Category: United States Politics and Government

Schumer Wields Political Heft in Bid for New York Chips Funds

The Senate majority leader helped deliver billions of dollars in federal funding for semiconductors. Now he’s pushing for his state to reap benefits.
White House Hits Back on Fitch Credit Downgrade, Protecting Biden

The president’s team has mobilized to counter the downgrade of Treasury debt by the Fitch Ratings agency, rushing to defend the story of an improving economic outlook.
Debt Downgrade, Driven by Partisanship, Is Unlikely to Deter Borrowing

Fitch’s credit-rating decision stemmed from concerns about America’s ability to govern itself, along with the nation’s growing debt load.
U.S. Credit Rating Is Downgraded by Fitch

The ratings agency, which lowered the U.S. long-term rating from its top mark, said that debt-limit standoffs have eroded confidence in the nation’s fiscal management.
Incandescent Bulb Ban Renews a Squabble Over the American Home

A ban on most kinds of traditional bulbs renews a cultural squabble between regulatory efforts to curb energy consumption and the very American impulse to do whatever one wants in one’s domicile.
Strong Economic Data Buoys Biden, but Many Voters Are Still Sour

Voters continue to rate the president poorly on economic issues, but there are signs the national mood is beginning to improve.
Who Paid for a Mysterious Spy Tool? The F.B.I., an F.B.I. Inquiry Found

After a Times report, the bureau canceled its contract with a government contractor that used the tool on its behalf. But questions remain.
After U.S. Bailout, the Trucking Firm Yellow Is Shutting Down

Yellow, which received a pandemic loan, is winding down operations ahead of an expected bankruptcy filing. The closure of the company would mean the loss of about 30,000 jobs.
U.S. Moves to Improve Airplane Bathrooms for People With Disabilities

New regulations announced by the Transportation Department will mandate that more new planes have accessible lavatories, though the requirement will not take effect for years.
Senate Targets China, Voting to Restrict Farmland Purchases and U.S. Investment

Senators voted overwhelmingly to block Chinese businesses from buying farmland and mandate that American investment in the country’s national security industries be tracked.
IRS to Stop Surprise Visits to Homes and Businesses

The end of a decades-long practice comes amid political backlash and increasing threats to agents.
Drugmakers Throw ‘Kitchen Sink’ to Halt Medicare Price Negotiations

The government will soon announce the first 10 medications that will be subject to price negotiations with Medicare under a new law. Drugmakers are fighting the measure in court.