No deal reached, Senate sets noon EST Monday vote as government shutdown drags on
WASHINGTON -- The government shutdown will extend into the workweek as the Senate appeared to inch closer to ending a partisan stalemate late Sunday but fell short of agreement.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said negotiations were still underway into the night, with a vote to break a Democratic filibuster on a short-term funding bill scheduled for noon Monday.
WASHINGTON -- The government shutdown will extend into the workweek as the Senate appeared to inch closer to ending a partisan stalemate late Sunday but fell short of agreement.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said negotiations were still underway into the night, with a vote to break a Democratic filibuster on a short-term funding bill scheduled for noon Monday.
Despite shutdown, troops get football, Lady Liberty to open
WASHINGTON — A U.S. government shutdown amid a congressional dispute over spending and immigration has forced scores of federal agencies and outposts to close their doors and triggered furloughs for Air Force civilian employees but won't keep Lady Liberty shackled.The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, closed since the government shut down Friday, will reopen for visitors Monday, with New York state picking up the tab for the federal workers who operate them, the state's Democratic governor, Andrew Cuomo, said Sunday.The sites had been turning away visitors due to what the National Park Service described as "a lapse in appropriations," a bureaucratic term for a lack of money.
WASHINGTON — A U.S. government shutdown amid a congressional dispute over spending and immigration has forced scores of federal agencies and outposts to close their doors and triggered furloughs for Air Force civilian employees but won't keep Lady Liberty shackled.The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, closed since the government shut down Friday, will reopen for visitors Monday, with New York state picking up the tab for the federal workers who operate them, the state's Democratic governor, Andrew Cuomo, said Sunday.The sites had been turning away visitors due to what the National Park Service described as "a lapse in appropriations," a bureaucratic term for a lack of money.
Democrats, GOP try to dodge blame for shuttered government
WASHINGTON — Hours after shuttering much of the federal government, feuding Democrats and Republicans in Congress spent Saturday dodging blame for a paralyzing standoff over immigration and showed few signs of progress on negotiations needed to end it.The finger-pointing played out in rare weekend proceedings in both the House and Senate, where lawmakers were eager to show voters they were actively working for a solution — or at least actively making their case why the other party was at fault.
WASHINGTON — Hours after shuttering much of the federal government, feuding Democrats and Republicans in Congress spent Saturday dodging blame for a paralyzing standoff over immigration and showed few signs of progress on negotiations needed to end it.The finger-pointing played out in rare weekend proceedings in both the House and Senate, where lawmakers were eager to show voters they were actively working for a solution — or at least actively making their case why the other party was at fault.
Geysers yes, Ellis Island no: Some US parks open, some not
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Visitors could still ride snowmobiles and ski into Yellowstone National Park Saturday to marvel at the geysers and buffalo herds, despite the federal government shutdown.But across the country in New York, the nation's most famous monuments to immigration — the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island — were closed.The Interior Department had vowed to keep open as many parks, monuments and public lands as possible during the shutdown, which began at midnight Friday on the East Coast.By mid-day Saturday, the pattern was spotty, and some visitors were frustrated."My initial reaction is, they really kind of screwed up our day.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — Visitors could still ride snowmobiles and ski into Yellowstone National Park Saturday to marvel at the geysers and buffalo herds, despite the federal government shutdown.But across the country in New York, the nation's most famous monuments to immigration — the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island — were closed.The Interior Department had vowed to keep open as many parks, monuments and public lands as possible during the shutdown, which began at midnight Friday on the East Coast.By mid-day Saturday, the pattern was spotty, and some visitors were frustrated."My initial reaction is, they really kind of screwed up our day.
House votes to avert federal shutdown, Senate chances dim
WASHINGTON — A divided House voted Thursday to prevent a government shutdown after an eleventh-hour deal brought conservatives aboard.
WASHINGTON — A divided House voted Thursday to prevent a government shutdown after an eleventh-hour deal brought conservatives aboard.
Republican Senate candidates sign unity pledge
MADISON — The Wisconsin Republican candidates for U.S. Senate signed a unity pledge Wednesday put forward by Sen.
MADISON — The Wisconsin Republican candidates for U.S. Senate signed a unity pledge Wednesday put forward by Sen.
More than 4 in 5 enrolled in 'Obamacare' are in Trump states
WASHINGTON — Americans in states that President Donald Trump carried in his march to the White House account for more than 4 in 5 of those signed up for coverage under the health care law the president still wants to take down.An Associated Press analysis of new figures from the government found that 7.3 million of the 8.8 million consumers signed up so far for next year come from states President Trump won in the 2016 presidential election.
