DARK SECRETS: Robert c byrd | Vintage Vibes

Why reconciliation is a ‘privilege’ for lawmakers, not a right - Roll Call

A look at the nuances of the budget reconciliation process' "Byrd rule" compared with a "privilege scrub."

Roll Call · Jun 18, 2025

Senate GOP pulls sneaky trick to dodge their own rules and ram Trump’s megabill through Congress

Rules in America are what Trump says they are.

We Got This Covered · May 28, 2025

Louisiana’s former Sen. J. Bennett Johnston dead at 92 - Roll Call

Longtime Louisiana Democratic senator fended off David Duke challenge in 1990, chaired Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Roll Call · Mar 26, 2025

GOP primaries could signal direction of party’s earmarks stance

​WASHINGTON — Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., secured nearly $11.6 million in earmarked projects for his constituents in the March omnibus appropriations law, from streetscape improvements in Gillespie to a new nursing school facility at Millikin University in Decatur.

Tribune News Service · May 4, 2022

GOP primaries could signal direction of party's earmarks stance - Roll Call

Republicans who support home-state earmarks are locked in primary fights against those who don't as the practice faces an uncertain future.

Roll Call · May 4, 2022

When amendments ruled the Senate

WASHINGTON — Almost everyone in the Senate was dog-tired but glowing with relief as lawmakers debated a clean air bill in the spring of 1990.

Tribune News Service · Apr 29, 2022

The Senate is broken, and the way to fix it is… more amendments?

In the 101st Congress, senators cast roll call votes on amendments to 59 bills. In the 116th, it was just 15 bills.

Roll Call · Apr 28, 2022