Congress
Follow the latest Congress news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 21, 2024 at 4:36 PM

What's in the approved government funding bill

After days of heated negotiations on Capitol Hill, the House passed its funding bill to prevent a government shutdown Friday night.
December 21, 2024 at 4:36 PM
The Capitol is pictured in Washington, Dec. 20, 2024.
December 19, 2024 at 11:25 PM

Democratic whip on looming shutdown: Elon Musk ‘pulled the rug out’

Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts says the GOP is “plunging us into chaos” as lawmakers face a Friday deadline to keep the federal government funded.
December 19, 2024 at 11:25 PM
VIDEO: Democratic whip on looming shutdown: Elon Musk ‘pulled the rug out’
December 19, 2024 at 6:09 PM

Trump takes credit for killing government funding deal

ABC News’ Jay O’Brien and Selina Wang report on President-elect Donald Trump’s actions which have forced lawmakers to race to avert a government shutdown.
December 19, 2024 at 6:09 PM
Trump takes credit for killing government funding deal
December 19, 2024 at 5:35 PM

Government funding plan collapses after threats from Trump and Musk as shutdown looms

With a shutdown looming by the end of the week, Republicans face pressure from Trump and his ally Elon Musk to drop the funding bill they negotiated with Democrats.
December 19, 2024 at 5:35 PM
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump attend a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa.
December 19, 2024 at 3:53 PM

Congress passes child abuse act championed by Paris Hilton

Hilton spent nearly three years lobbying politicians in Washington on the issue of reform in the "troubled teen" industry and using platform to champion Stop Institutionalized Child Abuse bill.
December 19, 2024 at 3:53 PM
VIDEO: Congress passes child abuse act championed by Paris Hilton
December 19, 2024 at 2:31 AM

Gabbard rejects reports of weak Senate support for DNI vote

Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday rejected reports that Senate support for her as Donald Trump's pick to be director of national intelligence vote is lackluster.
December 19, 2024 at 2:31 AM
Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump's choice as US intelligence chief, is escorted to a meeting with Senator John Cornyn on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 18, 2024.
December 19, 2024 at 12:12 AM

Paris Hilton-backed child abuse bill headed to Biden's desk for signature

House passes Paris Hilton-championed Stop Institutionalized Child Abuse bill, a sweet victory for the celebrity heiress after nearly three years of lobbying politicians.
December 19, 2024 at 12:12 AM
Paris Hilton poses for photographs outside the U.S. Capitol on the day the House of Representatives is set to vote on The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act on Dec. 17, 2024 in Washington, DC.
December 18, 2024 at 9:34 PM

Social Security Fairness Act clears procedural hurdle, on path for final passage

In a final lame-duck push, the Senate will attempt to pass legislation aimed at providing full Social Security benefits to millions of Americans this week.
December 18, 2024 at 9:34 PM
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer speaks following the weekly Senate luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 3, 2024, in Washington.
December 18, 2024 at 3:40 PM

Senate to vote on expanding Social Security benefits for teachers, firefighters

The Social Security Fairness Act would expand benefits for nearly 3 million retired teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public servants.
December 18, 2024 at 3:40 PM
VIDEO: Senate to vote on expanding Social Security benefits for teachers, firefighters
December 18, 2024 at 12:08 PM

Paris Hilton calls on the House to take up child abuse bill before session ends

Hilton is headed back to Washington D.C. to meet with House members on Monday, urging leadership to call the bill to the floor for a vote.
December 18, 2024 at 12:08 PM
In this April 27, 2023, file photo, Paris Hilton speaks to reporters as she heads for Capitol Hill to lobby Congress to pass the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act.
December 18, 2024 at 12:57 AM

RFK Jr. meets with more GOP senators amid concerns about his polio vaccine views

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. returned to the Hill Tuesday to make his case to Republican senators for leadership of the Dept. of Health and Human Services.
December 18, 2024 at 12:57 AM
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, moves between meetings with senators in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on December 17, 2024 in Washington, DC.
December 18, 2024 at 12:37 AM

'Total dumpster fire': Republicans rage at Johnson over budget bill as shutdown looms

The GOP's government funding bill still isn’t ready -- putting the federal government on the brink of a shutdown at the end of the week.
December 18, 2024 at 12:37 AM
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to reporters following a House Republican conference meeting with Rep. Blake Moore and Rep. Steve Scalise on Capitol Hill in Washington, Dec. 17, 2024.
December 17, 2024 at 9:25 PM

