WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-led House pushed toward approval of a sweeping Russia sanctions bill that bars President Donald Trump from easing the penalties without first getting permission from Congress, a demand that could imperil his bid for better relations with Moscow. Lawmakers on Tuesday are expected to overwhelmingly pass the popular bill, which aims […]
Congress
Posted inMaine, sj-web
A Maine congressman died in a duel with fellow House member in 1838
AUGUSTA — Before U.S. Sen. Susan Collins agrees to a duel with a Texas congressman angry at her refusal to back GOP healthcare plans, the Maine Republican might want to consider the fate of one of her Pine Tree State predecessors on Capitol Hill. Back in 1838, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Cilley of Maine, a lawyer […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Texas congressman suggests he'd like to challenge Susan Collins to duel
A Texas congressman raised the possibility of a duel with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins during a radio interview Friday. U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, a Republican, told a Corpus Christi radio host that the GOP’s health care bill was sidelined by women senators. “The fact that the Senate does not have the courage to do some […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Democrats searching for candidate who can beat Bruce Poliquin
AUGUSTA — For some Democrats, Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin’s vote this spring in favor of a health care bill that even President Donald Trump called “mean” threw open a door for a challenger to unseat the two-term incumbent. Poliquin “can’t turn back time and undo the damaging vote he took to kick 23 million […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Jared Kushner denies collusion with Russia, says he has 'nothing to hide'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner is denying that President Donald Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia, saying in a statement ahead of congressional interviews that he has “nothing to hide.” The 11-page statement provided to The Associated Press by a representative Monday details four contacts with Russians during Trump’s campaign and transition. […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Congress achieves bipartisan failure on Obamacare
By Megan McArdle Bloomberg View For months, I’ve been watching in a sort of wonder as Republicans crafted the most unpopular major bill in living memory. Could they really mean to make a suicide charge at this –not some longstanding Republican goal, like dismantling the welfare state or slashing through the regulatory thicket, but pushing […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Donald Trump blasts Congress over failure of GOP health care bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump blasted congressional Democrats and “a few Republicans” Tuesday over the failure of the GOP effort to rewrite the Obama health care law, and warned, “we will return.” Trump’s early morning tweet unleashed a barrage of criticism at Congress over the collapse of the GOP’s flagship legislative priority. For seven […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
New GOP health bill contains cheaper plan sought by Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a high-stakes bid for conservative support, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has agreed to demands from Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas to allow insurers to sell low-cost, skimpier plans as part of a new but still-reeling health care bill being released Thursday, two GOP aides said. However, including that provision […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
House reaches deal on biggest expansion of GI Bill in decade
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 […]
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 […]