President Obama gives his wish list to Congress
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday, May 8th called on Congress to back a five-point plan in his latest attempt to paint the legislature as ineffective ahead of his re-election bid.Obama unveiled the list of five proposals, all previously addressed by the current White House, while encouraging members of Congress to take "bold action.""At this make or break moment for America's middle class, there is no excuse for inaction.
(CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday, May 8th called on Congress to back a five-point plan in his latest attempt to paint the legislature as ineffective ahead of his re-election bid.Obama unveiled the list of five proposals, all previously addressed by the current White House, while encouraging members of Congress to take "bold action.""At this make or break moment for America's middle class, there is no excuse for inaction.
Rick Santorum endorses one-time rival, Mitt Romney
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rick Santorum is endorsing his one-time bitter rival Mitt Romney in a late-night e-mail to his supporters.Santorum on Monday, May 7th urged his supporters to join him in working with the effective Republican nominee to deny President Barack Obama a second term.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rick Santorum is endorsing his one-time bitter rival Mitt Romney in a late-night e-mail to his supporters.Santorum on Monday, May 7th urged his supporters to join him in working with the effective Republican nominee to deny President Barack Obama a second term.
Senate heads toward showdown vote on student loans
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The top Democrat in the Senate accused Republicans on Tuesday of caring more about the rich than about students as the chamber steamed toward a showdown over keeping student loan interest rates from doubling for 7.4 million students in July.Firing back, the Senate Republican leader said Democrats were using the chamber to create campaign issues instead of addressing the nation's problems.The sharp exchange came shortly before senators were scheduled to vote on whether to begin debating a Democratic plan to extend today's 3.4 percent interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans for another year.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The top Democrat in the Senate accused Republicans on Tuesday of caring more about the rich than about students as the chamber steamed toward a showdown over keeping student loan interest rates from doubling for 7.4 million students in July.Firing back, the Senate Republican leader said Democrats were using the chamber to create campaign issues instead of addressing the nation's problems.The sharp exchange came shortly before senators were scheduled to vote on whether to begin debating a Democratic plan to extend today's 3.4 percent interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans for another year.
CIA thwarts 'undetectable' al-Qaida bomb plot
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The CIA thwarted an ambitious plot by al-Qaida's affiliate in Yemen to destroy a U.S.-bound airliner using a bomb with a sophisticated new design around the one-year anniversary of the killing of Usama bin Laden, U.S. officials said Monday, May 7th.The plot involved an upgrade of the underwear bomb that failed to detonate aboard a jetliner over Detroit on Christmas 2009.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The CIA thwarted an ambitious plot by al-Qaida's affiliate in Yemen to destroy a U.S.-bound airliner using a bomb with a sophisticated new design around the one-year anniversary of the killing of Usama bin Laden, U.S. officials said Monday, May 7th.The plot involved an upgrade of the underwear bomb that failed to detonate aboard a jetliner over Detroit on Christmas 2009.
Jobs report crucial to presidential election outcome
(CNN) -- Hands down, it's the most important monthly economic report in the race for the White House.
(CNN) -- Hands down, it's the most important monthly economic report in the race for the White House.
White House adviser defends drone strikes
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama administration publicly justified its use of unmanned drones to target suspected terrorists overseas for the first time Monday, with a top official saying the strikes are conducted "in full accordance with the law."John Brennan, President Barack Obama's top counterrorism adviser said strikes are used when the option of capture is not feasible.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama administration publicly justified its use of unmanned drones to target suspected terrorists overseas for the first time Monday, with a top official saying the strikes are conducted "in full accordance with the law."John Brennan, President Barack Obama's top counterrorism adviser said strikes are used when the option of capture is not feasible.
