Supreme Court move allows Jackson to take part in race case
July 22, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday took a step that will allow new Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the court, to take part in a case that could lead to the end of the use of race in college admissions.
Sen. Murray seeks 6th term at new inflection point for women
July 21, 2022 GMTSPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Patty Murray was first elected to the U.S. Senate from Washington state in 1992 during the “Year of the Woman,” motivated to run for higher office in part by the contentious Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings.
Harris emerges as top abortion voice, warns of more fallout
June 28, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — During Brett Kavanaugh's 2018 Supreme Court confirmation hearings, then-California Sen. Kamala Harris asked the judge if he thought women's privacy rights extended to choosing to have an abortion.
Live updates | Brink confirmed as US ambassador to Ukraine.
May 19, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Bridget Brink late Wednesday as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, filling the post as officials plan to return American diplomats to Kyiv during the nation’s continuing battle against the Russian invasion.
McConnell, Utah leaders honor ‘larger than life’ Orrin Hatch
May 6, 2022 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell paid tribute to the late Sen. Orrin Hatch on Friday, celebrating the Utah icon as a principled conservative, committed public servant and man of faith.
Senate vows vote on abortion, but not filibuster changes
May 3, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Furious Senate Democrats vowed Tuesday to vote on legislation to protect abortion access for millions of Americans, but without broader support from Republicans, Congress is essentially powerless to prevent the unraveling of the landmark Roe v.
Long-serving Utah US Senator Orrin Hatch dies at age 88
April 24, 2022 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Orrin G. Hatch, the longest-serving Republican senator in history who was a fixture in Utah politics for more than four decades, died Saturday at age 88.
His death was announced in a statement from his foundation, which did not specify a cause.
Maricopa County board names new top prosecutor
April 21, 2022 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday chose one of the three Republicans running to replace former County Attorney Allister Adel to temporarily fill her post, a move that gives longtime prosecutor Rachel Mitchell incumbent status and a leg up in August's GOP primary.
Maine panel confirms potential 1st Black judge on top court
April 8, 2022 GMTPORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A legislative panel voted Friday to confirm a Maine judge who could become the first African American to serve on Maine’s highest court.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills nominated Rick Lawrence to serve on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
AP FACT CHECK: Senators misrepresent Jackson on abortion
March 24, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators painted Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson as hostile to anti-abortion views, twisting words from a legal brief she co-signed years ago as evidence she would rule broadly against abortion opponents.
AP FACT CHECK: Republicans skew Jackson’s record on crime
March 22, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators characterized Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson’s judicial views as extremist and soft on crime, using her confirmation hearings to air a line of conservative grievances that relied at times on distortions of her record.
Judge Jackson grilled on Guantanamo detainee representation
March 22, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Four men once held at the Guantanamo Bay detention center — men Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson never met — were central to some of the questions she fielded Tuesday during her Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
Jackson pledges to decide cases ‘without fear or favor’
March 22, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson pledged Monday to decide cases “without fear or favor” if the Senate confirms her historic nomination as the first Black woman on the high court.
Text of Supreme Court nominee Jackson’s opening remarks
March 21, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Text of the opening remarks by Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, nominee to the Supreme Court, on the first day of her confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, as delivered March 21, 2022:
How to get on the Supreme Court? Smile a lot, speak a little
March 18, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Keep a smile on your face. Don't talk too much. Avoid the news media.
It's advice Supreme Court nominees have heard for decades from the guides that presidents select to help steer candidates through the Senate confirmation process.
Sen. Collins, key vote on Supreme Court, praises Jackson
March 9, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Susan Collins had words of praise for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson after meeting with her for more than an hour and a half at the Capitol on Tuesday, raising Democrats' hopes that she could be a GOP vote in favor of her confirmation.
Biden’s past Supreme Court experience helped inform choice
March 3, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden knows better than anyone the unexpected turns a Supreme Court nomination can take after it lands on Capitol Hill.
As the longtime chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden presided over two of the most contentious nominations in modern U.S.
Opposition from GOP senator threatens Biden judicial pick
February 16, 2022 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Ron Johnson’s opposition to one of President Joe Biden’s nominees surprised Democrats on Wednesday and presented a fresh test to a tradition that over the years has allowed individual senators to block the confirmation of judges from their home states.
Judge delays start of Boy Scouts bankruptcy plan hearing
February 11, 2022 GMTDOVER, Del. (AP) — The judge presiding over the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy has delayed the start of a trial to determine whether the BSA’s reorganization plan should be confirmed after an agreement with the official committee representing more than 80,000 men who say they were molested as children by Scout leaders and others resulted in several new plan provisions.
