Congress
What happens if Congress doesn’t fund the government?
If lawmakers can't reach a deal to avoid a shutdown, many federal workers would be furloughed, while essential functions like Social Security payments would continue.
The bald eagle isn’t actually America’s national bird — but that’s poised to change
After learning the U.S. doesn't officially recognize the bald eagle as its national bird, a Minnesota man swooped in. This week the House passed his bill, which now heads to Biden's desk.
A new congressman nabs his great-grandfather’s old office after a little lobbying
After he's sworn in, Rep.-elect Tom Barrett of Michigan will work in the Capitol office his great-grandfather once used. Rep. Louis Rabaut died in 1961, two decades before Barrett was born.
A GOP lawmaker introduces a Capitol bathroom rule before her trans colleague arrives
South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace says the resolution aims to protect women's rights. Democratic Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, the first out trans person elected to Congress, has slammed it as a distraction.
What would a government shutdown mean for me?
If a shutdown arrives, millions of federal employees will be furloughed and many others — including those working in the military and the Transportation Security Administration — will be forced to work without pay until it ends.
2022 Alabama primary results
Statewide races include governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general and secretary of state.
Alabama Republicans Condemn Pro-Trump Mob As Many Vow To Continue The Fight
Alabama lawmakers in Congress ranged in their reactions to Wednesday's Capitol breach by a mob of Trump supporters.
Ongoing: Watch Senate Impeachment Trial Live
The Senate is holding a trial on the impeachment of President Trump, who is accused by the U.S. House of abusing his power and obstructing Congress. At the conclusion of the trial, senators are expected to vote on whether Trump should be removed from office.
WATCH LIVE: Justice Department Inspector General Testifies Before Senate Judiciary
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz is answering lawmakers' questions about his report on the Russia investigation, which was released on Monday. Watch the hearing live, Wednesday, December 11th starting at 10 a.m. Central.
Alabama’s Sole Congressional Democrat Sees Opportunity in House Victory
Of all the congressional candidates in Alabama Tuesday, only one was guaranteed to win. Democratic Representative Terri Sewell faced no opposition as she reclaimed the seventh district seat. But for the first time in her congressional career, Democrats hold the majority in the House of Representatives. Rep. Sewell says Democrats will be able work with Republicans on Capitol Hill.
Lack of Guidance Leads to Web Access Lawsuits
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act required public places to accommodate people with disabilities. But back then, before the Internet grew into what it is now, the law didn’t address the accessibility of websites. Now, with a proliferation of lawsuits, many companies are racing to bring their sites into compliance with industry standards.
Finding Agreement in a Divisive Culture
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses a shooting that left a congressman wounded and flaws he sees in Alabama's constitution.
President Trump Addresses Joint Session of Congress, Annotated
President Trump will address a joint session of Congress for the first time on Tuesday evening at the Capitol, around 8 p.m., Central time. House Speaker Paul Ryan, following tradition, invited the president to make the speech to lay out his agenda in the early days of his new administration.
Carsen And Lindley Talk Alabama Schools’ Low Test Scores
School test results have been in the news across Alabama lately, often next to words like "sobering" and "not on track." So what's going on? WBHM's News Director Rachel Osier Lindley sits down with education reporter Dan Carsen to shed light on a complex and heated issue. Carsen just returned from a conference put on by NPR's Ed Team, and part of that "Ed Summit" dealt with testing. Perfect timing for a while-the-iron-is-hot interview.
Representative Spencer Bachus Reflects On His Time In Congress
A fixture on the Alabama political scene will soon be no longer. Spencer Bachus has served in Congress since 1993. But this year the Vestavia Hills Republican is retiring. He's one of 24 incumbents to step down this term.Congressman Bachus spoke to WBHM's Sarah Delia about his time in Washington. He started off by explaining why he decided to retire.
Money Tight, Scientists Turn To Crowdfunding
In the past decade, it's gotten much harder for scientists to get the federal grants that fund most American research. This year's sequester has made it even more difficult, and the government shutdown is likely to slow things down even further. So scientists are looking for new ways to pay for their work, including "crowdfunding." But going online and asking the public for money has real drawbacks. Even so, as WBHM's Southern Education Desk reporter Dan Carsen tells us, some think it could "open up" science in a good way.
The Fiscal Cliff Deal And Your Taxes
Wondering how the new fiscal cliff deal will hit your family budget? Here's a breakdown of tax increases by salary.
Carsen, Ott on All Things Alabama Education
These are interesting times for Birmingham City Schools. Standardized testing is underway just as there’s a standoff over the future of superintendent Craig Witherspoon. The Board of Education could vote this afternoon to terminate his contract. Check the station website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed for the latest developments. There’s been some drama on the state and national levels too, with a congressional committee looking into the Alabama Education Association. WBHM’s Tanya Ott interviews reporter Dan Carsen on that and more in this week’s education chat.