Three million policyholders could get insurance rebates
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rebates totaling $1.3 billion from health insurance companies should go to more than 3 million individual policyholders and thousands of employers this year because of President Barack Obama's health care law, a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation says.Here's how the law works:
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rebates totaling $1.3 billion from health insurance companies should go to more than 3 million individual policyholders and thousands of employers this year because of President Barack Obama's health care law, a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation says.Here's how the law works:
House to vote Friday on bill preventing student loan interest increase
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In an escalating election-year clash, the House will vote Friday, April 27th on a $5.9 billion Republican bill preventing interest rates on federal student loans from doubling this summer, paid for by cutting money from President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law.Wednesday's abrupt announcement by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, came with Obama and Democrats clamoring daily for congressional action to prevent the current 3.4 percent interest rate on subsidized Stafford student loans from automatically increasing to 6.8 percent on July 1.That increase, set by law unless Congress blocks it, would affect 7.4 million students at a time when both parties are competing for the votes of young adults and their parents who must foot college tuitions.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In an escalating election-year clash, the House will vote Friday, April 27th on a $5.9 billion Republican bill preventing interest rates on federal student loans from doubling this summer, paid for by cutting money from President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law.Wednesday's abrupt announcement by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, came with Obama and Democrats clamoring daily for congressional action to prevent the current 3.4 percent interest rate on subsidized Stafford student loans from automatically increasing to 6.8 percent on July 1.That increase, set by law unless Congress blocks it, would affect 7.4 million students at a time when both parties are competing for the votes of young adults and their parents who must foot college tuitions.
Gingrich to end GOP presidential campaign Tuesday, May 1st
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Dropping out is hard to do.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Dropping out is hard to do.
Obama, Romney talk student loan debt on campaign trail
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- President Barack Obama went after the college vote Tuesday, April 24th, pitching cheaper student loans as he courted the one age group where he has a decided advantage over Republican rival Mitt Romney.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- President Barack Obama went after the college vote Tuesday, April 24th, pitching cheaper student loans as he courted the one age group where he has a decided advantage over Republican rival Mitt Romney.
Secret Service tries to quell furor over scandal
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Secret Service is moving quickly to quell a prostitution scandal that has given President Barack Obama's critics political ammunition, forcing three agents out of government less than a week after the embarrassing incident came to light.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Secret Service is moving quickly to quell a prostitution scandal that has given President Barack Obama's critics political ammunition, forcing three agents out of government less than a week after the embarrassing incident came to light.
Obama talks economy in Ohio, Romney in North Carolina
ELYRIA, Ohio (AP) -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday, April 18th that his Republican rivals are sincere, patriotic and absolutely wrong about how to reinvigorate the economy.
ELYRIA, Ohio (AP) -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday, April 18th that his Republican rivals are sincere, patriotic and absolutely wrong about how to reinvigorate the economy.
Man charged in Planned Parenthood fire has message for Obama
GRAND CHUTE -- Francis Grady, the man accused of starting a fire at a Grand Chute Planned Parenthood clinic had a special message for President Barack Obama on his way to court Tuesday, April 17th.Grady yelled about President Obama caring more about the death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin than the issue of abortion.Police say Grady broke into the clinic, poured gasoline and sparked a destructive fire.Earlier, Grady admitted to the crime, but then pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday.If convicted, Grady faces up to 20 years in prison.Related stories:
GRAND CHUTE -- Francis Grady, the man accused of starting a fire at a Grand Chute Planned Parenthood clinic had a special message for President Barack Obama on his way to court Tuesday, April 17th.Grady yelled about President Obama caring more about the death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin than the issue of abortion.Police say Grady broke into the clinic, poured gasoline and sparked a destructive fire.Earlier, Grady admitted to the crime, but then pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday.If convicted, Grady faces up to 20 years in prison.Related stories:
Secret Service prostitution scandal rocks D.C.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A prostitution scandal involving the Secret Service has grown in scope, with the disclosure that U.S. agents and military personnel had been with at least 20 women in hotel rooms before President Barack Obama arrived in Colombia for a summit with Latin American leaders.On Wednesday, April 18th, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said he would "clean house'' at the agency in the wake of the incident, which had become a growing election-year embarrassment for the White House. "The right thing to do is to remove people who have violated the public trust and have put their play time and their personal interests ahead of the interests of the nation,'' Romney said in a radio interview.Romney, however, said he remained confident in Secret Service director Mark Sullivan, echoing other statements of support for the agency chief from the White House and Capitol Hill.White House spokesman Jay Carney said Tuesday that Sullivan had "acted quickly in response to this incident and is overseeing an investigation as we speak into the matter.''Sullivan, facing questions on Capitol Hill about whether the escapades could have jeopardized the president's security, said he had referred the matter to an independent government investigator.The Secret Service has dispatched more investigators to Colombia to interview the women involved.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A prostitution scandal involving the Secret Service has grown in scope, with the disclosure that U.S. agents and military personnel had been with at least 20 women in hotel rooms before President Barack Obama arrived in Colombia for a summit with Latin American leaders.On Wednesday, April 18th, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said he would "clean house'' at the agency in the wake of the incident, which had become a growing election-year embarrassment for the White House. "The right thing to do is to remove people who have violated the public trust and have put their play time and their personal interests ahead of the interests of the nation,'' Romney said in a radio interview.Romney, however, said he remained confident in Secret Service director Mark Sullivan, echoing other statements of support for the agency chief from the White House and Capitol Hill.White House spokesman Jay Carney said Tuesday that Sullivan had "acted quickly in response to this incident and is overseeing an investigation as we speak into the matter.''Sullivan, facing questions on Capitol Hill about whether the escapades could have jeopardized the president's security, said he had referred the matter to an independent government investigator.The Secret Service has dispatched more investigators to Colombia to interview the women involved.
