Outside the Beltway

The Senate passed a bill that keeps the government funded through the beginning of February, but fails to provide any funding for the President’s border wall.

The Senate overwhelmingly passed major reforms in Federal sentencing and related laws. As the name of the bill implies, it’s a first step, but a good first step.

With three days to go before a government shutdown, there are at least some signs that the President may be backing away from his threats to shut down the government over funding for his border wall.

As expected, the Justice Department has issued a new rule banning bump stocks. However, it is likely to face legal challenges.

Cory Booker’s interest in running for President has been an open secret for some time, now he’s being far less coy about it.

The Trump Administration is preparing to ban bump stocks in the coming weeks.

Kim Davis, who became infamous for defying Court orders to issue marriage licenses to gay couples, was defeated in her re-election bid.

Whether as candidates or as voters, Democrats can thank women for many of their victories on Tuesday.

Florida voters approved an amendment to the state’s Constitution that will restore the voting rights of as many as 1.2 million ex-felons and make it easier for future released felons to get their civil rights back.

The 2018 midterms were mostly about Donald Trump. The results were idiosyncratic.

It’s all over but the vote counting.

The vise is tightening on the Catholic Church.

Another landmark decision from the Washington State Supreme Court.

President Trump is choosing money and moral cowardice over human life in his response to the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi.

The Senate voted to proceed to an expected floor vote on Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court tomorrow, but the final outcome is still uncertain.

As the Senate prepares for a key procedural vote on the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh this morning, the Judge’s fate remains up in the air. However, signs are pointing to reasons for Republican optimism.

After placing limits on the scope of the F.B.I.’s reopened background investigation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, the White House has relented and is allowing a more open-ended investigation.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the floor, but a last minute maneuver could delay a final vote pending an F.B.I. investigation.

Some details still need to be worked out, but it looks as though Dr. Christine Blasey Ford will be testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

Voter turnout in primary elections in 2018 was significantly above normal levels. especially in Democratic races.

After a day of political pressure, Senate Republicans have agreed to hold a hearing regarding the sexual assault allegations against Judge Brett Kavanaugh next week.

Mitch McConnell has a plan that could pose problems for Democrats fighting for re-election.

The nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh is, effectively, assured. Democrats should be careful about how much further they push their opposition.

California is taking a major step in Criminal Justice reform by eliminating cash bail.

Throughout the War On Terror, John McCain stood out as a strong moral voice against the use of torture against prisoners. For that he deserves the thanks of a grateful nation.

Senator John McCain has died at the age of 81,

Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination appears to be on track for confirmation before the new Supreme Court term begins in October.

The Republican Party’s nominee for Senator in Virginia really is as bad as you’ve heard, probably worse.

Senate Democrats appear to be recognizing that there’s basically nothing they can do to stop the confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

If President Trump’s trade war continues, it could have a serious impact on the political fortunes of President Trump and his party.

Based on what can only be described as pure vindictiveness, the President is apparently planning on revoking security clearances of former officials who have been outspoken against the Administration and its policies.

At least in these early days, Democrats appear to lack a coherent message, or a coherent strategy, to propel any effort to block Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

A selection that is likely to keep the Senate GOP united and red-state Democrats up for re-election under pressure to vote to confirm.

The situation isn’t as awful as portrayed by the AP—but it’s still pretty bad.

The National Debt has passed $21,000,000,000,000 for the first time in history just as the nation begins its return to the era of trillion dollar budget deficits.

What was once a rare symbol of national mourning has become so commonplace as to be meaningless.

President Trump’s short list of potential Supreme Court nominees consists mostly of conventionally conservative, well-qualified, jurists.

A controversial name is disappearing from one small stretch of road.

House Republicans are supposed to vote on one or more immigration bills this week, but can’t even agree what their policy should be.

For the second time in three years, we have a Triple Crown winner.

Senators hoping for a long summer recess have had their hopes dashed.

Earlier this week, the Illinois legislature ratified the Equal Rights Amendment. What’s unclear is if this act has any meaning at all.

President Trump is setting off another trade war, this time with some of America’s closest and most important allies.

As expected, Gina Haspel was confirmed as C.I.A. Director yesterday despite her controversial record when it comes to torture.

With a third Democrat crossing the aisle to support her, Gina Haspel now has the votes she needs to become the next C.I.A. Director.

Mike Pence’s obsequiousness to his master knows no limits.

Gina Haspel faced some tough questions from Democrats regarding her role in the C.I.A.’s post-9/11 torture programs, but she’s likely to be confirmed anyway.

With the start of her confirmation hearings just days away, Gina Haspel’s nomination to be C.I.A. Director is by no means secure.

While the Trump Administration slowly tries to remake the Federal Judiciary, states are moving to pass radical new challenges to Roe v. Wade.

Republicans are worried about 2018, and they’re even more worried that they have a President who is refusing to acknowledge political reality.