WASHINGTON — If President Trump and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wisconsin, had paid attention to Mitt Romney, they could have avoided the fiasco of their now dead and unmourned health-care bill. They would not now face a situation in which both of them are being blamed because they both deserve to be. And the […]
politics
Posted inNation / World
House approves bill that allows internet providers to sell customers’ data
WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has sent President Donald Trump legislation that would kill an online privacy regulation, a move that could eventually allow internet providers such as Comcast, AT&T and Verizon to sell the browsing habits of their customers. The Federal Communications Commission rule issued in October was designed to give consumers greater control over […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web, Uncategorized
Lawmakers consider $1.50-a-pack hike in cigarette tax
The Legislature’s Taxation Committee is considering a bill that would raise the state cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack. AUGUSTA — Proponents of raising the state tax on cigarettes by $1.50 per pack hope this session to overcome opposition that has stymied the anti-smoking effort for years. Sponsor Rep. Joyce “Jay” McCreight, D-Harpswell, called it […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web, Uncategorized
White House says it didn't stop Sally Yates' from testifying on Russia
White House press secretary Sean Spicer holds up a document concerning a Washington Post story on Sally Yates as he talks to the media during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Spicer discussed the Supreme Court nominee Justice Neil Gorsuch, jobs, healthcare, and other topics. WASHINGTON — […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web, Uncategorized
Sen. Susan Collins backs Judge Gorsuch, argues against filibuster
Calling on Democrats to “resist the temptation to filibuster a Supreme Court nominee who is unquestionably qualified,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said Tuesday she supports the appointment of Neil Gorsuch to fill a U.S. Supreme Court seat that’s been vacant for more than a year. After praising Gorsuch, the Maine Republican warned colleagues that “playing […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web, Uncategorized
White House proposes $18 billion cuts to fund border wall, Pentagon spending
WASHINGTON — The White House is calling for immediate budget cuts of $18 billion from programs like medical research, infrastructure and community development grants to help pay for the border wall that President Donald Trump repeatedly promised would be financed by Mexico. Like President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget, which was panned by Democrats and Republicans […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Gov. Paul LePage proposes tougher welfare law
In a State House news conference Tuesday, Gov. Paul LePage unveiled a bill that would make some of his administration’s welfare policies state law. Updated 1:20 p.m.: Gov. Paul LePage unveiled a proposal Tuesday that would enshrine a smattering of welfare changes enacted and proposed by his administration in Maine law, putting his stamp on […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Donald Trump takes aim at Obama's efforts to curb global warming
In this March 16, 2017, file photo, proposals for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in President Donald Trump’s first budget are displayed at the Government Printing Office in Washington. President Donald Trump will sign an executive order on March 29 that will suspend, rescind, or flag for review more than half-a-dozen measures that were part […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Maine lowers speed limit along stretch of Interstate 295
The Maine Department of Transportation reduced the speed limit on Interstate 295 between Falmouth and Brunswick from 70 mph to 65 mph Monday. FALMOUTH — Motorists traveling along a 22-mile stretch of Interstate 295 between Falmouth and Topsham will need to do so at a slower pace, effective immediately. The posted speed limit for that […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
King backs bill to expedite vets' appeals to Veterans Affairs
PORTLAND — A group of senators including Maine’s Sen. Angus King wants to overhaul the way the federal Department of Veterans Affairs handles appeals. King, an independent, is joining Democratic Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Jon Tester of Montana on the legislation. The senators say more than 450,000 appeals are pending before the VA […]