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☆ Democratic Senator Warnock faces challenge by Trump-backed Walker in Georgia
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Nathan Layne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

ATLANTA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Polls closed on Tuesday in a hard-fought runoff election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican former football star Herschel Walker that will determine whether Democrats can expand their razor-thin Senate majority. With 10% of the estimated vote tallied, Warnock led Walker by 65% to 35%, according to Edison Research. [1/6] Local residents wait in line to cast their ballot during the runoff U.S. Senate election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., December 6, 2022. The truth is my opponent could still win this election," Warnock told a crowd in Norcross, Georgia, on Tuesday. "I feel that Herschel Walker is unsuitable for the job, to say the least," he said.

☆ Polls close as Senator Warnock seeks to hold off Walker in Georgia runoff
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Nathan Layne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

ATLANTA, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Polls closed on Tuesday in a hard-fought runoff election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican former football star Herschel Walker that will determine whether Democrats can expand their razor-thin Senate majority. [1/6] Local residents wait in line to cast their ballot during the runoff U.S. Senate election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., December 6, 2022. The truth is my opponent could still win this election," Warnock told a crowd in Norcross, Georgia, on Tuesday. This is the third Senate runoff in two years in the state - and the second for Warnock, who first won the seat in a runoff in January 2021. While Biden did not campaign for Warnock, former President Barack Obama rallied for him in Atlanta last week.

☆ Trump-backed Walker challenges U.S. Senator Warnock in Georgia runoff
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Nathan Layne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/6] Local residents wait in line to cast their ballot during the runoff U.S. Senate election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., December 6, 2022. The truth is my opponent could still win this election," Warnock told a crowd in Norcross, Georgia, on Tuesday. At a diner in Marietta, Walker deflected questions about his character, which Warnock has made a centerpiece of his campaign. "Right now I put my character up against Raphael Warnock any day," Walker said on Tuesday. This is the third Senate runoff in two years in the divided state - and the second for Warnock, who first won the seat in a runoff in January 2021.

Incoming House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters on Tuesday that the long-awaited legislation ought to clear the House in coming days. The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate last week, was designed as a backstop to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, known as Obergefell v. Hodges. He attributed the shift partly to the fact that such marriages had ceased to be unusual in the United States since the Supreme Court legalized them. "The sky didn't fall because same-sex marriage began happening," said Raushenbush, who is in a same-sex marriage himself. The amendment's support from various religious groups that are theologically opposed to same-sex marriage reflects the fact that attitudes have changed, said Tim Schultz, the president of the 1st Amendment Partnership, which advocates for religious liberty.

☆ Warnock-Walker runoff in Georgia key to Democrats in U.S. Senate, 2024
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Nathan Layne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/6] Local residents wait in line to cast their ballot during the runoff U.S. Senate election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., December 6, 2022. On a wider scale, a Warnock victory could solidify Georgia as more of a battleground for Democrats in presidential elections. Turnout was steady, with wait times averaging one minute across the state, said Gabe Sterling, a state election official. The truth is my opponent could still win this election," Warnock told a crowd in Norcross, Georgia, on Tuesday. This is the third Senate runoff in two years in the divided state - and the second for Warnock, who first won the seat in a runoff in January 2021.

☆ Georgia Senate runoff pits Democrat Warnock against Trump-backed Walker
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Nathan Layne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/6] Local residents wait in line to cast their ballot during the runoff U.S. Senate election between Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., December 6, 2022. "We had historic turnout during the early vote voting period. The truth is my opponent could still win this election," Warnock told a crowd in Norcross, Georgia on Tuesday. Guri Ben-Hashal, 60, who works in real estate, said his vote for Warnock was actually a vote against Walker. This is the third Senate runoff in two years in the closely divided state - and the second for Warnock, who first won the seat in a runoff in January 2021.

☆ U.S. Senate has a lot of negotiating on government funding bill, Schumer says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, Dec 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate still has "a lot of negotiating left to do" on a bill that would fund the federal government through Sept. 30, 2023, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday. Without prompt action by Congress, federal agencies will run out of funding on Dec. 16 under a stop-gap spending bill now in place. Should Congress not pass a full year "omnibus" spending bill, or at least a stopgap measure that would maintain current funding levels, parts of the government would be forced to shut down. A stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution, would force the military to operate under funding levels of the last fiscal year, forcing it to rely on legacy equipment and halt development of new technologies. Reporting by Moira Warburton and Katherine Jackson in Washington; Editing by Chizu NomiyamaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Passage of a bill protecting federal recognition of same-sex marriages that has the support of both LGBT advocates and religious groups, has been delayed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate last week, was designed as a backstop to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, known as Obergefell v. Hodges. The bill, which was spearheaded by a group of Democratic and Republican senators, gained the backing of several national religious groups. "The sky didn't fall because same-sex marriage began happening," said Raushenbush, who is in a same-sex marriage himself. Other religious groups, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, strongly opposed the legislation even after the religious freedom protections were added.

The Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the U.S. Senate last week, was designed as a backstop to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, known as Obergefell v. Hodges. The bill, which was spearheaded by a group of Democratic and Republican senators, gained the backing of several national religious groups. He attributed the shift partly to the fact that such marriages had ceased to be unusual in the United States since the Supreme Court legalized them. "The sky didn't fall because same-sex marriage began happening," said Raushenbush, who is in a same-sex marriage himself. Other religious groups, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, strongly opposed the legislation even after the religious freedom protections were added.

Paid sick leave was one of the outstanding issues in the negotiations. Rail workers get zero paid sick days. Paid sick leave is a basic human right. The measure to provide seven paid sick days did not win the required 60-vote supermajority in the Senate and was not endorsed by the White House. Senator Bernie Sanders and others denounced railroad companies for refusing to offer paid sick leave.

[1/7] U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY) walks on the day of House Democratic leadership elections on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 30, 2022. The vote by Jeffries' fellow Democrats also marked the rise of a younger generation of leaders in the 435-member House and the end of the Nancy Pelosi era. In 2007 she became the first woman to be elected House speaker. Jeffries, a 52-year-old New Yorker, will hold the position of House Democratic leader for the 118th Congress that convenes on Jan. 3. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was not surprised that Jeffries, a fellow Brooklynite, was chosen.

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - A U.S. House of Representatives committee has obtained access to Donald Trump's tax returns, following a years-long court fight with the Republican former president who has accused the Democratic-led panel of being politically motivated. The Ways and Means Committee obtained the tax returns following a Supreme Court decision clearing their release. The panel will have little time to do its work, with Republicans poised to take the House majority in January. It had long been customary, though not required, for major party presidential candidates to release their returns. The committee first requested Trump's returns in 2019.

WASHINGTON, Nov 30 (Reuters) - A U.S. House of Representatives committee has obtained Donald Trump's tax returns, following a years-long court fight with the Republican former president who has accused the Democratic-led panel of being politically motivated. The Ways and Means Committee obtained the tax returns following a Supreme Court decision clearing their release. The panel will have little time to do its work, with Republicans poised to take the House majority in January. It had long been customary, though not required, for major party presidential candidates to release their returns. The committee first requested Trump's returns in 2019.

☆ Factbox: Who are 12 U.S. Senate Republicans who voted to protect same-sex marriage?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Here is what they said about supporting the Respect for Marriage Act, which some social conservatives object to:SUSAN COLLINS, MAINECollins is one of the most moderate Senate Republicans. LISA MURKOWSKI, ALASKAMurkowski, a moderate Senate Republican, was the third Republican senator in 2013 to come out in support of same-sex marriage. DAN SULLIVAN, ALASKASullivan said he disagreed with the 2015 Supreme Court decision that established the national right to same-sex marriage. CYNTHIA LUMMIS, WYOMINGAlthough she also believes in "traditional" marriage, Lummis said she believed the separation of church and state was more important than individual religious opinions. She told Politico that although she believes "in traditional marriage," her stance evolved with growing popular support for same-sex marriage.

It would not bar states from blocking same-sex or interracial marriages if the Supreme Court allowed them to do so. A similar, but not identical, bill passed the House of Representatives earlier this year with support from 47 Republicans and all Democrats. The House would need to approve the Senate version before it is sent to President Joe Biden to sign into law. In June, the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion, undoing 50 years of precedent. In a concurring opinion, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the court should consider reversing other decisions protecting individual freedoms, including the 2015 ruling on gay marriage.

WASHINGTON, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski and Democratic Representative Mary Peltola of Alaska both won reelection against opponents backed by Donald Trump on Wednesday, the latest high-profile defeats of candidates supported by the former president. Murkowski, 65, has represented Alaska in the Senate since 2002 and built an independent profile as one of the chamber's few centrists. Peltola, the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, beat two Republicans: former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and businessman Nick Begich. Tea Party era of politics and helped pave the way for Trump to win the White House. Murkowski and Peltola would have won even under Alaska's old election rules, as they had each won a plurality of votes.

☆ Democrat Peltola re-elected to U.S. House in Alaska
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 23 (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Mary Peltola of Alaska, a Democrat first elected in August, was reelected to a full two-year term on Wednesday, beating two Republicans, former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and businessman Nick Begich. Peltola came out on top after Alaska finished tabulating all ballots in a publicly broadcast session using its new "ranked choice" system, which allows voters to list candidates in order of preference. Peltola would have won even under the old system, as she had a significant plurality against Palin and Begich from the first count. Tea Party era of politics and helped pave the way for Donald Trump to win the White House. Peltola, the first Alaska Native elected to Congress, was endorsed by the state's longtime U.S. senator, Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican, as well as the staff of Republican former U.S. Representative Don Young, Peltola's predecessor.

