Senate tries to score political points on way to budget vote
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate on Thursday launched a marathon session that will end with a vote on a budget plan after lawmakers weigh in on dozens of amendments that are likely to have more effect on campaign ads in 2016 than the final spendi…
Indiana governor signs religious freedom bill that could affect gays
(Reuters) – Indiana Governor Mike Pence on Thursday signed into law a controversial religious freedom bill that could allow businesses and individuals to deny services to gays, in a move that prompted protests from some business leaders.
Boehner, Pelosi show gridlock is not U.S. Congress’s only option
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Maybe it was the kiss that John Boehner planted on Nancy Pelosi’s cheek that early January day in front of the entire House of Representatives that should have provided a clue.
Head of U.S. Chemical Safety Board resigns: White House official
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The head of the U.S. Chemical Safety Board has resigned weeks after lawmakers with oversight of his agency accused him of hostility toward his staff, a White House official said on Thursday.
U.S. House okays bipartisan bill to fix Medicare doctor payments
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) – The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill to permanently repair the formula for reimbursing Medicare physicians, marking a rare bipartisan achievement and sending the issue next to the …
U.S. Senate votes unanimously for amendment to send message on Iran
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on Thursday for a non-binding amendment to a budget bill intended to make it easier to reimpose sanctions if Iran violates a nuclear deal.
Congressman asks pro sports leagues about their tax-exempt status
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Utah Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz has sent a letter to the NFL and nine other professional sports organizations seeking information about their tax-exempt status, his office said on Thursday.
Conservatives step up efforts to close U.S. Export-Import Bank
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. conservatives are increasing efforts to convince lawmakers to close the Export-Import Bank with a letter to Congress and targeted digital advertisements.
Obama discusses Yemen, Iran in call with Turkey’s Erdogan
WASHINGTON/ISTANBUL (Reuters) – President Barack Obama spoke with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday about pressing issues in the Middle East, including the crisis in Yemen, the White House said.
Wisconsin’s Walker denies changing stance on illegal immigrants
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Likely 2016 Republican U.S. presidential hopeful Scott Walker’s stance on illegal immigrants remains unchanged, his spokeswoman said on Thursday, disputing a report that he favored letting them stay in the country and eventually …
