Senate Democrats
Coverage of Senate Democrats in the Nexus archive.
- Senate Democrats press Trump-affiliated companies for answers after controversial IRS settlement
The IRS is permanently blocked from pursuing claims against President Trump and his family members following a lawsuit settlement. Senate Democrats are asking 11 organizations with ties to the Trumps to clarify if they are included in the deal.
- Trump’s financial disclosure complicates crypto bill talks
President Donald Trump's over $1 billion earnings from cryptocurrency during his presidency have emboldened Senate Democrats pushing for legislation to restrict his profiting from digital assets, complicating negotiations on a crypto bill. Democrats argue the financial disclosure strengthens their position in ethics language discussions but acknowledge finalizing restrictions on Trump remains unlikely without addressing his sons' involvement.
- Newsom’s parting gift: A budget that delays California’s deep cuts to 2027
California's 2024 budget, negotiated by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders, includes $351.7 billion, delays deep social service cuts until 2027, introduces new taxes, and uses unexpected AI-driven tax revenue to balance the budget. The plan preserves Medi-Cal services, increases homelessness funding, and adds childcare spaces, but critics argue it does not address corporate contributions to Medi-Cal costs.
- Senate Democrats to train staffers as independent election observers
Senate Democrats announced a program to train congressional staff as independent election observers. These staff will monitor voting procedures and ballot counting in states with Senate races. The House already has a similar program.
- Senate Democrats Will Train Staff as Election Observers
Senate Democrats will train staff as election observers. Senator Chuck Schumer stated the program aims to counteract potential efforts by the Trump administration to manipulate elections.
- Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Senate Democrats plan to propose a bill that would limit out-of-pocket costs for traditional Medicare beneficiaries. The proposal is anticipated to face resistance from GOP members, who argue it could significantly increase Medicare expenses.
- Senate Democrats investigate Trump family-linked group over Venezuela business push
Senate Democrats are investigating a group linked to the Trump family over business activities in Venezuela. The group, a special purpose vehicle established by Yorkville Advisors, is under scrutiny for its close ties to the president’s family.
- Senate energy bill seeks to end contentious gas pipe replacement program
The Senate energy bill proposes ending the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP) by 2030, aiming to save $1.46 billion by narrowing its scope. The legislation highlights growing legislative division between the House and Senate over energy policy, with the Senate targeting cost concerns related to GSEP, which allows gas companies to recover costs from ratepayers for replacing aging pipes.
- Senate Democrats urge Republicans to hold hearings on Trump family crypto ties to Abu Dhabi royalty
Senate Democrats are urging Republicans to hold hearings into President Donald Trump’s family crypto venture and its ties to Abu Dhabi royalty. The request focuses on the Trump family's cryptocurrency activities and connections to Abu Dhabi's royal family.
- As Trump weighs troops at the polls, Senate Democrats move to require congressional approval
Senate Democrats introduced the Protect Our Polls Act to require congressional approval for deploying federal troops to polling places, responding to concerns raised by President Trump's openness to the idea. The legislation aims to block such deployments by requiring a congressional resolution and prohibiting military access to election records, while the White House countered by referencing stalled voting restrictions in the SAVE America Act.
- Democrats thought Fed Chair Kevin Warsh would be a Trump loyalist — his opening move proves he’s nothing of the sort
Senate Democrats opposed Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed chair, believing he would align with President Trump. His first action as chair contradicts their assumption of loyalty to Trump.
- Trump couldn’t send troops to the polls without approval of Congress under Dem bill
Senate Democrats introduced the Protect Our Polls Act, requiring Congress to approve any deployment of federal troops to polling places. The bill aims to prevent President Donald Trump from invoking a legal exception to bypass restrictions on troops at polls, as concerns grow over potential deployments during the midterm elections. The White House responded by promoting its own legislation, the SAVE America Act, which has stalled in the Senate.
- Trump couldn’t send troops to the polls without approval of Congress under Dem bill
U.S. Senate Democrats introduced the Protect Our Polls Act to require Congressional approval for deploying federal troops to polling places, citing concerns that President Donald Trump might invoke a legal exception to bypass existing bans. The bill mandates 48-hour notice to Congress and prohibits military personnel from accessing election records using federal funds.