☆ Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski wins re-election to U.S. Senate
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has won reelection, defeating Kelly Tshibaka, a former Republican state official who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, a tabulation carried out by state officials showed on Wednesday. Murkowski, 65, has represented Alaska in the Senate since 2002 and has built an independent profile as one of the chamber's few centrists. Murkowski defeated Tshibaka after Alaska finished tabulating all ballots in a publicly broadcast session using its new "ranked choice" system, which allows voters to list candidates in order of preference. The candidate with a majority of votes after all ballots have been counted wins. She won reelection as a write-in candidate in 2010 after her party nominated a more right-wing contender.

☆ Democrats weigh options after Supreme Court decision on Trump taxes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-23 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"There is a way that we can forward those tax returns to the House, and the House can act on this. A Ways and Means Committee spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the panel's plans. Those two committees are among three in Congress whose chairs can receive individual tax returns upon request under federal law. "The Supreme Court has no idea what their inaction unleashes," Representative Kevin Brady, the top Ways and Means Republican, said in a statement. Committee members will consider what information related to Trump's tax returns can be made public when Congress returns to work next week.

☆ Two men arrested in connection to threats against Jewish community in New York
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 19 (Reuters) - Two men were arrested at New York's Penn Station in connection with threats to the Jewish community, police said on Saturday. New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officers identified the two men late on Friday night after being alerted to warrants for their arrests by the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force, the MTA said in a statement. Police seized a hunting knife, an illegal Glock 17 firearm and a 30-round magazine after investigating the individuals. No details were released on the two men, although the New York Times reported authorities released an alert late on Friday for a man who had recently made threats against synagogues in the New York area. A joint investigation for a "strong prosecution" is now taking place, and NYPD officers are deploying to "strategic locations" around the city, Sewell said.

[1/3] U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) waves after speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, Texas, U.S., August 6, 2022. REUTERS/Brian SnyderNov 18 (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert, the polarizing Republican who gained national notoriety during her first term with her combative brand of politics, won re-election in a surprisingly close race after her Democratic opponent conceded on Friday. House Republicans will be able to block much of Democratic President Joe Biden's agenda. She went on to defeat a five-term incumbent Republican in that year's primary and won the seat in the general election. On Friday, Boebert wrote on Twitter that Frisch had called her to concede and added, "I look forward to getting past election season and focusing on conservative governance in the House majority.

☆ Same-sex marriage protection bill clears initial hurdle in U.S. Senate
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

It would serve as a legal backstop against any future Supreme Court action by requiring the federal government to recognize any marriage that was legal in the state it was performed. It would not block states from banning same-sex or interracial marriages if the Supreme Court allows them to do so. All 50 Democrats and 12 Republican senators voted to advance the bill in the 100-member Senate. Speaking before Wednesday's vote, Republican Senator Thom Tillis, another key negotiator, called the bill "a good compromise... based on mutual respect for our fellow Americans." In a mark of how far the country has moved on the issue, the Mormon church - once a virulent opponent of legalizing same-sex marriage - came out in support of the bill.

Jeffries, 52, would be the first Black House Democratic leader, representing both the party's diverse voter base and bringing a new generation of leadership. House Democrats are scheduled to vote on their leaders on Nov. 30. Jeffries, who has held the leadership post of House Democratic Caucus chairman since 2019, also would represent a stylistic contrast to Pelosi, who made her announcement on Thursday. Current House Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer, 83, said he would not seek a leadership position in the next Congress and backed Jeffries. Clyburn told reporters ahead of Pelosi's announcement that he intends to remain in the House Democratic leadership regardless of the path she takes.

☆ House probe of Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot releasing report next month
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - A U.S. House of Representatives committee will release its report probing the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol by former President Donald Trump supporters next month, the Democratic chair said on Thursday. The select committee's work will likely end in January when a new Republican-controlled Congress is sworn in. The committee's public hearings in which it questioned former Republican aides and key White House staff about the lead up to the riot shed light on Trump's role in provoking the unprecedented assault on the Capitol. The riot was intended to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's 2020 win, which Trump falsely claims was the result of widespread fraud. Trump this week launched a new run for the White House in 2024.

☆ U.S. Senate to hold initial vote on bill protecting same-sex marriage
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday will hold an initial vote on legislation to protect the right to same-sex marriage, spurred by concerns that a conservative Supreme Court could reverse its earlier decision that made it legal nationwide. The bill, which is expected to pass the Senate, would serve as a legal backstop against any future Supreme Court action by requiring the federal government recognize any marriage that was legal in the state it was performed. However, it would not block states from banning same-sex or interracial marriages if the Supreme Court allows them to do so. Supporters of same-sex marriage were spurred to act when Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court should also reconsider the legality of same-sex marriage, in a concurring opinion to the court's overturning of federal protections for abortion in June. The bill will have to jump through several more procedural hoops in the Senate before going back to the House for final approval.

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