David Sivak

Washington, D.C., United States

Congress and Campaigns Editor at Washington Examiner

Articles

Republicans frustrated as Trump ignores TikTok law again

1 week ago | denvergazette.com | David Sivak |Rachel Schilke

Lawmakers are growing increasingly frustrated with President Donald Trump’s decision to keep TikTok from going dark as he prepares to let the social media giant operate in the United States for another 90 days. Republicans want to see TikTok sold or shuttered, in compliance with a 2024 law that was supposed to force the app out of Chinese hands by Jan. 19. But Trump is now issuing his third extension of the year, a move that goes well beyond the initial 90-day grace period allowed by Congress.
Trump taps Morgan Ortagus for senior UN role after Middle East appointment

1 week ago | denvergazette.com | David Sivak

Morgan Ortagus has taken a new job in the Trump administration after several months serving as a deputy envoy to the Middle East. Starting this week, Ortagus began a senior political role at the United Nations, according to a source familiar with the matter. She previously oversaw Lebanon policy under Steve Witkoff, the lead Middle East envoy, and in Trump’s first term was his State Department spokeswoman.
Gabbard to reschedule Senate Intelligence briefing as Iran conflict escalates

1 week ago | denvergazette.com | Christian Datoc |David Sivak

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's briefing before the Senate Intelligence Committee was delayed on Wednesday as President Donald Trump weighs his options over the evolving situation in Iran. Trump administration officials and one Capitol Hill aide confirmed to the Washington Examiner that Gabbard planned to brief panel members at the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon but had to attend meetings at the White House instead.
Ron Johnson ramps up ‘big, beautiful bill’ opposition with release of deficit report

1 week ago | denvergazette.com | David Sivak

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) released his long-awaited report on deficit spending Wednesday as he digs in against President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”In the 31-page report, Johnson cites numbers and graphs to support his warning that he will oppose Trump’s tax bill without further spending reductions. In a press call ahead of its release, he concedes he is not an economist and that his figures could have flawed assumptions. Instead, Johnson described the report as an effort to spur debate.
Senate passes landmark cryptocurrency bill with Democratic help

1 week ago | denvergazette.com | David Sivak

The Senate passed a first-of-its-kind cryptocurrency bill Tuesday as a bloc of industry-friendly Democrats bucked their party to overcome weeks of legislative gridlock. The GENIUS Act, which creates a regulatory framework for stablecoins, a digital asset pegged to the dollar, earned the support of 18 Democrats and nearly all Republicans in a 68-30 vote. This brings cryptocurrency one step closer to the financial system’s mainstream. Just two Republicans, Sens.
Joni Ernst teases ‘big’ fall reelection announcement as challengers stack up

1 week ago | denvergazette.com | David Sivak

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) will not announce her reelection plans until the fall, leaving a question mark over her political future even as she staffs up her campaign. Ernst hired a campaign manager earlier this month, the latest sign that she is preparing to vie for a third term in the Senate, but the delay leaves room for months of speculation as a wave of candidates prepare to challenge her. “I will have my big announcement this fall,” she told the Washington Examiner in a brief interview on Monday.
Thune sends senators sprinting with new voting stop clock

1 week ago | denvergazette.com | David Sivak

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is drawing rare Democratic praise — and some GOP grumbling, too — over a new rule that has senators sprinting to the Senate floor to cast their votes. Senators now have 30 minutes to make their way to the chamber, or else GOP leaders will close the vote and record them as “not present.” The rule is designed to keep stragglers from holding up the entire body when multiple votes are scheduled in a row, though it does not apply to any that might be close.
Tim Kaine to force Senate vote on Trump authority to attack Iran

1 week ago | gazette.com | David Sivak

The Senate will vote on the United States’s involvement in Israeli operations against Iran, with a new Democratic-led resolution attempting to bar President Donald Trump from joining the conflict without the approval of Congress. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a resolution Monday that requires congressional debate and a vote before the U.S. takes any offensive measures against Iran.
GOP senators snap at Stephen Miller over Trump border wall funding - Washington Examiner

2 weeks ago | washingtonexaminer.com | David Sivak

Stephen Miller arrived on Capitol Hill Thursday to brief Senate Republicans on the White House's border wall request.
Lindsey Graham outflanks Rand Paul on border funding in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

2 weeks ago | gazette.com | David Sivak

Senate Republicans released dueling proposals to fund border security in President Donald Trump's “big, beautiful bill,” underscoring rare divisions over an issue that broadly unites the party. In legislative text circulated by the Senate Budget Committee on Thursday night, Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) earmarked tens of billions for border priorities, including wall construction and interior enforcement.