Fight over weapons ban moves to Senate floor

WASHINGTON—The Senate Judiciary Committee last week sent a sweeping assault weapons ban to the Senate floor for a full vote, but all signs point to a quick death for the controversial gun control legislation. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., drafted the legislation in...
Senate panel passes gun trafficking bill

Senate panel passes gun trafficking bill

WASHINGTON—The Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday approved a gun trafficking bill over Republican opposition. The proposal would combat illegal movement of firearms across state lines, and also hit straw purchasers — those who buy guns from licensed dealers for...
House clears path for the Violence Against Women Act

House clears path for the Violence Against Women Act

WASHINGTON—The Violence Against Women Act passed an important procedural hurdle in the House Wednesday, but its future remains uncertain. The House now faces votes on not one bill, but two—the version of the bill passed by the Senate two weeks ago and an alternative...

Congressional fiscal failures hurting the economy

WASHINGTON —Congressional gridlock and confusion on Capitol Hill is damaging the American economy and the capabilities of the private sector, experts told a House committee Tuesday. Jared Bernstein, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a...

Chinese activist awarded human rights prize

Politicians, family and the celebrity pose for photographers following the ceremony to capture one last moment celebrating Chen’s work. (Fritz T. Burgher/Medill News Service)Chen is the fourth recipient of the Human Rights Prize, following in the footsteps of...