- Trump couldn’t send troops to the polls without approval of Congress under Dem bill
Senate Democrats introduced the Protect Our Polls Act, requiring Congressional approval for federal troop deployment to polling places in response to President Donald Trump's refusal to rule out sending troops. The bill mandates 48-hour notice, legal justifications, and prohibits military access to election records. The White House countered with the stalled SAVE America Act, which would require voters to provide citizenship proof.
- STAT+: Senate Democrats demand HHS provide records on federal vaccine policy
Senate Democrats are demanding the Department of Health and Human Services provide records related to changes in federal vaccine policy under the Trump administration. The inquiry focuses on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s restructuring of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), including the removal of previous members and replacement with individuals skeptical of vaccines.
- Senate Democrats Aren’t Happy About Trump’s Spy Law Ultimatum
President Donald Trump disrupted Senate Democrats' negotiations over renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by demanding an unrelated voter suppression bill be attached. The move caused Senate Democrats to reveal divisions over FISA reforms, with privacy advocates seeking warrant requirements and centrists favoring minimal changes. Trump's ultimatum also scrapped a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence.
- Lawmakers demand info on Trump use of national park fees to pay for D.C. repairs
Lawmakers are demanding transparency from the Interior Department after reports revealed the Trump administration redirected $90 million in national park fees to fund D.C. fountain repairs, statue upgrades, and fireworks. The National Park Service uses a portion of fee revenue for non-fee parks like the National Mall, but critics argue this diverts funds from parks needing maintenance.
- Trump cancels hearing for replacement intel chief Clayton
Trump canceled Jay Clayton's confirmation hearing for permanent director of national intelligence to prioritize confirming Clayton's replacement as Manhattan's top attorney. The move delays a surveillance law extension and complicates Senate Republicans' efforts, with Democrats privately opposing Bill Pulte's interim role.
- Democrats Seek To Spotlight Rising Health Costs by Forcing Vote on Trump Regulation
Senate Democrats are seeking to force a vote to overturn a Trump administration rule affecting Affordable Care Act enrollment and costs, arguing it will increase out-of-pocket expenses and reduce coverage. The rule, which includes stricter income verification and higher cost limits, is opposed by Democrats who claim it harms consumers amid rising healthcare costs.
- Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein lays out policy plans for a Democratic trifecta
Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein outlined Democratic priorities for the next legislative session, including school funding and affordable housing, as the party aims to flip four Senate seats to secure a majority. Hesselbein criticized Republican leadership for a 'stranglehold' on the state legislature and addressed conflicts with Governor Tony Evers over a rejected tax cut and school funding deal.
- Democrats unveil drug pricing policy roadmap ahead of midterms
Senate Democrats released a blueprint to lower prescription drug costs, aiming to counter the White House's messaging and improve their chances in the midterms. High prescription drug costs are a concern for voters across both parties, with President Trump promoting his own voluntary pricing efforts.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as part of a hardball strategy against President Donald Trump, including protests over his appointment of Bill Pulte to lead intelligence agencies. The move risks national security concerns amid the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with Republicans criticizing the lapse in surveillance authority.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking bipartisan bills, including a key surveillance law, as a hardball strategy to counter President Donald Trump's policies and personnel choices. They allowed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to lapse, citing leverage against Trump, while Republicans argue the move threatens national security ahead of major events.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as part of a hardball strategy against President Donald Trump's policies and personnel choices, including his appointment of Bill Pulte to lead intelligence agencies. Republicans argue the lapse in surveillance authority poses a national security risk, particularly during high-profile events like the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking bipartisan bills and allowing a key surveillance law to lapse in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and personnel choices, including the appointment of Bill Pulte to lead intelligence agencies. The strategy has led to government shutdowns and delays in Trump's nominations, with Republicans criticizing the move as a threat to national security.
- Chuck Schumer is ready for redemption
Chuck Schumer, facing criticism from Democrats for over a year, highlights strategic moves to strengthen his party's position ahead of the midterms. Recent successes in Senate primaries and opposition to GOP policies are cited as factors improving Democrats' chances, despite eroding favorability ratings for Schumer.
