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Articles by Andrew Taylor
Coronavirus Relief Talks Collapse on Capitol Hill, as Millions of Unemployed Americans Lose Enhanced Benefits
(WASHINGTON) — A last-ditch effort by Democrats to revive Capitol Hill talks on vital COVID-19 rescue money collapsed in disappointment at week’s end, making it increasingly likely that Washington gridlock will mean more hardship for millions of people who are losing enhanced jobless benefits and further damage for an economy pummeled by the still-raging coronavirus.
COVID-19 Relief Talks Stretch On After $600 Benefit Expires
(WASHINGTON) — With political pressure rising, talks on a huge coronavirus relief measure resumed on Saturday, focused on restoring a newly expired $600-per-week supplemental unemployment benefit, a fresh $1,200 direct payment to most Americans, and hundreds of billions of dollars in other aid to states, businesses and the poor. President Donald Trump is eager for an agreement, but talks so far have not yielded progress.
GOP Tucks $8 Billion For Military Weaponry in Coronavirus Response Package
(WASHINGTON) — A new $1 trillion COVID-19 response package by Senate Republicans is supposed to give the government more weapons to battle the surging coronavirus pandemic. But GOP lawmakers have more than just the “invisible enemy” in mind. The Republican measure includes billions for F-35 fighters, Apache helicopters and infantry carriers sought by Washington’s powerful defense lobby.
John Lewis Lies in State at U.S. Capitol as Mourners Pay Tribute
(WASHINGTON) — The body of the late Rep. John Lewis arrived at the U.S. Capitol, where he will lie in state as lawmakers pay tribute to the long-time Georgia lawmaker and icon of the civil rights movement. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led a delegation Monday to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to greet Lewis’s flag-draped casket.
Senate Temporarily Extends Small Business Coronavirus Relief Program
(WASHINGTON) — Democrats drove a temporary extension of a popular subsidy program for small businesses through the GOP-controlled Senate late Tuesday, an unexpected development that came as spikes in coronavirus cases in many states are causing renewed shutdowns of bars and other businesses. The move by Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin came hours before a deadline for applying for the program, which was created in March and modified twice since.
Sen. McConnell 'OK' With Removing Confederate Names From Military Bases
WASHINGTON — Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he’s “OK” with renaming military bases such as Ft. Bragg that are named after Confederate Army officers, declining to side with President Donald Trump and other Republicans opposed to the move. The Kentucky senator said he’ll live with whatever lawmakers decide as they debate an annual defense policy bill for the military in the coming weeks. Trump has blasted the calls to rename the military bases.
Mitt Romney Pledges to 'Stay Quiet' on His 2020 Presidential Vote
Utah Sen. Mitt Romney on Monday became the latest prominent Republican to cast doubt on his support for President Donald Trump's reelection.
Jobs Report Fuels GOP Desire to Pause More Coronavirus Aid
(WASHINGTON)—A stronger than expected jobs report could further scramble an already uncertain picture for passing a fifth and possibly final coronavirus aid bill. The positive statistics are feeding the wait-and-see approach of the White House and its GOP allies in Congress. Republicans say the numbers vindicate their decision to take a pause and assess the almost $3 trillion in assistance they already have approved.
Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris Emotionally Call on Rand Paul to Allow Anti-Lynching Bill to Pass
(WASHINGTON) — A Senate impasse over a widely backed bill to designate lynching as a federal hate crime boiled over on Thursday in an emotional debate cast against a backdrop of widespread protests over police treatment of African Americans. Raw feelings were evident as Sen. Rand Paul — who is single-handedly holding up the bill despite letting it pass last year — sought changes to the legislation as a condition of allowing it to pass.
Democrats Push Contentious $3 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package Through House
(Washington D.C.) — Democrats have powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House, an election-year measure designed to brace a U.S. economy in free fall and a health care system struggling to contain a pandemic still pummeling the country. Friday’s 208-199 vote, with all but one Republican opposed, advances what boils down to a campaign-season display of Democratic economic and health-care priorities.
House to Vote on Another COVID-19 Rescue Bill, Despite GOP Skeptics
(Washington D.C.) — The Democratic-controlled House is pressing ahead Friday with votes on another massive rescue bill that would pump almost $1 trillion to state and local governments, renew $1,200 cash payments for individuals, and extend a $600 weekly supplemental federal unemployment benefit.
Nancy Pelosi Unveils Democrats' $3 Trillion Coronavirus Aid Package
(WASHINGTON) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a more than $3 trillion coronavirus aid package Tuesday, providing nearly $1 trillion for states and cities, “hazard pay” for essential workers and a new round of cash payments to individuals. The House is expected to vote on the package as soon as Friday, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said there is no “urgency.” The Senate will wait until after Memorial Day to act.