AOC loses vote to take on Trump as ranking Democrat on Oversight Committee

Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., fended off a challenge from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., to become the House Oversight Committee’s top-ranked Democrat.
December 17, 2024 at 9:25 PM
In this Jan. 31, 2023, file photo, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez arrives for a meeting of the House Oversight and Reform Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. | Rep. Gerry Connolly prepares to give a television interview on Capitol Hill, Dec. 12, 2024.
December 17, 2024 at 7:51 PM

Republicans fume over speaker's spending plan

Several House Republicans stormed out of Tuesday morning’s conference meeting furious over Speaker Mike Johnson’s handling of the government funding bill.
December 17, 2024 at 7:51 PM
Several House Republicans stormed out of Tuesday morning’s conference meeting furious over Speaker Mike Johnson’s handling of the government funding bill.
December 16, 2024 at 11:22 PM

'Congress needs to do more': activist David Hogg on preventing school shootings

David Hogg, gun control activist, March for our Lives co-founder and Parkland school shooting survivor reacted to the Abundant Life Christian School shooting in Madison, Wisconsin.
December 16, 2024 at 11:22 PM
VIDEO: 'Congress needs to do more': activist David Hogg on preventing school shootings
December 13, 2024 at 10:59 PM

Nancy Pelosi hospitalized during trip abroad

Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, 84, was hospitalized while abroad on a congressional delegation, her office said on Friday.
December 13, 2024 at 10:59 PM
VIDEO: Nancy Pelosi hospitalized during trip abroad
December 13, 2024 at 10:46 PM

Senator outlines road map to dismantling the Department of Education

Sen. Mike Rounds, who introduced legislation last month to eliminate the Department of Education, told ABC News closing the agency could take "a couple of years."
December 13, 2024 at 10:46 PM
Sen. Mike Rounds is seen in the U.S. Capitol, December 4, 2024.
December 13, 2024 at 9:50 PM

Mitt Romney's Senate exit may create a vacuum of vocal, conservative Trump critics

Sen. Mitt Romney has given his final remarks after seeing the Republican Party for which he was once the standard bearer drastically transform under Donald Trump
December 13, 2024 at 9:50 PM
FILE - Donald Trump greets Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, after announcing his endorsement of Romney during a news conference, Feb. 2, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
December 13, 2024 at 7:32 PM

No women will lead House committees for first time in 2 decades

The 17 standing committees will be dominated by white men when the new Congress is seated on Jan. 3. No people of color were selected, either.
December 13, 2024 at 7:32 PM
In this May 23, 2024, file photo, Rep. Virginia Foxx speaks at a hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.
December 12, 2024 at 3:49 PM

After the 2024 election, Democrats are at a steep disadvantage in the Senate

Why it's hard for Democrats to win elections for U.S. Senate control.
December 12, 2024 at 3:49 PM
Democrats are at a disadvantage in the Senate.
December 11, 2024 at 2:55 AM

Gabbard heads to Capitol Hill to seal the deal for director of national intelligence

Former United Nations ambassador John Bolton discusses why he thinks Tulsi Gabbard is "not capable" of doing the job.
December 11, 2024 at 2:55 AM
VIDEO: Gabbard heads to Capitol Hill to seal the deal for director of national intelligence
December 10, 2024 at 11:02 PM

Mitch McConnell falls during Senate Republican lunch

It is unclear if McConnell, 82, sustained any injuries at this time or what the severity of the fall was. Two medical responders were seen briefly entering his office and have since departed.
December 10, 2024 at 11:02 PM
Mitch McConnell falls during Senate Republican lunch
December 10, 2024 at 9:50 PM

Mitch McConnell falls during Senate Republican lunch

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell fell during the Senate Republican lunch on Tuesday.
December 10, 2024 at 9:50 PM
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell leaves his office wearing a brace on his left wrist and bandage on his cheek as a result of a fall earlier in the day at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Dec. 10, 2024.

