All articles tagged with #gop
The House opens with Republicans holding a razor-thin 218-213 margin after Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation and Doug LaMalfa’s death; a Texas special election later this month is expected to boost Democrats, further narrowing the GOP edge and making party-line votes hinge on a single defection or attendance, undermining governance as the chamber heads into an election year.
Hours after the Senate advanced a war-powers measure on Venezuela, President Trump phoned five Republican senators who voted with Democrats, threatening primary challenges and saying they should never be elected again; some calls were described as direct but cordial, with Collins’ exchange reportedly more heated. The final Senate vote is pending and the White House has not commented.
The article discusses President Trump's recent Venezuela operation, highlighting its political implications for the GOP and the upcoming midterm elections, with some viewing it as a risky but potentially beneficial move that could define Trump's legacy and influence voter sentiment.
The House passed a bill to extend expired health care subsidies for ACA coverage, defying GOP leadership with bipartisan support, aiming to address rising insurance costs and expand coverage, while the Senate considers a compromise with income limits and health savings account expansions.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in his final year in office and not seeking re-election, publicly criticized President Trump and Republicans for what he described as a harmful political attack campaign, and expressed his intention to focus on legislative issues like gun restrictions and fraud before leaving office. He also hinted at possibly returning to teaching after his term.
California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa has died at age 65, reducing the House Republican majority to 218 seats and potentially impacting Speaker Mike Johnson's control. LaMalfa, a key figure on water issues and a member of several committees, represented California’s 1st District since 2013. His death comes amid a closely divided House and upcoming special elections. President Trump and House leaders expressed their condolences.
Democrat Renee Hardman won a special election for the Iowa state Senate, preventing Republicans from regaining a supermajority in the Legislature. Her victory maintains Democratic influence in the chamber, marking a significant win in a year of Democratic successes across various states. Hardman becomes the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate, and her win helps keep the GOP from controlling two-thirds of the chamber, which would have allowed easier confirmation of appointments. The election results reflect broader Democratic gains in 2025, impacting legislative dynamics and future governance in Iowa.
Vice President JD Vance played a key role in mediating a truce between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, leading Musk to scrap his plans for a third party and re-engage with the GOP, although their relationship remains fragile. The story highlights Musk's influence in government reform efforts and the complex political dynamics involving tech billionaires, the White House, and the Republican Party.
The GOP is pushing back against new student debt rules that cap loans for nursing students, with critics arguing the caps could limit access and increase tuition, while the Education Department defends the policy as a way to reduce costs and address high tuition rates in health education.
The GOP is internally divided over the potential for a second reconciliation bill focused on affordability, with some members pushing for expansion of health savings accounts and others cautious, amid discussions about aligning with President Trump's interests and recent Democratic precedents.
Athletes are increasingly running for political office, with some leveraging their sports fame to appeal to voters, as both parties explore outsider candidates to address public dissatisfaction with traditional politics. However, public opinion on athletes' political involvement remains mixed.
Three Republican senators—Scott, Lee, and Johnson—are challenging John Thune's leadership within the GOP, reflecting a shift towards more conservative, MAGA-aligned members in the Senate. Thune is navigating these tensions by seeking consensus on funding bills and maintaining respect for diverse views within the party, while the conservative trio prepares for future battles over issues like earmarks and government shutdowns.
Democratic candidates are divided on Medicare for All, with some supporting it as a long-term goal to reduce healthcare costs, while others focus on expanding ACA subsidies and Medicaid. The debate highlights differing strategies within the party on achieving universal healthcare, with some emphasizing bold reforms like Medicare for All and others advocating for incremental changes.
Indiana Democrat Mrvan and Carson are advocating for a ceasefire in redistricting efforts, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation and warning that aggressive redistricting could threaten their political positions and Indiana's influence in Congress, especially with upcoming census-based redistricting.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's strategy of limiting floor action and frequent cancellations have led to legislative stagnation and frustration among Republicans, despite some legislative successes, with many members feeling the chamber has been ineffective and sidelined.