WASHINGTON — The Senate has voted to block the Trump administration from selling arms to Saudi Arabia, launching a new challenge to President Donald Trump's alliance with the country amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Trump has promised to veto the measures. The White House said stopping the sales...
California Senate OKs Rule on Police Use-of-Force Training
SACRAMENTO — The California Senate approved legislation Tuesday requiring officers across the nation's most populous state to be trained in ways to avoid using deadly force, one of two measures intended to deter shootings by police. Senators unanimously passed the proposal requiring that policies on deadly force be standardized statewide,...
Funeral for Longtime Legislative Staffer MaryAlice Kaloostian Is Wednesday
Memorial services are scheduled Wednesday for MaryAlice Kaloostian, a longtime staffer for several central San Joaquin Valley legislators. Kaloostian, who worked for three state senators, died last week. She last served on the staff of now-former state Sen. Tom Berryhill, who termed out in 2018. In a statement, state Sen....
California Renews Bid to Get Presidential Candidates’ Taxes
SACRAMENTO — The California Legislature is trying again to force presidential candidates to publicly disclose their tax returns, hoping a new Democratic governor known for his clashes with President Donald Trump won't block them this time. The state Senate voted 27-10 on Thursday to require anyone appearing on the state's...
Westlands Former Lobbyist Confirmed to Head Interior Department
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to lead the department on a permanent basis, despite complaints by Democrats that the former oil and gas lobbyist has used his federal position to benefit former industry clients. The Senate voted 56-41 to approve Bernhardt's nomination to...
House OKs Elections Overhaul, but Senate Likely to Slam Door
WASHINGTON — Newly empowered House Democrats approved a centerpiece of their agenda Friday, a sweeping plan to reduce the role of big money in politics, ensure fair elections and strengthen ethics standards. But the leader of Republican-run Senate has pledged it will not come up for a vote and the...
Teen Tells Senate Why He Defied His Mom to Get Vaccinated
WASHINGTON — An Ohio teen defied his mother's anti-vaccine beliefs and started getting his shots when he turned 18 — and told Congress on Tuesday that it's crucial to counter fraudulent claims on social media that scare parents. Ethan Lindenberger of Norwalk, Ohio, said his mother's "love, affection and care...
Trump Says ‘Wall’ Must Be Part of Lawmakers’ Border Deal
WASHINGTON — Capitol Hill negotiators are hopeful of an agreement as they officially kick off talks Wednesday on a homeland security spending bill stalled over funding for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall. Left on their own, the seasoned House and Senate lawmakers say they could easily reach a border...
Trump Proposal Panned as Workers Face Another Lost Paycheck
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's proposal to reopen the government, with immigration provisions Democrats denounce as inadequate, is headed for Senate action, its prospects uncertain. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will try to muscle through the 1,300-page spending measure, which includes $5.7 billion to fund Trump's proposed wall along the...
Senators Pay Tribute to late Randy Ghan, a Lion of Valley Labor
Hundreds mourned the death of longtime Valley labor leader Randy Ghan at a ceremony Monday (Jan. 14) at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall. At the same time, the state Senate adjourned its meeting in honor of Ghan. Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Salinas), Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger) and Sen. Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) all...