WASHINGTON — Americans in states that President Donald Trump carried in his march to the White House account for more than 4 in 5 of those signed up for coverage under the health care law the president still wants to take down.An Associated Press analysis of new figures from the government found that 7.3 million of the 8.8 million consumers signed up so far for next year come from states President Trump won in the 2016 presidential election.
Health law sign-up deadline extended for some people
WASHINGTON — After a rush of last-minute sign-ups, the Trump administration says it's extending the deadline for some people to finish health insurance applications for next year under the Affordable Care Act.Callers to the HealthCare.gov service center on Saturday morning got a recorded message saying "don't worry" — if they'd called and left their phone number before the deadline, they'll get a call back and still can enroll for 2018.HealthCare.gov issued similar extensions previously under the Obama administration.Although the deadline has passed for most consumers in the 39 states served by HealthCare.gov, several states running their own enrollment websites have longer deadlines.Also, longer sign-up periods are available on HealthCare.gov for people in special circumstances, including those affected by this year's hurricanes.The HealthCare.gov call center is at 800-318-2596.
WASHINGTON — After a rush of last-minute sign-ups, the Trump administration says it's extending the deadline for some people to finish health insurance applications for next year under the Affordable Care Act.Callers to the HealthCare.gov service center on Saturday morning got a recorded message saying "don't worry" — if they'd called and left their phone number before the deadline, they'll get a call back and still can enroll for 2018.HealthCare.gov issued similar extensions previously under the Obama administration.Although the deadline has passed for most consumers in the 39 states served by HealthCare.gov, several states running their own enrollment websites have longer deadlines.Also, longer sign-up periods are available on HealthCare.gov for people in special circumstances, including those affected by this year's hurricanes.The HealthCare.gov call center is at 800-318-2596.
GOP nears Senate OK of tax bill after flurry of final deals
WASHINGTON — Republicans used a burst of eleventh-hour horse-trading to edge a $1.4 trillion tax bill to the brink of Senate passage Friday, as a party starved all year for a major legislative triumph took a step toward giving President Donald Trump one of his top priorities by Christmas."We have the votes," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., declared after leaders swayed holdout senators by agreeing to fatten tax breaks for millions of businesses and let people deduct local property taxes.The Senate was on track to give near party-line approval to the measure by late Friday, setting up negotiations with the House for a final package.
WASHINGTON — Republicans used a burst of eleventh-hour horse-trading to edge a $1.4 trillion tax bill to the brink of Senate passage Friday, as a party starved all year for a major legislative triumph took a step toward giving President Donald Trump one of his top priorities by Christmas."We have the votes," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., declared after leaders swayed holdout senators by agreeing to fatten tax breaks for millions of businesses and let people deduct local property taxes.The Senate was on track to give near party-line approval to the measure by late Friday, setting up negotiations with the House for a final package.
'Obamacare' sign-ups about 45 percent ahead of last year's pace
WASHINGTON — Sign-ups for Affordable Care Act health plans are running more than 45 percent ahead of last year's pace, according to government data released Wednesday.The numbers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services come as Republican senators are pushing to pay for tax cuts by repealing the "Obamacare" requirement to carry coverage.The new figures show that nearly 1.5 million consumers picked a plan through Nov. 11, compared to just over 1 million from Nov. 1-12 last year.
WASHINGTON — Sign-ups for Affordable Care Act health plans are running more than 45 percent ahead of last year's pace, according to government data released Wednesday.The numbers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services come as Republican senators are pushing to pay for tax cuts by repealing the "Obamacare" requirement to carry coverage.The new figures show that nearly 1.5 million consumers picked a plan through Nov. 11, compared to just over 1 million from Nov. 1-12 last year.
Premiums rising 34 percent for most popular health plan
WASHINGTON — Premiums for the most popular "Obamacare" plans are going up an average of 34 percent, according to a study Wednesday that confirms dire predictions about the impact of political turmoil on consumers.Window-shopping on HealthCare.gov went live Wednesday, so across the country consumers going online can see the consequences themselves ahead of the Nov. 1 start of sign-up season for 2018.The consulting firm Avalere Health crunched newly released government data and found that the Trump administration's actions are contributing to the price hikes by adding instability to the underlying problems of the health law's marketplaces.President Donald Trump puts the blame squarely on "Obamacare" saying the program is imploding, while ignoring warnings that his administration's actions could make things worse.The Avalere analysis is for the 39 states using HealthCare.gov.
