Author

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana covers the nation's capital for States Newsroom. Her areas of coverage include politics and policy, lobbying, elections and campaign finance.

Funding needed to curb fentanyl smuggling at ports of entry, administration officials say

By: - February 15, 2023

The leader of the Drug Enforcement Administration said two cartels are responsible for not only most of the fentanyl drugs in the U.S., but globally

Biden renews a call for action on gun control following Michigan State mass shooting

By: - February 15, 2023

President Biden said there is more work to be done on gun control legislation, like banning assault-style weapons.

House GOP preps for debates on ‘parents’ rights,’ school vouchers and transgender athletes

By: - February 9, 2023

A House hearing Wednesday examined public funding for charter schools and voucher programs, as well as increasing parents’ oversight of school curriculum.

U.S. Senate Democrats unveil legislation to ban high-capacity gun magazines

By: - February 7, 2023

Sen. Bob Menendez called the proposal a "commonsense bill that will provide greater peace of mind to communities and families across the country."

White House targets economic development in Central America to reduce migration

By: - February 6, 2023

Ten private companies from Target to Nestlé are pledging $950 million to create economic development in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

Lengthy timeline for DACA legal fight puts lives on hold for years

By: - January 29, 2023

As the nation waits for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on the legality of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, DACA recipients’ lives are on hold.

Democrats in Congress condemn Biden administration expansion of Title 42

By: - January 26, 2023

Democrats expressed their “great concern” that the Biden administration is walking back on its promise to restore migrants’ access to asylum.

Wave of mass shootings prompts Biden to call yet again for assault weapons ban

By: - January 25, 2023

As of Tuesday evening, there have been 39 mass shootings this year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.

Members of Congress sign up for TikTok, despite security concerns

By: - January 21, 2023

While there are no laws banning lawmakers from using TikTok on their personal devices, cybersecurity experts have raised concerns over data collection for those members who deal with sensitive government topics.

U.S. House agriculture leaders discuss anti-hunger measures in upcoming farm bill

By: - January 18, 2023

Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, the new Agriculture Committee chair, said he wants to focus on making nutritious food available, and affordable.

Days after Indiana attack, White House vows to fight hate against Asian Americans

By: - January 18, 2023

Pew Research Center has found that a third of Asian Americans have changed their daily routes due to fear of violence.

New federal student loan repayment plan aimed at low-income borrowers

By: - January 11, 2023

Its unclear how the Department of Education would be able to finance the program, which has been criticized for leaving out graduate students and parental loans