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Sen. Sherrod Brown says of GOP colleagues: ‘They think the president lies too much’
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are largely united in their public defense of President Donald Trump as his impeachment trial proceeds in the U.S. Senate. But that’s not the reality behind closed doors, according to Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. “I spend a lot of time talking to Republican colleagues … and I know what a […]
U.S. House votes to torpedo DeVos student loan rule
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed a resolution Thursday that would overturn a Trump administration rule that critics say guts protections for defrauded student loan borrowers. The resolution expresses congressional disapproval of the so-called borrower defense rule, which was revised by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. Led by Nevada Democratic Rep. Susie Lee, the resolution was […]
U.S. House to vote on upending DeVos student loan forgiveness policy
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House is expected to vote this week on a resolution that would overturn a federal rule that critics say guts protections for defrauded student loan borrowers. The resolution — led by Nevada Democratic Rep. Susie Lee — expresses congressional disapproval of the so-called borrower defense rule, which was revised by President […]
U.S. House votes to crack down on toxic chemicals; Trump threatens veto
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House voted Friday to pass a comprehensive legislative package that would crack down on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of chemicals known as PFAS that are said to cause serious health problems. Used in tape, nonstick pans and other everyday substances, PFAS have been linked to cancer, decreased fertility, developmental […]
Ohio is likely to lose a congressional seat. Here’s why that’s a huge deal
WASHINGTON — Ohio is projected to lose a U.S. House seat in the coming years, new data show — a change that would diminish the state’s influence in national politics and could lead to less money for federally funded projects and services like roads and health care facilities. “It’s virtually certain that we will be […]
Trump has appointed judges at a breakneck speed. More are coming
WASHINGTON — The GOP-controlled U.S. Senate heads into 2020 with few major legislative victories but a significant one on the judicial front: a dramatic reshaping of the federal bench. Over the past three years, the Senate has confirmed 185 of President Trump’s judicial nominees, more than any of the last five presidents at the same […]
Landmark prescription drug pricing bill clears U.S. House
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed a landmark health care measure Thursday that proponents say would dramatically reduce the rising cost of prescription drugs and significantly expand access to health care benefits and services. The sweeping legislation passed largely along party lines, with 230 lawmakers voting for it and 192 against. Only two House Republicans […]
Provisions to address toxic ‘forever chemicals’ struck from must-pass defense bill
WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats and environmental advocates suffered a stinging setback with the release of a defense policy bill this week that lacks key provisions to crack down on a widespread class of chemicals linked to serious health problems. The must-pass legislation represented the lawmakers’ best hope this year for enacting a comprehensive set of […]
Democrats, Trump declare victory on massive trade deal
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats have worked out key differences with the Trump administration over a massive trade deal, allowing both sides to declare a legislative victory on the same day the House unveiled articles of impeachment against the president. If ratified, the deal would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which took […]
U.S. House to hold hearing on universal health care coverage proposals
WASHINGTON — Toward the end of his life, the late U.S. Rep. John Dingell Jr. reportedly asked his wife to carry the torch on his family’s signature cause: progressive health care reform. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, (D-Mich.) has made good on that promise during her three terms in Congress — and will continue to do […]
Massive trade deal presents political conundrum for Democrats
WASHINGTON — With only a few legislative days left before Congress adjourns for the year, House Democrats are eager to show that they can legislate while also pursuing an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. A massive trade deal represents their best shot at showing they can do so — but passing it would hand […]