Florida’s top doctor refuses to say if he’s vaccinated
February 9, 2022 GMTTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo on Tuesday declined to disclose whether he has received a coronavirus vaccine during a contentious confirmation hearing where Democrats pressed the state's top doctor to promote the shots.
FDA pick Califf parries questions at confirmation hearing
December 14, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration parried questions on crises ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to the opioid epidemic, during a Senate hearing Tuesday that seemed to bode well for his confirmation.
Roe ‘settled’ law? Justices’ earlier assurances now in doubt
December 3, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — During his confirmation to the Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh convinced Sen. Susan Collins that he thought a woman’s right to an abortion was “settled law,” calling the court cases affirming it “precedent on precedent” that could not be casually overturned.
Biden nominates fundraiser Tsunis for Greece ambassadorship
October 8, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced plans Friday to nominate George Tsunis, an influential Democratic fundraiser and hotelier, to be his envoy to Greece. Tsunis had a previous ambassadorial nomination fall apart.
Purdue Pharma director grilled on proposed opioid settlement
August 12, 2021 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Purdue Pharma's quest to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of OxyContin and its other prescription opioid painkillers entered its final phase Thursday with the grudging support of many of those who have claims against the company.
More groups ask Kaul to remove Natural Resources Board chair
July 25, 2021 GMTMADISON, Wis. (AP) — More groups are calling on Wisconsin’s attorney general to remove the head of the state’s Natural Resources Board before its August meeting.
Fred Prehn, whose six-year term expired on May 1, has refused to vacate his position, citing a state law that allows him to continue to serve until the state Senate confirms his replacement.
After Senate rejection, Cooper picks new environment leader
June 25, 2021 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper named on Thursday a longtime legislative lobbyist and environmental policy adviser as his next secretary for the environment, after the state Senate did not confirm his previous choice.
Louisiana gambling board leader resigns before Senate vote
June 9, 2021 GMTBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana's gambling regulatory chief Mike Noel told the governor Wednesday that he's resigning, preempting a Senate confirmation hearing where Noel could have been questioned about his State Police work during the fatal arrest of a Black man whose death remains under investigation.
Senate Republicans ready to block Cooper environment chief
June 3, 2021 GMTRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's pick to lead the state's environmental agency appears doomed in the state Senate, where Republicans on a key committee formally opposed the Democrat's choice on Wednesday.
Restoring service central to Biden’s postal board nominees
April 22, 2021 GMTPresident Joe Biden's nominees to the governing board of the U...
Alaska attorney general to appear before Senate committee
March 20, 2021 GMTJUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Attorney General Treg Taylor will appear for a scheduled confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, a spokesperson for Gov...
Burns confirmed as CIA director as US faces diverse threats
March 18, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Without opposition, the Senate confirmed veteran diplomat William Burns as CIA director on Thursday, giving him control of the nation's premier spy agency as the U...
Senate confirms Katherine Tai as Biden’s top trade envoy
March 17, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed Katherine Tai as the top U.S. trade envoy in an overwhelming bipartisan vote on Wednesday ...
Alaska attorney general discusses plans, Clarkson in hearing
March 16, 2021 GMTJUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Attorney General Treg Taylor said Monday he takes seriously his duty to decide which cases to pursue in the public interest and is hopeful that under his leadership the state won't see a “string of losing cases...
75 ex-top prosecutors endorse Biden’s pick for associate AG
March 2, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — More than 75 former U.S. attorneys are throwing their support behind President Joe Biden’s nominee for associate attorney general and urging congressional leaders to quickly confirm her to the post...
Biden’s pick for SEC flags trading app gimmicks for scrutiny
March 2, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s choice to head the Securities and Exchange Commission told Congress on Tuesday that the agency should address how to protect investors who use online stock-trading platforms with flashy tech gimmicks that entice them to trade more...
Native American nominee’s grilling raises questions on bias
February 26, 2021 GMTFLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — When Wyoming U.S. Sen. John Barrasso snapped at Deb Haaland during her confirmation hearing, many in Indian Country were incensed...
Biden’s trade pick vows to work more closely with allies
February 24, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden's pick to be the top U.S. trade envoy is promising to work with America's allies to combat China's aggressive trade policies, indicating a break from the Trump administration's go-it-alone approach...