Inquiry: Pell knew of abuse by Australian pedophile priest
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian Cardinal George Pell knew that a notorious pedophile priest had been sexually abusing children years before his arrest and had been aware of the Catholic Church's clergy abuse problem since the early 1970s, a government inquiry concluded.
Trump Set to Sign Bill With Nearly $500 Billion More in Coronavirus Aid
(WASHINGTON) — President Donald Trump will be holding a signing ceremony Friday for a bill providing a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.
Masked House Members Debate $500 Billion Coronavirus Aid Package as 26 Million Americans File for Unemployment
(WASHINGTON) — A nearly $500 billion measure helping businesses and hospitals ride out the coronavirus’ devastation edged toward House passage Thursday, as lawmakers’ face masks and bandannas added an eerie tone to Congress’ effort to aid a staggered nation. “Millions of people out of work,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “This is really a very, very, very sad day.
Senate Approves $500B Coronavirus Aid Deal, Sending It to the House
WASHINGTON — A nearly $500 billion coronavirus aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing. It now goes to the House. Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans, and President Donald Trump tweeted his support pledging to sign it into law.
Maine Senator to Vice President Pence: Failed COVID-19 Testing Is a 'Dereliction of Duty'
WASHINGTON — Frustration boiled over into anger on a private call with Vice President Mike Pence as Democratic senators questioned administration officials about coronavirus testing plans but left without adequate answers. At one point in the Friday call, Maine Sen.
House Plan on $2.2 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package Hits Last-Minute Snag
(WASHINGTON) — House leaders’ plan for swift action on a $2.2 trillion package to ease the coronavirus pandemic ‘s devastating toll on the U.S. economy and health care system ran into complications Friday as a maverick conservative threatened to delay passage until most lawmakers return to Washington for a vote. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who’s opposed to the massive bill,set the House on edge by threatening to try to force a roll call vote.
Congress Again Fails to Agree on $2 Trillion Coronavirus Package
(WASHINGTON) — Tensions flared Monday as Washington strained to respond to the worsening coronavirus outbreak, with Congress arguing over a nearly $2 trillion economic rescue package and an impatient President Donald Trump musing openly about letting the 15-day shutdown expire.
Economic rescue package balloons past $1 trillion as talks resume
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Economic Rescue Package Balloons Past $1 Trillion as Talks Resume
(WASHINGTON) — Negotiators from Congress and the White House were resuming top-level talks Saturday on a ballooning $1 trillion-plus economic rescue package, racing to strike a deal after President Donald Trump unleashed fury on those questioning his handling of the coronavirus outbreak. It was an extraordinary moment in Washington: Congress undertaking the most ambitious federal effort yet to shore up households and the U.S. economy and an angry president lashing out at all comers.
New White House Coronavirus Guidelines Tell Older People to Stay Home, All Ages to Avoid Groups of More Than 10
WASHINGTON — Racing to stall an expected surge of coronavirus cases, the White House on Monday released a series of sweeping guidelines that for the next 15 days will temporarily rewrite the norms of American society. President Donald Trump, employing a newly somber tone about the crisis enveloping the globe, urged all older Americans to stay home and everyone to avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants.
Trump Declares a National Emergency Amid National Coronavirus Outbreaks
(WASHINGTON) — President Donald Trump announced Friday that he is declaring the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, as Washington struggles with providing Americans with relief and officials race to slow the spread of the outbreak. Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency.” He said the emergency would open up $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak.
Trump Suspends All Travel Between U.S. and Europe in Bid to Fight Coronavirus
(WASHINGTON) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is suspending all travel between the U.S. and Europe for 30 days beginning Friday as he seeks to combat a viral pandemic. Trump made the announcement in an Oval Office address to the nation, blaming the European Union for not acting quickly enough to address the novel coronavirus and saying U.S. clusters were “seeded” by European travelers.
Senate Overwhelmingly Approves $8.3 Billion Bill to Fight Coronavirus
(WASHINGTON) — The Senate passed an $8.3 billion measure Thursday to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak in hopes of reassuring a fearful public and accelerating the government’s response to the virus, whose rapid spread is threatening to upend everyday life in the U.S. and across the globe.
Coronavirus in US: Deal reached on bipartisan $8.3B bill to battle viral outbreak
The House will vote on the deal later Wednesday and Senate leaders are pressing for a vote in that chamber by the end of the week. The agreement was announced by spokespersons for the house and Senate Appropriations panels who negotiated the legislation.
