BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — America’s Democratic party must revitalize itself by paying attention to the people it represents all the time, not just during elections, the deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee said Thursday. U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, of Minnesota, and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, hammered home that message during a fundraiser … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — A House Democrat offered a resolution Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump but let it die before action was taken, saying he would force a vote later. The move by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, edged his party toward a confrontation craved by some of its most liberal supporters but opposed by many … Continue reading
CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner ended months of speculation Thursday and signed legislation allowing state health insurance and Medicaid coverage for abortions, a reversal of the first-term Republican’s stance on the proposal last spring. The Legislature, which is run by Democrats, approved the measure in May but delayed sending it to Rauner until … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — John McCain faced a choice that balanced friendship, party loyalty and his convictions. He made the decision some of his closest advisers expected. Looking at the twilight of his career and a grim cancer diagnosis, the Republican senator from Arizona who prides himself on an independent streak could not be moved … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Paul Ryan promised Monday that Washington will make sure that the people of hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico will “have what they need.” The Wisconsin Republican’s statement came as authorities struggle to provide adequate relief to the more than 3 million U.S. citizens on the island territory, which is without power and … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — With time growing short, President Donald Trump and Republican Senate leaders are engaged in a frantic search for votes in a last-ditch effort to repeal and replace the Obama health law. The outcome is uncertain in a Capitol newly engulfed in drama over health care. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump and Congress (all times local): 9:20 a.m. President Donald Trump is urging Republicans in Congress to start work immediately on a tax overhaul. On Twitter Friday, Trump tweeted: “Republicans must start the Tax Reform/Tax Cut legislation ASAP.” He added: “Don’t wait until the end of September. … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Some seek their distance, delicately taking issue with President Donald Trump’s most controversial remarks. Others decide it’s safer to stand by him. Most would rather say nothing at all. Under intense pressure, members of Trump’s Cabinet are struggling to walk the line between rebuking their notoriously thin-skinned boss and defending comments that … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and GOP leaders insisted Tuesday the Senate will vote soon on legislation to repeal and replace “Obamacare.” But even as senators headed toward the make-or-break vote before the Fourth of July, deep uncertainty remained about whether the emerging legislation would command enough support to pass. Meeting with Republican congressional … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Trump’s budget director insists the administration’s spending plans won’t cut Medicaid money, but by any conventional measure of federal financing the health care program for families and the poor is clearly on the chopping block. Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, while introducing the budget Tuesday: “There are … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are planning to meet with leaders of historically black colleges and universities in the nation’s capital to discuss ways to help the schools survive in challenging times. The meeting, spearheaded by South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina, will bring leaders from the nation’s 100-plus HBCUs … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans silenced Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren for criticizing colleague and Attorney General-designate Jeff Sessions with the words of Coretta Scott King from three decades ago. Warren, whose name has been prominent in speculation about the 2020 presidential race, was given a rare Senate rebuke Tuesday night for impugning a fellow senator … Continue reading
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte and New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan are getting ready for another Senate debate. Ayotte, a Republican seeking her second term in Washington, is being challenged by Hassan, a Democrat. They will meet on Friday for a debate that will air on WGIR radio. During a debate last … Continue reading
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia lawmakers are planning to hold a meeting to discuss the upcoming election with the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Elections and local registrars. The joint meeting of the Privileges and Elections Committees will be held Oct. 13. Republican lawmakers say some local registrars are concerned about a backlog of … Continue reading
CHICAGO (AP) — Republicans who are trying to keep their sole legislative seat in Chicago have spent more on television advertising there — $2 million — than for any other statehouse district race in the nation as they seek to loosen the Democrats’ grip on Illinois. The figures, highlighted in a report released Thursday by … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 