Sen. Susan Collins is in the pressure cooker heading into a crucial vote on tax reform next week, targeted by protesters in Maine and Washington, lobbyists both for and against the bill, Republican leadership and health care advocates. Progressive activists were arrested at Collins’ Bangor office on Dec. 4 and clergy were arrested at her […]
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Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Ample tax cuts for business, wealthy in new GOP tax accord
WASHINGTON (AP) — Generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans would be delivered in a sweeping overhaul of the tax laws, under a new agreement crafted by Republicans in Congress. Middle- and low-income families would receive smaller tax cuts, though President Donald Trump and Republican leaders have billed the package as a huge […]
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House, Senate leaders reach deal on tax package
WASHINGTON (AP) — House and Senate GOP leaders forged an agreement Wednesday on a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s tax laws, paving the way for final votes next week to slash taxes for businesses and give many Americans modest tax cuts starting next year.Top GOP aides said lawmakers had reached an agreement in principle on […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Bates College president blasts proposed cuts for higher education in tax bill
LEWISTON — Bates College President Clayton Spencer blasted a controversial tax measure Tuesday that Congress appears poised to pass this month as “an assault on educational opportunity.” Spencer said the $71 billion the bill would take from higher education would hurt students, families and America’s colleges and universities. It would also undermine “the engine of […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Despite criticism, Susan Collins is confident that GOP leaders will stand by their word
Swirling through the political world this week is a growing debate about whether U.S. Sen. Susan Collins got snookered, hornswoggled or duped by Republican leaders to gain her vote in favor of a controversial tax overhaul. The Maine Republican cast her ballot for the $1.5 trillion proposal at least in part because she secured a promise from […]
Posted inNation / World
Neither Democrats or Republicans have unity over how to avoid shutdown
House Republicans were unsettled Tuesday about how to keep the federal government open after Friday, hours after a group of hard-line conservatives threatened to derail the GOP’s high-profile tax bill in a bid to change developing plans to avoid a shutdown. Democrats, meanwhile, have yet to lay out how they intend to approach the coming […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Donald Trump urges House GOP to OK tax bill; Senate fate less clear
President Donald Trump arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017. Trump arrived at the Capitol for a pep rally with House Republicans, shortly before the chamber was expected to approve the tax bill over solid Democratic opposition. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump urged House Republicans Thursday to approve […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bruce Poliquin says Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore should drop out
Joining a growing number of lawmakers in Washington, U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin said Wednesday that after reviewing the allegations against Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, he believes the Republican “should drop out of this race.” Poliquin, who is among the few Republican House members to support new measures to crack down on sexual harassment in […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bruce Poliquin says he favors tax overhaul plan
Citing a desire to help families and spur growth, U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin said Tuesday he plans to vote in favor of a controversial tax bill Thursday that critics say favors the wealthiest Americans. Poliquin, a 2nd District Republican, said he’s worked hard to make the measure “very pro-family” and a solid step forward for […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bruce Poliquin backs sexual harassment training for members of Congress
In the wake of reports that female lawmakers were harassed by U.S. House colleagues, a Maine congressman is among those pushing for mandatory, annual sexual harassment training. “It is fundamental to an employee’s safety for he or she to always feel comfortable at their workplace, and it’s past time Capitol Hill move in that direction,” […]