Coronavirus in US: Deal reached on bipartisan $8.3B bill to battle viral outbreak
The House will vote on the deal later Wednesday and Senate leaders are pressing for a vote in that chamber by the end of the week. The agreement was announced by spokespersons for the house and Senate Appropriations panels who negotiated the legislation.
Coronavirus in US: Deal reached on bipartisan $8.3B bill to battle viral outbreak
The House will vote on the deal later Wednesday and Senate leaders are pressing for a vote in that chamber by the end of the week. The agreement was announced by spokespersons for the house and Senate Appropriations panels who negotiated the legislation.
Coronavirus in US: Deal reached on bipartisan $8.3B bill to battle viral outbreak
The House will vote on the deal later Wednesday and Senate leaders are pressing for a vote in that chamber by the end of the week. The agreement was announced by spokespersons for the house and Senate Appropriations panels who negotiated the legislation.
Coronavirus in US: Deal reached on bipartisan $8.3B bill to battle viral outbreak
The House will vote on the deal later Wednesday and Senate leaders are pressing for a vote in that chamber by the end of the week. The agreement was announced by spokespersons for the house and Senate Appropriations panels who negotiated the legislation.
Coronavirus in US: Deal reached on bipartisan $8.3B bill to battle viral outbreak
The House will vote on the deal later Wednesday and Senate leaders are pressing for a vote in that chamber by the end of the week. The agreement was announced by spokespersons for the house and Senate Appropriations panels who negotiated the legislation.
Congressional Negotiators Reach $8.3 Billion Bipartisan Agreement to Battle Coronavirus
(WASHINGTON) — Capitol Hill negotiators have reached agreement on an $8.3 billion measure to battle the coronavirus outbreak that’s spreading and threatening a major shock to the economy and disruptions to everyday life in the U.S. The House will vote on the deal later Wednesday and Senate leaders are pressing for a vote in that chamber by the end of the week. The legislation came together unusually quickly, a rarity in a deeply polarized Washington.
President Trump Signs $8.3 Billion Bill to Fight Coronavirus
(WASHINGTON) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed an $8.3 billion measure to help tackle the coronavirus outbreak that has killed 12 people in the U.S. and infected more than 200. The legislation provides federal public health agencies with money for vaccines, tests and potential treatments and helps state and local governments prepare and respond to the threat.
President Trump's Fiscal 2021 Budget Plan Expected to Face Skepticism
(WASHINGTON) — Confronted with trillion-dollar-plus deficits for as far as the eye can see, President Donald Trump is offering a budget plan that rehashes previously rejected spending cuts while leaving Social Security and Medicare benefits untouched.
U.S. Budget Deficit Expected to Pass $1 Trillion This Year
(WASHINGTON) — An annual congressional report says the U.S. budget deficit is likely to burst through the symbolic $1 trillion barrier this year despite a healthy economy. The Congressional Budget Office report follows a burst of new spending last year and the repeal in December of several taxes used to help finance the Affordable Care Act. Those have combined to deepen the government’s deficit spiral well on into the future, with trillion-dollar deficits likely for as far as the eye can see.
Negotiators Announce Tentative Deal on Government-Wide Spending Bill to Avoid Federal Shutdown
(WASHINGTON) — Senior lawmakers announced a tentative agreement Thursday on an almost $1.4 trillion government-wide spending bill that would stave off a federal shutdown next weekend and split the differences on a number of contentious issues. The handshake agreement was announced by the chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., and other top members of Congress. “There’s a meeting of the minds,” Lowey said.
Pelosi Announces New North American Trade Pact Agreement
(WASHINGTON) –– House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced agreement on a modified North American trade pact, handing President Donald Trump a major Capitol Hill win on the same day that Democrats announced their impeachment charges against him. The California Democrat said the revamped U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a significant improvement over the original North American Free Trade Agreement, crediting Democratic negotiators for winning stronger provisions on enforcing the agreement.
House Democrats, White House Reach Tentative Agreement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Deal
(WASHINGTON) — House Democrats have reached a tentative agreement with labor leaders and the White House over a rewrite of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal that has been a top priority for President Donald Trump. That’s according to a Democratic aide not authorized to discuss the talks and granted anonymity. Details still need to be finalized and the U.S. Trade Representative will need to submit the implementing legislation to Congress. No vote has been scheduled.
