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Farmers likely to see more multinational trade deals crafted in Biden administration
WASHINGTON — American farmers who have gone through the drama and turbulence of trade and agriculture policy in the Trump administration can expect a far more sedate and multinational experience when President-elect Joe Biden takes office in January. On just the third day of his administration, President Donald Trump rattled world leaders and upended exports […]
Why D.C. lawmakers are voting remotely during the pandemic
WASHINGTON —U.S. House Republicans have a new line of attack against some Democrats — they charge they are failing to show up for work. The criticism refers to 2020’s practice of proxy voting in the House, which enables lawmakers of either party to cast votes even when they are not at the Capitol. The emergency […]
Axne prods Congress to help teachers as worries spread over going back to school
Teachers were feeling stressed out even before the pandemic began, and their anxieties have exploded as lawmakers and school leaders debate whether to launch in-person classes this fall. U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne of Iowa is hoping that her push to highlight teacher mental health in a House measure will prod Congress to do more to […]
House Dems pass massive infrastructure bill; Ohio GOP reps call it ‘not serious’ and a ‘partisan game’
When U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, a Republican from southeast Ohio, talks about the infrastructure needs of his district, he talks about how crucial better internet connections are for students, patients and entrepreneurs. He says Appalachia’s roads and bridges are too often neglected by state and federal officials who decide where to spend money for repairs. […]
Pandemic dims prospects for Brent Spence Bridge upgrade
WASHINGTON — The long-stalled effort to replace Brent Spence Bridge, a crucial Ohio River span that carries Interstates 71 and 75 between Cincinnati and its northern Kentucky suburbs, is likely to be further delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. For years, the obstacles preventing a new bridge from being built have been political and financial. The […]
COVID-19 pushes Postal Service’s finances to the brink
Everything from pharmaceutical deliveries to mail-in ballots could depend on whether Congress can shore up the agency’s finances. WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans are relying on the U.S. Postal Service for key supplies while they isolate themselves to slow the spread of COVID-19. But the Postal Service itself faces uncertain times ahead, as the economic […]
Trump reluctantly invoked an obscure wartime power. Here’s what it means.
WASHINGTON — As his administration came under fire for its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, President Donald Trump last week invoked an obscure Korean War-era law to force General Motors to manufacture ventilators that could save patients’ lives. But Trump waited weeks to do so, raising questions about how effective his actions would be. “Our […]