Congress turns GM probe focus to engineers, considers legislation
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. lawmakers investigating General Motors’ slow recall of 2.6 million cars are zeroing in on engineers and others who may have been aware of problems with ignition switches linked to at least 13 deaths.
U.S. may test influence at U.N. by denying visa to Iran envoy
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States may soon deny a visa to Iran’s proposed U.N. ambassador, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday, a rare and potentially precedent-setting step that would test U.S. influence over the world body.
Veto-wielding Maine Republican governor faces tough re-election fight
AUGUSTA, Maine (Reuters) – Maine Republican governor Paul LePage vetoed a bill Wednesday to expand Medicaid in his state, drawing a clear line between him and Democratic challenger U.S. Representative Mike Michaud, in one of the most closely contended …
Republican Rubio offers bill on new education financing vehicles
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a possible 2016 White House contender, unveiled legislation on Wednesday to broaden the use of financial vehicles known as “income share agreements” that students can use to fund their higher …
Ex-city officials in California accept plea deal in corruption case
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Five former elected officials from the scandal-plagued California city of Bell pleaded no contest on Wednesday to corruption charges, as cases wind to a close against a number of officials found to have stolen nearly $11 million…
Obama returns to Fort Hood for second memorial service in five years
FORT HOOD, Texas (Reuters) – As the U.S. flag snapped at half-staff in a stiff breeze, President Barack Obama for the second time in five years attended a solemn memorial service on Wednesday for victims of a tragic shooting at Fort Hood Army base.
FTC at full strength as Senate approves McSweeny
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved the nomination of Justice Department official Terrell McSweeny to be the third Democratic commissioner on the five-member Federal Trade Commission.
California fight for free preschool passes first hurdle
SACRAMENTO, California (Reuters) – A proposal to offer free preschool to all California four-year-olds passed its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday with support from Democrats but facing skepticism from Governor Jerry Brown and some educators that …
House panel urges prosecution for ex-IRS official in Tea Party case
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. House of Representatives committee has asked the Justice Department to consider criminal prosecution for a former U.S. Internal Revenue Service official who played a key role in last year’s Tea Party scandal at the IRS.
Bill seeks to block mandatory GMO food labeling by states
(Reuters) – A Republican congressman from Kansas introduced legislation on Wednesday that would nullify efforts in multiple states to require labeling of genetically modified foods.
