The acting chair of the federal agency that enforces workers rights acknowledged during a Senate hearing Wednesday that transgender workers are protected under civil rights laws but defended her decision to drop lawsuits on their behalf, saying her agency is not independent and must comply with President Donald Trump’s orders.

Resources are pouring into the few truly competitive congressional races expected to help determine the balance of power in Washington next year.

A longshot bid to temporarily double a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions for most married couples went down to defeat in the House.