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David Sherfinski

dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com

David Sherfinski covered politics for The Washington Times.

Articles by David Sherfinski

Military members have placed razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border, but the Pentagon says it has legal authority to build border fencing if it is deemed part of a counterdrug operation or part of a national emergency. (Associated Press/File)

Donald Trump: ‘National emergency’ lets military build border wall

President Trump said Sunday that he is considering declaring border security a national emergency and triggering presidential powers that would allow him to assign the military to build his border wall, and he promised a decision based on how shutdown negotiations go.

January 6, 2019
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Vice President Mike Pence and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner were meeting this weekend with staff members of House and Senate leadership. (Associated Press)

Shutdown stretches into third week; no end in sight

The White House and key lawmakers said Sunday that they don't foresee a quick end to a partial government shutdown that has now entered its third week, with both sides unwilling to budge in a standoff over money for President Trump's desired U.S.-Mexico border wall.

January 6, 2019
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California holds the gavel after at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

House adopts Democrats’ new rules package for 116th Congress

The House on Thursday voted to adopt Democrats' new rules for the chamber in the 116th Congress, including provisions intended to head off thorny debt ceiling battles, repeal tax cut-friendly budgeting, and reinstate "pay-as-you-go" rules opposed by some liberals.

January 3, 2019
In this file photo from Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, the House Chamber is seen at the close of business of the 114th Congress, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file)

House Democrats roll out rules package for new Congress

House leaders have announced a package of new chamber rules they plan to pass once the new Congress is sworn on Thursday that Democrats say are designed to boost transparency, promote input from rank-and-file members and help defuse perennial standoffs over issues like the debt ceiling.

January 2, 2019
"This ain't your granddaddy's Democratic Party," said Virginia Del. Tim Hugo, a Republican. Republicans hold only slight majorities in the state General Assembly. (Associated Press)

Virginia GOP grapples with state’s rapid shift to blue

They won all three top state offices in 2017, captured three House seats and held a Senate seat in 2018 -- and now Virginia Democrats say they're poised to gain control of the state legislature for the first time in two decades.

January 1, 2019