bill House Democrats passed in May – by focusing on other business like confirming judges.

Letter to House on Lame Duck Priorities

On behalf of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare’s millions of members and supporters, I am writing to urge you and your colleagues to prioritize the needs of America’s seniors as you consider funding legislation during the remaining days of the 116th Congress.

Republican Senator Says He Will Step in if Biden Doesn’t Have Access to Intelligence Briefings by Friday

Senator James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican who sits on a key Senate oversight committee, said that he had no objections to President-elect Biden receiving presidential daily briefings, and that he would take action himself if that did not begin by the end of the week.

What Does the Lame Duck Session of Congress Hold for US Federal Appropriations and COVID Negotiations?

Tuesday’s election is consequential, determining the balance of power in Washington, and shaping short- and long-term funding and policy decisions affecting the future of the United States and the world.  Much is at stake.

McConnell: ‘We’re Going to Clean the Plate’ on Judges

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed Friday to continue confirming both U.S. circuit and district court nominees through the lame-duck session and right up to the end of the 116th Congress, which must adjourn Jan. 3.

All Your Most Paranoid Questions for a Lame-Duck Session, Answered

In most countries, power changes instantly after an election. The winners take it, and the losers cede it. That’s not the case in the United States. Instead, because we have a presidential system where executive officials hold discrete terms and the legislative branch is never dissolved — as it is in most parliamentary systems — there is a lengthy period after a federal election occurs before the winners are seated.

The 277 Policies for Which Biden Need Not Ask Permission

As president, Joe Biden could take action on hundreds of policies without having to go through Congress. The Biden-Sanders unity task force provides a road map.

Legislative Tracker: Bills We Support and Oppose