Author: Alan Fram
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GOP leaders unveil new health law outline, divisions remain
WASHINGTON — Top House Republicans unveiled a rough sketch of a massive health care overhaul to rank-and-file lawmakers Thursday, but a lack of detail, cost estimates and GOP unity left unresolved the problem that’s plagued them for years: What’s the party’s plan and can Congress pass it? At a closed-door meeting in the Capitol basement,…
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Senate confirms Sessions for attorney general
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Sen. Jeff Sessions to be attorney general in the Trump administration despite fierce Democratic opposition to the Alabama Republican over his record on civil rights and immigration. The 52-47 nearly party-line vote capped weeks of divisive battles over Sessions, an early supporter of President Donald Trump and one…
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18 million more uninsured if Obamacare killed, not replaced
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WASHINGTON — Insurance premiums would soar for millions of Americans and 18 million more would be uninsured in just one year if Republicans scuttle much of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul without a replacement,…
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Obama, Pence harden ‘Obamacare’ battle lines at Capitol
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save WASHINGTON — Hardening battle lines for the brawl to come, President Barack Obama urged congressional Democrats to “look out for the American people” in defending his legacy health care overhaul, while Vice President-elect Mike Pence…
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Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell: ‘The Russians are not our friends’
WASHINGTON — Congress’ top Republicans on Monday endorsed investigations into the CIA’s belief that Russia meddled in last month’s election to help Donald Trump win, suggesting potential battles ahead with the incoming commander in chief over Moscow and U.S. intelligence. “The Russians are not our friends,” declared Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell as GOP leaders…
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For Trump and GOP, ‘Obamacare’ repeal is complex and risky
WASHINGTON — Here’s the idea: Swiftly pass a repeal of President Barack Obama’s health care law, perhaps soon enough for Donald Trump to sign it the day he takes the presidential oath. Then approve legislation restructuring the nation’s huge and convoluted health care system — despite Republican divisions, Democratic opposition and millions of jittery constituents.…
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McConnell will lead Senate GOP, Schumer will lead Democrats
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans re-elected Mitch McConnell of Kentucky on Wednesday to be majority leader next year, keeping the respected legislative tactician at the forefront when the new Congress begins working on Donald Trump’s agenda. The chamber’s Democrats replaced their departing leader with Sen. Chuck Schumer, meaning the New Yorker will be Washington’s most powerful…
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GOP leaders approve convention rules, block insurgents
CLEVELAND — Over angry and prolonged objections from anti-Donald Trump forces, Republican Party leaders approved rules for their national convention on Monday and rejected demands for a state-by-state roll call vote, a discordant start to a gathering designed to project unity. Hundreds of socially conservative delegates opposed to nominating Trump bellowed in outrage after the…
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Melania Trump ignites GOP convention after gloom, turmoil
CLEVELAND — After a harsh primary, Donald Trump’s general election campaign officially opened with a warm and personal validation from his wife, Melania Trump, who kicked off the Republican convention by assuring voters that the brash candidate has the character and determination to unite a divided nation. “If you want someone to fight for you…
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Some on terror list can buy guns, and Dems try to capitalize
WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats hope to use the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history to force Republicans to either curb gun sales to known or suspected terrorists or take what could be politically damaging votes in an election year. Surprisingly to most Americans, being on the government’s terrorist watch list isn’t grounds to block…