Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, a former presidential candidate, is engaged to Alexis Lewis, having proposed in Hawaii during the Senate's August break.
Arizona State Senator Eva Burch, a registered nurse and advocate for reproductive rights, announced on the Senate floor that she plans to have an abortion after learning that her pregnancy is not viable. She highlighted the challenges she faced with fertility and criticized state laws that interfered with her decision, calling for meaningful conversations and legislative action to ensure individuals have the opportunity to make decisions that are right for them. The state's abortion laws and potential ballot measures regarding abortion access are also under scrutiny.
Democratic Arizona state senator Eva Burch emotionally spoke out against the state's restrictive abortion laws, detailing her own struggles to access an abortion for an unviable pregnancy. She criticized the GOP-backed laws that forced her to undergo unnecessary procedures and wait periods, and highlighted the impact on women's access to reproductive healthcare. Burch called for lawmakers to prioritize expert testimony and constituent consensus over political posturing, and urged voters to weigh in on abortion rights in the upcoming November ballot. The issue has become a focal point in the 2024 election cycle, with Democrats advocating for reproductive freedom while Republicans largely maintain restrictive stances.
Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez faces new conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges related to a bribery scheme involving Egypt and Qatar, following a businessman's guilty plea and cooperation with the investigation. The superseding indictment includes charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, public official acting as a foreign agent, bribery, extortion, and honest services wire fraud, adding substantive crimes to the previous conspiracy charges. Menendez denies any wrongdoing and accuses prosecutors of targeting him.
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin has announced that he will not run for president in 2024, putting an end to speculation about a potential third-party candidacy. Instead, he plans to focus on a new group called Americans Together, which promotes moderate politics. Manchin had previously criticized President Joe Biden for being too liberal but also expressed a refusal to be part of any effort that would help Donald Trump return to the White House.
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia is considering a potential independent run for president, which could disrupt President Biden's reelection campaign and the No Labels bipartisan group. Manchin, who has been critical of Biden's policies, is hoping to shape the president's campaign strategy and believes there is a role for him as a national icon in the "fiscally responsible and socially compassionate" middle. However, internal turmoil within No Labels and uncertainty over its presidential "unity ticket" plan have raised questions about the group's future. Manchin's potential run and his distancing from No Labels reflect a growing rift within the bipartisan organization.
A Senate staffer, identified as Aidan Maese-Czeropski, has lost his job after a video allegedly showing two men engaging in sexual activity in a Senate hearing room was published by the Daily Caller. The video is currently being investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police. Maese-Czeropski, who worked for Democratic Senator Ben Cardin's office, released a statement denying any disrespect towards his workplace and expressing his intention to explore legal options. Cardin's office later confirmed that Maese-Czeropski is no longer employed by the U.S. Senate.
Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey is facing indictment on bribery charges, along with his wife and three businessmen. The charges allege that Menendez and his wife engaged in a corrupt relationship with the businessmen, accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for using Menendez's power and influence as a senator. The alleged bribes included cash, gold, mortgage payments, a luxury vehicle, and other benefits. Menendez denies the charges and claims that prosecutors are trying to silence him. The investigation is ongoing, and Menendez can continue serving in the Senate while facing charges.
Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, 90, was briefly hospitalized after tripping and falling at her home in San Francisco. Scans showed she was fine, but this incident raises further questions about her ability to carry out her duties. Feinstein has faced health problems in recent years, including a three-month absence due to shingles. She has refused to step down but has given power of attorney to her daughter. Calls for her resignation have come from both Democrats and Republicans, and several Democrats have already entered the primary to replace her in the upcoming election.