Uphill
Every Tuesday and Friday, The Dispatch staff draw on their deep well of sources to shed light on congressional policy debates—and the people behind them.
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Pelosi Attack Reignites Concerns Over Lawmakers’ Safety
Capitol Police have made changes to respond to threats over the past year, but the tide keeps rising.
Health System Horrors
Cori Bush’s memoir, which includes gut-wrenching stories of two abortions, illuminates the medical trials many black women endure.
Progressives Push for a Ukraine Ceasefire
A group of Democrats is urging the White House to pursue a diplomatic end to Russia’s war as Republican support for Ukraine aid may be waning.
Get Ready For a Busy Lame Duck
Democrats may want to act on the debt ceiling and Ukraine aid, but that’s easier said than done.
How the Jones Act Sparked Calls of Treason
The recommendation, serious or not, underscores a surprising level of intensity around shipping policy.
Democrats Urge a Saudi Split
Some lawmakers want the Biden administration to take a harder line on Saudi Arabia following OPEC’s decision to cut oil production.
Plan to Grant More Green Cards to STEM Graduates Resurfaces
The measure has support from the Pentagon but faces hurdles in the Senate.
Congress Heads for the Exits Until November
But first the House has to pass a government funding bill, and the lame-duck session is looking packed.
Customs Targets Thousands of Suspected Forced-Labor Shipments Under New Bill
An official sheds light on challenges in enforcing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
Biden’s Taiwan Defense Vow Gets Mixed Reception on Capitol Hill
‘It certainly adds to the ambiguity to have the president taking one position and the rest of his administration taking another.’
Senators Gear Up for Taiwan Policy Debate
The bill's symbolic components have come into question amid high tensions with China.
Senators Press for a Gay Marriage Bill This Month
But winning enough Republicans to avoid a filibuster may prove difficult.
Congress Kicks Off a Chaotic Few Weeks
Funding the government will be the top priority, alongside a full slate of major legislation.
GOP House Members Brace for Fractious Party Dynamics
Hardline Republicans could have more power in a closely divided chamber.
Student Loan Forgiveness Raises Emergency Powers Questions
Plus: Democrats begin wrangling for top oversight position.