Indian Country gripped by Haaland hearing for top US post
February 23, 2021 GMTFLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — For Native Americans, Deb Haaland is more than an elected official on track to become the first Indigenous secretary of the Interior Department...
Interior nominee Haaland vows ‘balance’ on energy, climate
February 23, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Oil and natural gas will continue to play a major role in America for years to come, even as the Biden administration seeks to conserve public lands and address climate change, President Joe Biden’s nominee to head the Interior Department pledges...
Senate schedules confirmation hearing for Merrick Garland
February 10, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Judiciary Committee has set a confirmation hearing for Merrick Garland, President Joe Biden’s nominee for attorney general...
Biden’s Commerce pick, Raimondo, voices tough line on China
January 26, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s pick to oversee the Commerce Department took a tough line on China in her confirmation hearing Tuesday, though she stopped short of singling out which Chinese companies should remain on a list that limits their access to advanced U.S.
AP source: Biden to drop Trump’s military transgender ban
January 25, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to issue an executive order to reverse a Pentagon policy that largely bars transgender individuals from joining the military, dumping a ban ordered by President Donald Trump in a tweet during his first year in office, a person briefed on the decision tells The Associated Press...
Defense chief orders review of military sex assault programs
January 24, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in his first directive since taking office, has given his senior leaders two weeks to send him reports on sexual assault prevention programs in the military, and an assessment of what has worked and what hasn't...
Biden Cabinet: Buttigieg urges big funds for Transportation
January 22, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s nominee for secretary of transportation, Pete Buttigieg, was headed down a smooth path to quick confirmation, pledging to senators on Thursday to work with them to carry out the administration’s ambitious agenda to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure...
The Latest: Hawley blocks quick confirmation of DHS nominee
January 19, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Senate confirmation hearings for President-elect Joe Biden’s nominees for his administration (all times local):...
Yellen pushes GOP senators on $1.9 trillion relief package
January 19, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Janet Yellen, President-elect Joe Biden's choice as Treasury secretary, said Tuesday that the incoming administration would focus on winning quick passage of its $1...
Yellen urges Congress to do more to fight pandemic recession
January 18, 2021 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen is calling on Congress to do more to fight a deep pandemic-induced recession, saying the threats of a longer and even worse downturn are too great to cut back on support now...
Aide: Biden won’t talk about son Hunter with AG candidates
December 20, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden’s incoming press secretary said Sunday that Biden would not discuss the investigation of his son with any prospective candidates for attorney general...
Feinstein says she hasn’t considered leaving Senate early
December 17, 2020 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said this week she hasn't thought about retiring before her term ends in 2024 and defended herself against criticism of her job performance and questions about her age...
Barr’s special counsel move could tie up his successor
December 3, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Outgoing Attorney General William Barr's decision to appoint a special counsel to investigate the handling of the Russia probe ensures his successor won't have an easy transition.
After criticism, Feinstein to step down as top Judiciary Dem
November 23, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Monday she will step down from her role as the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, giving up the powerful spot after public criticism of her bipartisan outreach and her handling of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearings...
In October, SC’s Graham rakes in $1M per day for Senate race
October 23, 2020 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has continued to rake in campaign cash in the closing days of his bid for a fourth term, raising about $1 million a day for the first two weeks of October...
NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week
October 16, 2020 GMTA roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media...
With a hug, Feinstein draws liberal critics at court hearing
October 15, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — It was the hug that may define — or doom — a long Senate career.
SC Dems file ethics complaint in Graham fundraising comments
October 15, 2020 GMTCOLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Democrats have filed a formal complaint against U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham for making a campaign fundraising appeal while speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill following judicial confirmation hearings...
Harris highlights stakes of election in Barrett hearings
October 15, 2020 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Unable to block President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Sen...
Barrett deflects senators’ questions on climate change
October 14, 2020 GMTSupreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett refused to say whether she accepts the science of climate change, saying she lacks the expertise to know for sure and calling it a topic too controversial to get into...
Takeaways: Pardon power, silent mics on Barrett’s final day
October 14, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Health care again played a starring role in Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee as Democrats sought to highlight an issue they want voters to consider on Election Day...
The Latest: Barrett’s confirmation hearing ends for the day
October 14, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett (all times local):...
Barrett bats away tough Democratic confirmation probing
October 14, 2020 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett batted away Democrats’ skeptical questions Tuesday on abortion, health care and a possible disputed-election fight over transferring presidential power, insisting in a long and lively confirmation hearing she would bring no personal agenda to the court but decide cases “as they come...