Report: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Picks GOP Donor Kelly Loeffler for Senate Seat
(ATLANTA) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has decided to appoint a Republican donor and financial services executive for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by three-term Sen. Johnny Isakson, a GOP political consultant told The Associated Press on Monday. His choice of Kelly Loeffler, a political newcomer, defies Republicans who had pushed him to choose Rep. Doug Collins, one of the staunchest defenders of President Donald Trump.
Senate Passes Temporary Spending Bill, Averting Shutdown
(WASHINGTON) — The Republican-held Senate has passed a temporary government-wide spending bill that would keep federal agencies up and running through Dec. 20 and avert a government shutdown after midnight Thursday. The spending bill, passed by a 74-20 vote, would keep federal the government open for another month in hopes the additional time will help negotiators wrap up more than $1.4 trillion in unfinished appropriations bills. The measure now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Democrats Protest Trump's $200M Transfer of Funds From Pentagon Anti-Drug Efforts to Border Wall
(WASHINGTON) — President Donald Trump has quietly transferred more than $200 million from Pentagon counterdrug efforts toward building his long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. That’s according to Democrats protesting the move, which would shift $129 million to wall construction from anti-drug efforts in Afghanistan — the source of perhaps 90 percent of the world’s heroin — along with $90 million freed up by passage of a stopgap funding bill. Sen.
House Attempts to Overturn Border Wall Provisions, But Trump Likely to Veto
(WASHINGTON) — The Democratic-controlled House is making a second attempt to overturn President Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers to raid military base projects such as schools and target ranges to pay for his long-promised border fence. The 236-174 vote sent the legislation to Trump, who is sure to veto it just as he killed a similar measure in March. The Senate passed the measure last week with about a dozen veteran Republican lawmakers rebuking Trump.
Trump Delayed U.S. Military Aid to Ukraine: What We Know and Why It Matters
The Trump administration's delayed release of $250 million in military aid to Ukraine is coming under new scrutiny in light of a whistleblower complaint about President Donald Trump. Here's a look at what's known about the gap in U.S. assistance. Help against Russian aggression The United States began providing military aid to the government of Ukraine shortly after Russia illegally annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014.
House Passes Spending Bill to Prevent Possible Government Shutdown
(WASHINGTON) — The House has passed a short-term ending bill to prevent a federal shutdown when the budget year ends Sept. 30. The bipartisan measure, approved by a 301-123 vote, would give lawmakers until the Thanksgiving break to negotiate and pass $1.4 trillion worth of annual agency spending bills. The Senate is scheduled to approve the stopgap measure next week.
Republicans Reject Cuts to Wall Funding, While Democrats Threaten Filibuster
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Republican-controlled Senate committee on Thursday rejected Democratic attempts to cut President Donald Trump’s latest border wall request and prevent him from again funding the project without congressional approval. Democrats threatened to filibuster a Pentagon spending bill.
Abortion, Border Wall Put Major Spending Bills Into Disarray
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fights over abortion and President Donald Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall have thrown Senate efforts to advance $1.4 trillion worth of agency spending bills into disarray, threatening one of Washington’s few bipartisan accomplishments this year. A government shutdown remains unlikely, but agencies face weeks or months on autopilot while frozen at this year’s levels if the logjam isn’t broken. At issue are 12 annual budget bills to fund the day-to-day operations of the government.
Sen. Schumer to Try Again to Block President Trump From Border Wall Money Maneuver
(WASHINGTON) — The Senate’s top Democrat intends to force a vote to block President Donald Trump from using special emergency powers to transfer money from military base construction projects like new schools to pay for new fences along the U.S.-Mexico border. That’s according to prepared remarks Tuesday by Sen.
Senate Passes Budget and Debt Deal, President Trump Promises to Sign
(WASHINGTON) — A hard-won budget and debt deal easily cleared the Senate on Thursday, powered by President Donald Trump’s endorsement and a bipartisan drive to cement recent spending increases for the Pentagon and domestic agencies. The legislation passed by a 67-28 vote as Trump and his GOP allies relied on lots of Democratic votes to propel it over the finish line.
House Passes Bipartisan Budget Bill With Trump Support
(WASHINGTON) — Observing a rare cease-fire in their battles with President Donald Trump, the Democratic-controlled House on Thursday easily passed bipartisan debt and budget legislation to permit the Treasury to issue bonds to pay the government’s bills and lock in place recent budget gains for both the Pentagon and domestic agencies.
Congress and Trump Administration Strike Deal on Federal Budget, Ensuring No Shutdown
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and congressional leaders announced late Monday they had struck a critical debt and budget agreement. The deal amounts to an against-the-odds victory for Washington pragmatists seeking to avoid politically dangerous tumult over the possibility of a government shutdown or first-ever federal default.
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