- Tariff refunds for small businesses past due, US Senate Dems tell Trump administration
Senate Democrats Ron Wyden and Edward Markey accuse the Trump administration of delaying refunds for over $145 billion in unlawful tariffs, with only $20.6 billion processed. The Supreme Court ruled President Trump's global tariffs illegal, but the administration has faced criticism for slowing the refund process, leaving small businesses waiting for repayment.
- Senate Democrats press CFTC to crack down on insider trading in booming prediction markets
Senate Democrats are urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to regulate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket more strictly to address concerns over insider trading and consumer protection. The group of 16 senators, led by Amy Klobuchar, called for guidance to prevent event contract manipulation and ensure clear contract terms.
- House Republicans plow ahead with short-term extension of FISA surveillance powers amid Senate quagmire
House Republicans plan to vote on a short-term extension of FISA surveillance powers to prevent their expiration, amid a Senate stalemate over President Donald Trump's nomination of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Congressional Democrats oppose the extension unless the Pulte nomination is withdrawn, citing concerns over his political ties and potential risks to national security.
- Senate Democrats urge passage of minimum wage legislation leading into budget deadline
Senate Democrats in Pennsylvania are urging the passage of minimum wage legislation to gradually raise the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour by 2029. The bill, which has bipartisan House support, is stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Minority Floor Leader Jay Costa filed a discharge petition to force a Senate vote.
- House to vote on short-term spy powers extension Thursday amid Pulte clash
The House will vote on a short-term extension of foreign spy powers through July 2 amid a partisan dispute over President Trump's nomination of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. The vote follows opposition from Senate Democrats.
- Push for 3-week FISA 702 extension draws swift pushback from Senate Democrats
An attempt to negotiate a three-week extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) faces objections from Senate Democrats. Democrats largely rejected efforts to fast-track the extension unless President Trump rescinds the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence.
- Trump says Bill Pulte will take over as intelligence chief on June 19
Trump announced Bill Pulte as the new intelligence chief effective June 19. The selection has caused concern among some Republicans and faced criticism from Senate Democrats, potentially jeopardizing a vote on a surveillance law.
- US to send third-country deportees to Central African Republic
Central African Republic has agreed to accept third-country deportees from the United States, part of the Trump administration's deals with African nations to expedite removals. The U.S. has sent such deportees to countries including Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Equatorial Guinea under opaque agreements criticized by Senate Democrats as costly.
- Warner frets about ‘grossly unqualified’ Pulte
Senator Mark Warner criticized Bill Pulte's appointment as acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, calling him 'grossly unqualified.' Senate Democrats also criticized Pulte for using his role at the Federal Housing Finance Agency to assist President Trump with mortgage records.
- Senate Democrats block extension of spy powers to protest Trump’s choice of Pulte for DNI
Senate Democrats blocked a motion to begin debate on extending surveillance authorities expiring in a week, protesting President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Every Senate Democrat except Sen. John Fetterman voted against the motion.
- Democrats grapple with latest Platner hits
Graham Platner faces allegations about a Nazi-themed tattoo and violent behavior, which he denies as 'politically motivated.' Senate Democrats, including Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, have avoided commenting on the report, while others like Chris Van Hollen and Ben Ray Lujan expressed cautious support or called for transparency.
- Graham Platner Meets With Senate Democrats Amid Texting Scandal
Graham Platner met with Senate Democrats in Washington days after reports that he had sent sexual messages to women outside his marriage.
- Graham Platner makes his case to Senate Democrats amid latest controversy
Graham Platner met with Senate Democrats in Washington to address scandals and strengthen support for his campaign to win a Senate seat. He faces fresh scrutiny over reports of sexually explicit messages.
- Rubio battles Democrats on Iran, Taiwan, Ebola, and boat strikes: 5 takeaways
Senate Democrats questioned Marco Rubio on the Iran war and Trump administration policies during his first of four planned appearances before Capitol Hill panels. The session covered topics including Iran, Taiwan, Ebola, and boat strikes.