Nevada Congressman seeks probe of armed militia operations at Bundy ranch
(Reuters) – A congressman is calling for a probe into the activities of armed militiamen who are supporting a Nevada cattleman in a high profile showdown with federal authorities over grazing rights, citing allegations they set up armed checkpoints on …
Senators blast watchdogs over widespread gold investment fraud
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Lawmakers scolded federal regulators for not doing enough to prevent scam artists from luring retirees into risky investments in precious metals, fraud from which has cost victims an estimated $300 million since 2001.
Florida legislature forbids use of foreign law in state court
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Reuters) – Florida legislators voted to forbid use of foreign law in state courts on Wednesday, despite arguments that the measure was a cheap shot intended to insult Muslims.
China, India named on U.S. piracy, patents black list
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States named China and India on a watch list for countries that aren’t doing enough to fight intellectual-property crimes, warning of trade-secret theft in China and the proliferation of generic drugs and counterfeitin…
Lawmakers seek end to U.S. reliance on Russian rocket engine
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Lawmakers called for a program to develop a next-generation liquid-fuel rocket engine within five years, proposing legislation aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on Russian engines to launch military and spy satellites.
Obamacare puts a floor under U.S. economy in first quarter
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – As the U.S. economy teetered on the brink of contraction in the first quarter, one thing stood out. Healthcare spending increased at its fastest pace in more than three decades.
Republican strategy memo focuses on Obamacare, not immigration
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A memo outlining the legislative agenda for Republicans in the House of Representatives lists replacement of President Barack Obama’s healthcare law as a priority for the coming weeks but does not mention plans to tackle immigrat…
Director of Defense Intelligence Agency announces retirement
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency and his deputy both announced on Wednesday they planned to retire this year, a Pentagon spokesman said.
Senate Republicans block Obama bid to hike minimum wage
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama blasted Senate Republicans on Wednesday just hours after they blocked one of his top legislative priorities, a bid to increase the federal minimum wage for the first time since 2009.
Senate to consider transportation funding at hearing
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on May 7 to discuss funding of the country’s surface transportation systems, including a $302 billion, four-year bill proposed by the Obama administration, the committee’s chairma…
