A pair of Democratic senators is touting tens of millions of dollars in federal funding they “secured” for local projects in their home state despite voting against the legislation. Opposing a White House-brokered funding deal that cleared Congress on Tuesday and was signed into law by President Donald Trump didn’t stop Sens.

State Representative James Talarico used the word “mediocre” in connection with a former House member who is Black. The controversy has repercussions for a key contest.

Government shutdown all but guaranteed as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says earliest action on Senate-passed spending bill is Monday, with two-thirds majority potentially needed.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., has separately vowed to hold up the nomination until the DOJ resolves its criminal investigation of Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

DALLAS — Tired of losing statewide, Texas Democrats say they want a fighter to flip a GOP-held Senate seat this year. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico are vying for it in a primary that so far has been an ice cream and cake affair,

Democrats flipped a state Senate district that President Donald Trump won by double digits. In a House election, the outcome slimmed the GOP’s margin further.

The deal could be approved by the Senate as early as Thursday night, but would still need House approval before midnight Friday to avert another government shutdown.

After a surprise Democratic win in a GOP-leaning Tarrant County state Senate runoff, Republican frustration has turned to blame. John Huffman, a former Southlake mayor who finished third in November’s special election for that seat,