He wore a brace on his left hand and had a visible bandage under his left eye.
December 10, 2024 at 4:57 AM

Liz Cheney, Adam Schiff react to Trump saying Jan. 6 committee should go to jail

Donald Trump, in his first broadcast news interview since the election, said members of the House panel that investigated the Capitol attack "should go to jail."
December 10, 2024 at 4:57 AM
Former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney speaks at a town hall with Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Oct. 21, 2024 in Royal Oak, Michigan.
December 7, 2024 at 7:45 PM

Congresswoman says family was targeted with a bomb threat

Massachusetts congresswoman Lori Trahan said she has become the latest Democratic Washington official to receive a threat against her family.
December 7, 2024 at 7:45 PM
In this July 1, 2019, file photo, Rep.  Lori Trahan addresses the media after touring the Clint, TX Border Patrol Facility housing children in Clint, Texas.
December 6, 2024 at 1:24 PM

Explosive exchange about 9/11 at Secret Service hearing

The screaming match happened Thursday at a House panel investigating the assassination attempt against President-elect Donald Trump.
December 6, 2024 at 1:24 PM
Rep. Pat Fallon questions Secret Service Acting Director Ronald L. Rowe Jr. during a hearing by the House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump on the Secret Service's security failures, Dec. 5, 2024, in Washington.
December 5, 2024 at 9:54 PM

Rep. Jason Crow discusses hearing on Trump assassination attempt

Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the Secret Service, testified in front of a House panel on Thursday.
December 5, 2024 at 9:54 PM
VIDEO: Rep. Jason Crow discusses hearing on Trump assassination attempt
December 5, 2024 at 8:49 PM

Explosive exchange about 9/11 happens at Secret Service hearing

Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Republican Texas Rep. Pat Fallon got into a screaming match Thursday at a House hearing on the assassination attempt against Donald Trump.
December 5, 2024 at 8:49 PM
Acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe and Republican Texas Rep. Pat Fallon got into a screaming match Thursday at a House hearing on the assassination attempt against Donald Trump.
December 5, 2024 at 7:46 PM

Sen. John Fetterman on Hunter Biden pardon, says Dems need to reengage young men

The Pennsylvania senator joins “The View” to weigh in on the controversy surrounding President Joe Biden pardoning his son and share his hopes for the release of American hostages in Gaza.
December 5, 2024 at 7:46 PM
VIDEO: Sen. John Fetterman on Hunter Biden pardon, says Dems need to reengage young men
December 5, 2024 at 7:44 PM

Speaker Johnson speaks after meeting with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy

Both Musk and Ramaswamy met with Congress members on the Hill earlier today.
December 5, 2024 at 7:44 PM
VIDEO: Speaker Johnson speakers after meeting with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy
December 5, 2024 at 2:50 PM

Rep. Nadler to step aside as Democratic Judiciary leader for a younger chair

Rep. Jerry Nadler announced Wednesday he would step down from his role as the Democratic leader on the House Judiciary Committee and backed Rep. Jamie Raskin.
December 5, 2024 at 2:50 PM
Representative Jamie Raskin speaks during a news conference with Representative Jerry Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., July 26, 2019.
December 5, 2024 at 1:15 AM

Speaker Johnson reacts to possible GOP slim majority

With all 435 House races projected, ABC News estimates Republicans will hold 220 seats and Democrats 215 in the 119th Congress.
December 5, 2024 at 1:15 AM
With all 435 House races projected, ABC News estimates Republicans will hold 220 seats and Democrats 215 in the 119th Congress.
December 4, 2024 at 7:43 PM

California Democrat flips final House seat, dealing Republicans narrow majority

With Trump picks leaving vacancies, Republicans could have a 217-215 majority -- the narrowest GOP majority in history -- when the 119th Congress convenes on Jan. 3.
December 4, 2024 at 7:43 PM
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Dec. 04, 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 4:25 PM

Has the number of women in Congress hit a ceiling?

Neither party made significant gains in 2024, and Republican women still lag behind.
December 4, 2024 at 4:25 PM
Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Janelle Bynum, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez  and Jen Kiggans were among the women who won highly competitive House elections in 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 12:42 AM

Republican senators torn over FBI background checks for Trump Cabinet picks

Republicans senators returned to Washington after Thanksgiving recess to a renewed peppering of questions about President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet picks.
December 4, 2024 at 12:42 AM
Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., speaks during a news conference following the weekly Senate Republican policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol, Nov. 19, 2024, in Washington.
December 3, 2024 at 11:14 PM

Republican senators express growing concerns over Pete Hegseth misconduct allegations

Pete Hegseth, Trump's pick for defense secretary, was back on Capitol Hill Tuesday looking to shore up support as he fends off allegations of misconduct.
December 3, 2024 at 11:14 PM
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet walk through the Russell Senate Office building on Capitol Hill, Dec. 3, 2024, in Washington.
December 3, 2024 at 8:10 PM

