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.

U.S. Justice Department asks Supreme Court to take up abortion pill case

By: - September 8, 2023

The DOJ called on the Supreme Court to take up the case by arguing that lower courts erred in several ways, including by making “serious legal errors.”

Updated COVID-19 vaccines expected to be available in September, federal officials say

By: - August 25, 2023

A Biden official said one updated COVID-19 vaccine shows some promise against the EG.5 variant that makes up an increasing number of new cases.

Trump absent but still dominates as GOP presidential rivals clash at first debate

By: , and - August 24, 2023

Donald Trump instead recorded a competing interview with ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson that posted online minutes before the debate began.

FEMA’s disaster relief fund is running low on cash. What happens now?

By: - August 18, 2023

FEMA's disaster relief fund is in desperate need of cash, with the agency projecting at least a $4 billion deficit in the weeks ahead.

That 1% cut in federal spending in the debt limit law? It’s complicated. 

By: - August 17, 2023

The debt limit law Congress approved earlier this year included a much-publicized provision that would cut all federal spending by 1% absent a deal by Jan. 1.

Abortion pill to stay on the market until U.S. Supreme Court ruling after appeals court order

By: - August 16, 2023

The ruling means mifepristone, the first of two drugs used in medication abortion, remains legal and on the market in states that haven’t banned it.

Congress brought back earmarks. Now they’re one more point of drama in a divided House.

By: - August 10, 2023

A top House Republican said she plans to “tweak” how the chamber earmarks spending for community projects — infuriating Democrats.

Biden asks Congress for $40B for Ukraine aid, U.S. disaster response, border security

By: - August 10, 2023

The spending request comes in the middle of Congress’ annual August recess, giving lawmakers weeks to mull over the proposal.

How the fake electors in seven states are central to the Trump Jan. 6 indictment

By: and - August 3, 2023

The indictment says the central plot to overturn the election involved switching out legitimate slates of electors in multiple states Joe Biden had won with false electors recruited by Trump and his advisers.

Split in U.S. House GOP raises potential for government shutdown this fall

By: - August 2, 2023

The stalemate stems from a split among House Republicans about how much the government should spend and whether the bills should be filled with far-right policy objectives.

Congress, GOP presidential candidates react to Trump indictment

By: and - August 2, 2023

The indictment stems from Trump’s alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election after Election Day and leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of his supporters rioted at the Capitol.

‘Fueled by lies,’ Trump charged with seeking to overturn 2020 election

By: , and - August 1, 2023

The former president faces four charges stemming from his actions, including conspiracy to defraud the United States.