In the News

“Most members appreciate and respect their staff, but I had more than a few say, ‘You don’t want to be seen as giving federal employees perks, or even members of Congress perks, because there is such a dim view of us.’ I don’t get the logic of that."

At Chicago's Howard Brown Health Center on Friday, Krys Shaw, 27, donated blood on behalf of Randy Taylor, 36. Taylor is bisexual. Shaw is a congressional aide for U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-North Side), an advocate for gay rights.

"Both the change to our financial disclosure forms and the fact it was done so quietly are extremely troubling for those of us who believe in transparency and accountability."

A defense bill approved by a House panel on Tuesday contains language that seeks to spotlight the costs of nuclear burden-sharing within NATO.

"I am planning to analyze this and put forward meaningful changes that will require sufficient hearings focused in areas most impacted by airport changes."

"The transit tax benefit is too critical to American workers and local economies all over the country to forgo including it" in pending legislation, the letter says. "These incentives encourage more workers to use public transportation, contributing to reductions in highway congestion and wear and tear on our roads."

"People say, the President is taking such a bold step; this isn’t something he should do. Let me tell you something, if he doesn’t do it, this House isn’t going to do it."

Under current law, licensed gun dealers are required to run potential weapons buyers through NICS to screen out felons, illegal immigrants, spousal abusers, the severely mentally ill, or another category that would bar them from buying or owning weapons. The system, however, is largely voluntary: States are encouraged, but not required, to report information to NICS.