WASHINGTON — A global computer chip shortage has made it harder for consumers to get their hands on cars, computers and other modern-day necessities, so Congress is looking to boost chip manufacturing and research in the United States with billions of dollars from the federal government.
April 18, 2022Kevin Freking
Government, Business, Technology 
A 300-millimeter wafer used for semiconductor research. (Olivier Matthys/Bloomberg News)
Congress Seeks Compromise to Boost Computer Chip Industry
A 300-millimeter wafer used for semiconductor research. (Olivier Matthys/Bloomberg News) Government, Business, Safety 
The Senate side of the U.S. Capitol. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
Senate Resolution Rejects Vaccine Mandate for Private Employers
The Senate side of the U.S. Capitol. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)WASHINGTON — The Senate narrowly approved a resolution Dec. 8 to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.
December 8, 2021 Government 
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) looks over the final version of the bill to increase the debt limit. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)
House Sends Debt Limit Hike to Biden, Staving Off Default
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) looks over the final version of the bill to increase the debt limit. (J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press)WASHINGTON — Members of the House on Oct. 12 pushed through a short-term increase to the nation’s debt limit, ensuring the federal government can continue fully paying its bills into December and temporarily averting an unprecedented default that would have decimated the economy.
October 12, 2021 Government, Business 
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York holds a news conference March 25. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool via AP)
Senate Extends PPP Deadline by Two Months
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York holds a news conference March 25. (Jonathan Ernst/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON — The Senate on March 25 passed a bill to extend the deadline for business owners to apply for forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, giving applicants two more months to apply for federal aid. The vote was 92-7.
March 25, 2021