Democratic strategist apologizes to Ann Romney
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Democratic strategist is apologizing to Ann Romney for saying the stay-at-home wife of wealthy Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has never worked a day in her life.Hilary Rosen issued a statement Thursday saying that her comments were "poorly chosen.'' She says that as a mother, she knows raising children is the hardest job there is.Rosen said on CNN Wednesday that Ann Romney has never had to work to pay the bills and should not be her husband's surrogate on women and the economy.Rosen says in her statement that it is time to put the "faux war against stay-at-home moms'' to rest.President Barack Obama's top campaign advisers said Rosen's comments were offensive and had called on her to apologize.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Democratic strategist is apologizing to Ann Romney for saying the stay-at-home wife of wealthy Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has never worked a day in her life.Hilary Rosen issued a statement Thursday saying that her comments were "poorly chosen.'' She says that as a mother, she knows raising children is the hardest job there is.Rosen said on CNN Wednesday that Ann Romney has never had to work to pay the bills and should not be her husband's surrogate on women and the economy.Rosen says in her statement that it is time to put the "faux war against stay-at-home moms'' to rest.President Barack Obama's top campaign advisers said Rosen's comments were offensive and had called on her to apologize.
Obama in Florida pressing for 'Buffett rule'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Picking an election-year fight with Republicans, President Barack Obama is urging Congress to boost taxes on millionaires, traveling to Florida to make a populist pitch on an issue that draws a sharp contrast with GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.Obama is outlining his support for the so-called "Buffett rule'' in Boca Raton, Fla., arguing that wealthy investors should not pay taxes at a lower rate than middle-class wage earners.The push for the Buffett rule, named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett, comes ahead of a Senate vote next week and as millions of Americans prepare to file their income tax returns.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Picking an election-year fight with Republicans, President Barack Obama is urging Congress to boost taxes on millionaires, traveling to Florida to make a populist pitch on an issue that draws a sharp contrast with GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney.Obama is outlining his support for the so-called "Buffett rule'' in Boca Raton, Fla., arguing that wealthy investors should not pay taxes at a lower rate than middle-class wage earners.The push for the Buffett rule, named after billionaire investor Warren Buffett, comes ahead of a Senate vote next week and as millions of Americans prepare to file their income tax returns.
