Author

Jennifer Shutt

Jennifer Shutt

Jennifer covers the nation’s capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include congressional policy, politics and legal challenges with a focus on health care, unemployment, housing and aid to families.

White House: U.S. Space Command to remain in Colorado, spurning Alabama

By: and - July 31, 2023

The decision comes as Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville continues to block hundreds of senior military promotions from moving forward in the U.S. Senate.

U.S. House spending bill for the VA renews fight over abortion access, transgender care

By: - July 27, 2023

The legislation would roll back a rule sought by the VA that would allow taxpayer funding of abortions when the health of a pregnant veteran is endangered.

‘We should not fear a government shutdown’: Far-right U.S. House members slam spending bills

By: - July 25, 2023

Virginia Rep. Bob Good said the GOP shouldn’t fear the impacts of a government shutdown on federal operations or the economy.

LGBTQ project funding in two states stripped by U.S. House Republicans from spending bill 

By: - July 19, 2023

One Democrat argued that his Republican colleagues were in a way endorsing anti-LGBTQ behavior by revoking funding for the projects.

Despite poor polling numbers, Kamala Harris viewed as key for Democrats in 2024

By: - July 13, 2023

Experts said Vice President Harris, however she may be perceived, will play a more prominent role in the campaign than other vice presidents — due in part to Biden’s age.

FEMA disaster relief fund faces August shortfall as feds scramble to find cash

By: - July 13, 2023

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund is on track to run out of money as soon as next month.

Higher taxes on the wealthy would bolster Social Security, U.S. Senate Dems argue

By: - July 12, 2023

U.S. senators debated how best to resolve a funding cliff within Social Security that will lead to a quarter reduction in benefits in about a decade.

Biden administration to crack down on ‘junk’ health insurance plans, surprise billing

By: - July 7, 2023

The Biden administration wants to rein in short-term health insurance plans and is advising hospitals how to curb surprise medical billing.

President Biden calls out Republicans who tout major legislation they opposed

By: - July 6, 2023

President Biden rebuked Republicans for voting against bills in Congress that are now providing billions in federal dollars. 

Where the GOP presidential candidates stand on national abortion bans, restrictions

By: - June 26, 2023

While some GOP presidential candidates are enthusiastic supporters of national abortion laws, others are unwilling to back the idea.

Biden at campaign rally warns national abortion ban is next

By: - June 24, 2023

Biden's comments came at a rally held the day before the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end the nationwide, constitutional right to an abortion.

U.S. Senate spending panel sets funding levels for annual bills 

By: - June 23, 2023

If Congress doesn’t pass all of the bills by Jan. 1, a provision from the debt limit bill would trigger a 1% across-the-board spending cut until Congress approves all the funding measures.