Casten introduces new privileged resolution to force release of Gaetz report

Democrat Casten introduced an updated privileged resolution to try to force the bipartisan Ethics Committee to release its report on former Rep. Matt Gaetz.
December 3, 2024 at 8:10 PM
Representative Sean Casten attends a news conference on the US Securities and Exchange Commission climate rule in Washington, Mar. 6, 2024.
December 3, 2024 at 6:01 PM

Congress could determine NFL Washington Commanders’ home stadium

On Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris met with Hill leaders on the stadium proposal and among other matters.
December 3, 2024 at 6:01 PM
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin celebrates with quarterback Jayden Daniels after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter in their NFL game, Dec. 1, in Landover, Md.
December 2, 2024 at 10:28 PM

Why Republicans start out as favorites in the 2026 Senate elections

Democrats need to flip four Senate seats in 2026 to reclaim a majority, but have few clear targets.
December 2, 2024 at 10:28 PM
At least 35 seats in the U.S. Senate are expected to be up for election in November 2026.
December 2, 2024 at 6:43 PM

Republicans won the House. Now comes the hard part.

As of Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Eastern, ABC News is reporting that Republicans have won at least 218 seats in the next House and Democrats have won at least 208.
December 2, 2024 at 6:43 PM
Republicans are set to control a very narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2024 election.
December 1, 2024 at 11:51 PM

The Breakdown: GOP’s narrow House majority presents governing challenge

ABC News Washington Bureau Chief & Political Director Rick Klein breaks down the slim Republican margin in the 119th Congress on“This Week.”
December 1, 2024 at 11:51 PM
VIDEO: The Breakdown: GOP’s narrow House majority presents governing challenge
November 29, 2024 at 11:53 PM

Democratic members of Congress get bomb threats on Thanksgiving

The homes of multiple Democratic members of Congress were targeted by bomb threats on Thanksgiving Day.
November 29, 2024 at 11:53 PM
The U.S. Capitol in Washington, Nov. 23, 2024.
November 29, 2024 at 6:23 PM

Democratic members of Congress get bomb threats on Thanksgiving

The threats follow some to Trump's Cabinet selections earlier in the week.
November 29, 2024 at 6:23 PM
The threats follow some to Trump's Cabinet selections earlier in the week.
November 29, 2024 at 5:34 PM

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to meet with House Republicans on DOGE plans

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will head to Capitol Hill next week to meet with Republicans on their plan to slash regulations and other parts of the federal government.
November 29, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk.
November 27, 2024 at 4:27 PM

Trump set to take office with razor-thin House GOP majority

Donald Trump is set to take office in January with a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives that offers Republicans barely any margin of error.
November 27, 2024 at 4:27 PM
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump pauses during a campaign rally at Lee's Family Forum in Henderson, Nev., Oct. 31, 2024.
1 month ago

The congressional bathroom ban is the latest transgender policy battle

538's polling column about Republicans' transgender bathroom bans, Trump's transition, trust in polls and Thanksgiving plans.
1 month ago
Welcome to Pollapalooza, 538's roundup of the latest polls.
1 month ago

Marjorie Taylor Greene to head new DOGE House subcommittee with plans to cut 'waste'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene will chair a new subcommittee aimed at eliminating government waste under the newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency.”
1 month ago
Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, July 22, 2024.
1 month ago

Democrats try to force Ethics Committee to release Gaetz report

Bipartisan House Ethics Committee were deadlocked along party lines on whether to release a report on its investigation of Matt Gaetz, Trump's attorney general pick.
1 month ago
House Ethics Committee Chairman Rep. Michael Guest departs from a House Ethics Committee closed-door meeting in the Longworth House Office Building, Nov. 20, 2024, in Washington.
1 month ago

'Kavanaugh on steroids': Gaetz, Vance meet with GOP senators amid questions

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz met with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance.
1 month ago
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, the President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be Attorney General walks alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance as they arrive for meetings with Senators at the U.S. Capitol, Nov. 20, 2024, in Washington.
1 month ago

Transgender women won't be allowed to use women’s restrooms in Capitol: Johnson

House Speaker Mike Johnson said transgender women cannot use women’s restrooms in the Capitol and House office buildings
1 month ago
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks briefly with reporters to clarify his position on Democratic Representative-elect Sarah McBride, who is set to become the first transgender woman in Congress in Washington, Nov. 19, 2024.