WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional Republicans and Democrats have reached initial agreement on the biggest expansion of college aid for military veterans in a decade, removing a 15-year time limit to tap into benefits and boosting money for thousands in the National Guard and Reserve. The deal being announced early Thursday is a sweeping effort to […]
Congress
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Donald Trump's FBI pick to face questions about independence
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI faces a confirmation hearing Wednesday that will undoubtedly focus on the political tumult surrounding his nomination, with both Democrats and Republicans seeking assurances of his independence from the White House. Christopher Wray, 50, would inherit the nation’s top law enforcement agency at a particularly […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Restaurant owner, mail carrier to challenge Poliquin for House seat
AUGUSTA (AP) — A Bar Harbor restaurant owner and Dexter mail carrier say they will run to oust U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin next year. Democrats Tim Rich and Phil Cleaves have filed the paperwork with federal election officials to run to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District. Rich told Maine Public that Poliquin is wrong on […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
McConnell says he'll rework health bill, but offers Plan B
GLASGOW, Ky. (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he plans to produce a fresh bill in about a week scuttling and replacing much of President Barack Obama’s health care law. But he’s also acknowledging a Plan B if that effort continues to flounder. “If my side is unable to agree on an adequate […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
GOP voters blame Congress, not Trump, for lack of progress
NEW YORK (AP) — In firm control of the federal government, President Donald Trump and his Republican Party have so far failed to deliver on core campaign promises on health care, taxes and infrastructure. But in New York’s Trump Tower cafe, the Gentry family blames Congress, not the president. Like many Trump voters across America, […]
Posted inPerspective, sj-web
Housing stipend for Congress? Here's a better way
Does anyone pity the poor congressman? He spends much of his life on the road, eating rubber chicken or repugnant local specialties, in between making a few speeches and shaking a whole lot of hands. And when he comes off the road, he generally does not go home to whatever fair district where he once […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Senate GOP releases health care bill that cuts Medicaid, alters 'Obamacare'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans released their long-awaited bill Thursday to dismantle much of Barack Obama’s health care law, proposing to cut Medicaid and erase tax boosts that helped Obama finance his expansion of coverage. The measure encountered immediate trouble as four GOP senators said they opposed it but were open to negotiations. The bill […]
Posted inNation / World
Congress seeks normalcy, heads back to work after shooting
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — The business of the House was resuming a day after a rifle-wielding attacker opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing for a charity baseball game, critically wounding House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and hitting aides and Capitol police. The assailant, who had nursed grievances against President Donald Trump and the […]
Posted inNation / World
A.G. Jeff Sessions to testify as Republicans prod Trump on tapes
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Jeff Sessions is preparing to face former Senate colleagues over his role in the controversy around ties between the Trump campaign and Russia, part of an escalating investigation into possible Russian meddling in the 2016 elections. Sessions is scheduled to testify Tuesday before the Senate Intelligence committee and was due […]
Posted inNation / World
Donald Trump declares ‘total vindication’ in tweets on Comey
Great reporting by @foxandfriends and so many others. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2017 Despite so many false statements and lies, total and complete vindication…and WOW, Comey is a leaker! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2017 WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday broke his silence on Twitter […]