senate Archives - TPR: The Public's Radio

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., seen here at his confirmation hearing on March 18, was confirmed to run the Department of Homeland Security.

NPR

Markwayne Mullin confirmed as the next secretary of Homeland Security

by Ximena Bustillo March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

The Oklahoma Republican comes to the helm in the midst of a shutdown that has left some 100,000 of the department’s more than a quarter-million employees working without pay.

Frank Costello, New York mobster, sits patiently in court in 1951.

NPR

75 years ago, a viral TV moment ignited America’s obsession with the Mafia

by Steve Drummond March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

Crooked contracts, bribery, shady characters. In 1951, millions tuned in to watch the Kefauver organized crime hearings, showing the power of television.

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) speaks during a news conference with immigration experts, DACA recipients, and Dreamers to mark the 13th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in Washington, D.C. on June 11, 2025.

NPR

Democrats push Homeland Security Department on DACA recipients

by Ximena Bustillo September 3, 2025September 3, 2025

After the agency called on DACA recipients to self-deport, Democrats are asking for answers on how mass deportations are affecting the group of immigrants also known as ‘DREAMers.’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., Tuesday.

NPR

Marco Rubio defends foreign affairs cuts and Trump’s Russia talks in Senate hearing

by Michele Kelemen May 20, 2025May 20, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is defending major cuts in the foreign affairs budget as he testifies on Tuesday before the Senate committee where he used to serve.

NPR

Trump backs House’s approach to budget plans to implement his agenda

by Barbara Sprunt February 19, 2025February 19, 2025

The chambers are at odds about the best way to approach President Trump’s legislative priorities, which could set them up for a showdown.

NPR

Trump’s FBI director pick, Kash Patel, faces confirmation hearing

by Ryan Lucas January 30, 2025January 30, 2025

Kash Patel, President Trump’s pick to run the FBI, answers questions Thursday in a public hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

NPR

Maryland Democrats pick Angela Alsobrooks to take on Hogan for open U.S. Senate seat

by Matt Bush May 14, 2024July 9, 2024

The former two-term governor’s win in Tuesday’s primary gives Republicans a chance at a Senate seat in deep blue state. Hogan will face Democrat and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

NPR

Black lawmakers reintroduce federal CROWN Act legislation to ban hair discrimination

by Jonathan Franklin May 3, 2024July 9, 2024

The bill which was previously passed in the House in 2019 and 2022 but blocked in the Senate, aims to end race-based hair discrimination in schools and workplaces.