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Congress approves bill to end forced arbitration in sexual assault cases
By: Deirdre Walsh | NPR
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — The Senate approved legislation banning the practice of using clauses in employment contracts that force victims of sexual assault and harassment to pursue their cases in forced arbitration, which shields accused perpetrators. Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced the bill five years ago and lawmakers negotiated with… Read More

Democrats are forced to regroup as Biden’s signature spending bill stalls
By: Kelsey Snell | Deirdre Walsh | Alana Wise | NPR
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Updated December 16, 2021 at 7:23 PM ET WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — President Biden in a Thursday evening statement acknowledged the roadblocks his nearly $2 trillion social spending package faced, saying that it could take weeks before the package was ready for a vote. Still, he said he would continue to push for the bill… Read More

Kids’ mental health and safety in the spotlight as social media execs face Congress
By: PBS Newshour
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — A Senate committee is widening its investigation into the impact social media platforms have on children, teens and young adults, with more apps facing congressional scrutiny. NewsHour’s William Brangham reports with Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author of “iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant,… Read More

New federal funds spur expansion of home care services for the elderly and disabled
By: Selena Simmons-Duffin | NPR
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — For older people and people with disabilities, solving everyday practical problems can be the difference between being able to live at home or being forced to move to an institution. Sometimes people need help getting dressed or making meals. Sometimes they need help managing medications or shopping for groceries. Originally, these… Read More

United Against Higher Spending, Centrist Democrats Don’t Agree On What To Cut Or Keep
By: Deirdre Walsh | NPR
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill have set the end of October as the time frame to nail down an agreement on a scaled-back version of President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda. After initially setting the price tag at $3.5 trillion over 10 years to enact sweeping health care, climate, education and… Read More

Why Rent Help From Congress Has Been So Slow Getting To People Who Need It
By: Chris Arnold | Kenny Malone | NPR
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (NPR) — Akira Johnson lives in Columbia, S.C., with her three kids. She tries to make the place joyful for them with flowers and pillows that say things like “happy” and “sunshine.” She has decorated one wall with the logo of her small business: an eye with amazing eyelashes. “I’m a licensed cosmetologist,”… Read More

The Senate Approves The $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill In A Historic Vote
By: Kelsey Snell | NPR
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPR) — The Senate voted 69-30 Tuesday to approve a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, a historic piece of legislation that could reshape American lives for decades. The measure fulfills a call from President Biden for the two major parties to work together to deliver one of his top priorities, but it faces an… Read More

Congress Votes To Restore Regulations On Climate-Warming Methane Emissions
By: Jeff Brady | NPR
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The Trump administration rolled back the regulations last year, a move that was so controversial even some oil companies opposed it. Methane is an even more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

Sen. Brown Presses Landlord Over Report It Evicts Black Renters At Higher Rates
By: Chris Arnold | NPR
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A senator is asking why a corporate landlord has filed to evict renters in predominantly Black counties at four times the rate as renters in predominantly white counties.

Senate Republicans Release $928 Billion Infrastructure Counteroffer
By: Kelsey Snell | NPR
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The move comes days after President Biden offered to lop off $550 billion from his original proposal, moving the two sides closer than they have ever been, though significant challenges remain.

What The New Monthly Child Tax Credits Mean For You And Your Family
By: Vanessa Romo | NPR
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“For working families with children, this tax cut sends a clear message: Help is here,” said President Biden, touting the tax credit that gives American families up to an extra $1,600 per child.

State Dems Urge Congress To Pass Bill To Lower Drug Prices
By: Jo Ingles | Statehouse News Bureau
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — There’s a bill in Congress Democrats say would help lower the price of prescription drugs. Some state representatives here are pushing to get it passed. In 2019, the Democrat-led Congress passed a bill to give Medicare the power to negotiate for lower drug prices. It went nowhere. But John… Read More

Ohio’s Congressional Delegation In Lockdown As Chaos Overtakes U.S. Capitol
By: Gayle Putrich | WCPN
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Updated: 4:48 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCPN) — Members of Ohio’s congressional delegation are scattered across the U.S. Capitol campus as Pro-Trump extremists storm the Capitol building and surrounding offices, including the House and Senate chambers. Many members and staff are able to communicate only through Twitter and other social media as the Capitol… Read More

DeWine Opposes Effort By Many Republicans To Overturn Biden’s Win
By: Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — Ohio’s Republican Sen. Rob Portman says he opposes objections to certification of the electoral college results on Wednesday, though it’s expected at least five Ohio Congressmen will object, along with many other Republicans. Gov. Mike DeWine – a fellow Republican and supporter of President Trump – is now saying… Read More

Trump Signs COVID-19 Relief Deal
By: Benjamin Swasey | Barbara Sprunt | NPR
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President Trump’s signature, even after his bashing of the legislation, puts an end to uncertainty over when millions of Americans will receive the economic relief provided in the massive bill.

Bipartisan Group Of Lawmakers Offer $908 Billion Coronavirus Aid Compromise
By: Susan Davis | Claudia Grisales | NPR
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A loosely assembled group of House and Senate lawmakers released a legislative framework they hope can break the months-long impasse between party leaders and the White House on pandemic relief.

Congress Deadlocked Over Pandemic Assistance As Millions Wait
By: Chris Arnold | NPR
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Federal unemployment money has been cut off for nearly two months. Congress hasn’t worked out a deal to send more help, and the fight over a Supreme Court nominee could make that harder.

After Delays, Republicans Rolled Out A New Pandemic Relief Bill. Democrats Balked
By: Claudia Grisales | Deirdre Walsh | NPR
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After days of delays, congressional Republicans unveiled their $1 trillion proposal for a fifth wave of pandemic relief. Democrats are not on board — signaling tough negotiations ahead.

Lessons From Congress’ Last Experience Helping Rescue An Economy In Free Fall
By: Kelsey Snell | NPR
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Congress isn’t known for passing broad legislation quickly. Its response to the 2008 economic crisis has parallels with the coronavirus — and this period could also mean political blowback for some.

What’s in the Federal Coronavirus Package for You? $1,200 Checks And More
By: Danielle Kurtzleben | NPR
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Congress has announced agreement on a $2 trillion economic relief package for the effects of COVID-19. Most households will get a relief check, and unemployment insurance has been greatly expanded.

Civil Rights Leader Rep. John Lewis To Start Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer
By: Emma Bowman | NPR
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The Georgia congressman, who spent decades fighting racial discrimination, says he’s mounting his biggest battle yet: stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Lewis will stay in office as he undergoes treatment.

Animal Cruelty As A Federal Crime: Trump Is Expected To Sign Bill Passed By Congress
By: Bill Chappell I NPR
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The PACT Act would be the first national law making severe animal cruelty and torture illegal. An earlier law only banned videos of such acts.

Democrats Predict Speedy Impeachment Inquiry Lasting Weeks, Not ‘Months’
By: Carrie Feibel | NPR
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With the full House on recess, the House Intelligence Committee could start hearings within days into President Trump’s contacts with Ukraine.

Lawmakers Head Home For 2 Weeks, But Impeachment Inquiry Rolls On
By: Susan Davis | Claudia Grisales | NPR
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Congress adjourned for a two-week recess, but members of the House Intelligence Committee will continue their investigation regarding the possible impeachment of President Trump.

Senator Pushes Bill To Curb ‘Exploitative And Addictive’ Social Media Practices
By: Tim Mak | NPR
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The legislation by a freshman Republican senator would prohibit features like auto-play and infinite scrolling, used by social media companies to keep users on their platform longer.