Holder assures judge of administration's respect in health care case
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a letter written at the request of a federal appellate judge, Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday offered assurances that the Obama administration respects the authority of the courts.Appeals Court Judge Jerry Smith in Texas requested the letter after President Barack Obama said this week that it would be "unprecedented'' for the Supreme Court to overturn a major law passed by Congress like the health care overhaul whose constitutionality it is now considering.On Tuesday, saying he was seeking reassurances that the Justice Department recognizes judicial authority, Smith said he wanted a letter of at least three pages that makes specific references to the president's statements. "The longstanding, historical position of the United States regarding judicial review of the constitutionality of federal legislation has not changed,'' Holder wrote."The department has not in this litigation, nor in any other litigation of which I am aware, ever asked this or any other court to reconsider or limit long-established precedent concerning judicial review,'' Holder added.On Tuesday, after his remarks stirred controversy, the president himself had elaborated, saying that the court "is the final say on our Constitution.''In his letter Thursday, the attorney general said "the president's remarks were fully consistent with the principles'' Holder outlined in the letter.The attorney general noted the health care case now before the Supreme Court, saying the court "has often acknowledged the appropriateness of reliance on the political branches' policy choices and judgments.'' "These principles of deference,'' Holder wrote, "are fully applicable when Congress legislates in the commercial sphere,'' such as in the overhaul of the health care system now before the justices.Smith raised the issue of Obama's remarks during oral arguments over a provision in the new health care law that restricts physician-owned hospitals from expanding or building new facilities.Holder wrote that where someone bringing a case invokes the jurisdiction of the court and has a valid challenge, "there is no dispute that courts properly review the constitutionality of acts of Congress.''
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a letter written at the request of a federal appellate judge, Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday offered assurances that the Obama administration respects the authority of the courts.Appeals Court Judge Jerry Smith in Texas requested the letter after President Barack Obama said this week that it would be "unprecedented'' for the Supreme Court to overturn a major law passed by Congress like the health care overhaul whose constitutionality it is now considering.On Tuesday, saying he was seeking reassurances that the Justice Department recognizes judicial authority, Smith said he wanted a letter of at least three pages that makes specific references to the president's statements. "The longstanding, historical position of the United States regarding judicial review of the constitutionality of federal legislation has not changed,'' Holder wrote."The department has not in this litigation, nor in any other litigation of which I am aware, ever asked this or any other court to reconsider or limit long-established precedent concerning judicial review,'' Holder added.On Tuesday, after his remarks stirred controversy, the president himself had elaborated, saying that the court "is the final say on our Constitution.''In his letter Thursday, the attorney general said "the president's remarks were fully consistent with the principles'' Holder outlined in the letter.The attorney general noted the health care case now before the Supreme Court, saying the court "has often acknowledged the appropriateness of reliance on the political branches' policy choices and judgments.'' "These principles of deference,'' Holder wrote, "are fully applicable when Congress legislates in the commercial sphere,'' such as in the overhaul of the health care system now before the justices.Smith raised the issue of Obama's remarks during oral arguments over a provision in the new health care law that restricts physician-owned hospitals from expanding or building new facilities.Holder wrote that where someone bringing a case invokes the jurisdiction of the court and has a valid challenge, "there is no dispute that courts properly review the constitutionality of acts of Congress.''
Romney turns from primaries, toward Obama
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Mitt Romney is turning away from his primary opponents and toward Democratic President Barack Obama after sweeping three more Republican contests, including Wisconsin's presidential primary Tuesday, April 3rd.The likely GOP nominee was set Wednesday to take the same Washington stage that the president had used a day earlier to criticize Romney in a speech to newspaper editors in Washington.The former Massachusetts governor planned to address an audience of the Newspaper Association of America and the American Society of News Editors, a day after Obama spoke to the annual meeting of The Associated Press. "There is a basic choice before us,'' Romney said Tuesday night as he spoke to cheering supporters in Milwaukee. "Our different visions for America are the product of our values and our life experiences.''Romney's victories in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia widened his delegate lead and all but handed him the title of presumptive Republican nominee.
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Mitt Romney is turning away from his primary opponents and toward Democratic President Barack Obama after sweeping three more Republican contests, including Wisconsin's presidential primary Tuesday, April 3rd.The likely GOP nominee was set Wednesday to take the same Washington stage that the president had used a day earlier to criticize Romney in a speech to newspaper editors in Washington.The former Massachusetts governor planned to address an audience of the Newspaper Association of America and the American Society of News Editors, a day after Obama spoke to the annual meeting of The Associated Press. "There is a basic choice before us,'' Romney said Tuesday night as he spoke to cheering supporters in Milwaukee. "Our different visions for America are the product of our values and our life experiences.''Romney's victories in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia widened his delegate lead and all but handed him the title of presumptive Republican nominee.