Representative Niki Tsongas News

The Pentagon's announcement Tuesday that the service branches and U.S. Special Operations command are moving ahead with plans to put women into combat positions sparked a range of reactions from supporters and opponents.

From left, Elaine T. Fluet, president and CEO of GVNA HealthCare in Gardner, and Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong at the "Our Time to Shine" Innovations Showcase and Star Awards of Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts in Boston.

Angered by the epidemic of sexual assault in the military, the House on Thursday endorsed a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison for a member of the armed services convicted of rape or sexual assault in a military court.

The House of Representatives has passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Michaud that would require any footwear provided to members of the Armed Forces upon initial entry be made in America.

A political action committee formed by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has raised nearly $229,000 during the first six months of the year, records show.

On Capitol Hill, the U.S. House of Representatives votes Friday on a defense spending bill that includes changes in how the military deals with allegations of sexual assault within its ranks.

The 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl who fought for a lung transplant has a difficult journey ahead.

Among the female lawmakers working on military sexual assault legislation stands Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio - not the only man working to change military law and procedure to better protect assault victims, but likely the most prominent.

A press release from Congresswoman Niki Tsongas's office announces that the effort to make the Nashua River one of the nation's Wild & Scenic Rives is moving forward.

Jim Ogonowski in Massachusetts was one of the top NRSC recruits for this cycle. An Air Force veteran and brother of one of the pilots who died in the 9/11 tragedy, Ogonowski lost a surprisingly close election for the U.S. House in 2007 to Democrat Niki Tsongas.

Two bills co-written by U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas that aim to cut down on sexual assault in the military and better defend victims are moving ahead with support in Congress.

Bay State Democrats are slamming the Obama administration's actions as "un-American" for secretly collecting phone records from millions of average citizens, demanding the federal government stop its sweeping spy programs.

Amid epidemic of sexual assaults within the military, the Senate Armed Services Committee holds a hearing on whether a drastic overhaul of the military justice system is needed.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, June 4, 2013, to to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on pending legislation regarding sexual assaults in the military.

Rep. Mike Turner took umbrage at a fellow Republicans' comments on sexual assault in the military Wednesday, saying they diminish the epidemic of sexual assault in the military.

Lawmakers outraged by sexual assaults in the military are moving swiftly to address the problem, tackling legislation that would strip commanders of their authority to overturn convictions in rape and assault cases.

When U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas strode onto the House floor for her first vote after her 2007 election, the energy of the male-dominated legislative body made her feel like she was walking off a playing field and into a locker room.

Determined to stop sexual assault in the military, Congress is spelling out for the services how far lawmakers are willing to go in changing the decades-old military justice system.

Here's a quick review of the seven women on the panel - in order of seniority - what they've said on the topic in recent days and information on the bills they've introduced or agreed to sponsor to help address the problem.

After serving in Niki Tsongas' Congressional Office for 51/2 years, I have witnessed firsthand how Niki has earned the support of thousands of voters.