WASHINGTON — Premiums for the most popular "Obamacare" plans are going up an average of 34 percent, according to a study Wednesday that confirms dire predictions about the impact of political turmoil on consumers.Window-shopping on HealthCare.gov went live Wednesday, so across the country consumers going online can see the consequences themselves ahead of the Nov. 1 start of sign-up season for 2018.The consulting firm Avalere Health crunched newly released government data and found that the Trump administration's actions are contributing to the price hikes by adding instability to the underlying problems of the health law's marketplaces.President Donald Trump puts the blame squarely on "Obamacare" saying the program is imploding, while ignoring warnings that his administration's actions could make things worse.The Avalere analysis is for the 39 states using HealthCare.gov.
'Are you kidding me?': Kid Rock says no to US Senate run
DETROIT — Kid Rock says he's not running for U.S. Senate in Michigan.Kid Rock told SiriusXM host Howard Stern, "Are you kidding me?" during an expletive-laden interview Tuesday.The Detroit-area rocker has been teasing the public for months.
DETROIT — Kid Rock says he's not running for U.S. Senate in Michigan.Kid Rock told SiriusXM host Howard Stern, "Are you kidding me?" during an expletive-laden interview Tuesday.The Detroit-area rocker has been teasing the public for months.
Uninsured rate up to 12.3 percent amid "Obamacare" turmoil
WASHINGTON — The number of U.S. adults without health insurance is up nearly 3.5 million this year, as rising premiums and political turmoil over "Obamacare" undermine coverage gains that drove the nation's uninsured rate to a historic low.That finding is based on the latest installment of a major survey, released Friday.
WASHINGTON — The number of U.S. adults without health insurance is up nearly 3.5 million this year, as rising premiums and political turmoil over "Obamacare" undermine coverage gains that drove the nation's uninsured rate to a historic low.That finding is based on the latest installment of a major survey, released Friday.
Obamacare premium increases: 36% average jump for Wisconsin buyers
MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin insurance officials say average premiums will jump 36 percent for people buying health coverage through the federally run exchange.The average increase for small groups buying coverage through the exchange is expected to be nearly 5 percent.About 75,000 people will have to find new providers as three health care companies — Anthem, Molina and Health Tradition — leave the exchange.The figures were released Thursday ahead of the enrollment period that begins Nov. 1.Deputy Commissioner of Insurance J.P. Wieske attributed the rate increases to decreased competition and the assumption that the White House and Congress won't pay "cost sharing" subsidies that help cover deductibles and copayments for low-income consumers.About 215,000 people are in the individual market.
MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin insurance officials say average premiums will jump 36 percent for people buying health coverage through the federally run exchange.The average increase for small groups buying coverage through the exchange is expected to be nearly 5 percent.About 75,000 people will have to find new providers as three health care companies — Anthem, Molina and Health Tradition — leave the exchange.The figures were released Thursday ahead of the enrollment period that begins Nov. 1.Deputy Commissioner of Insurance J.P. Wieske attributed the rate increases to decreased competition and the assumption that the White House and Congress won't pay "cost sharing" subsidies that help cover deductibles and copayments for low-income consumers.About 215,000 people are in the individual market.
U.S. Supreme Court appears divided on Wisconsin redistricting case with far-reaching implications
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared divided on Tuesday, October 3rd over Wisconsin's redistricting case, creating drama before a likely 2018 ruling that will affect Wisconsin politics for years to come.Justices will have to decide if Wisconsin Republicans went too far in drawing legislative district maps to their advantage in 2011.
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared divided on Tuesday, October 3rd over Wisconsin's redistricting case, creating drama before a likely 2018 ruling that will affect Wisconsin politics for years to come.Justices will have to decide if Wisconsin Republicans went too far in drawing legislative district maps to their advantage in 2011.
Supreme Court takes up key case about partisan redistricting
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is taking up a case about political maps in Wisconsin that could affect elections across the country.The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday in a dispute between Democratic voters and Wisconsin Republicans who drew maps that have entrenched their control of the legislature in a state that is otherwise closely divided between the parties.The Democratic challengers are asking the court to declare for the first time that the inherently political process of redistricting can be too partisan.Republicans contend that courts have no business in decisions that should be left to the political branches of government.Courts have struck down districts as racially biased for decades, and other partisan districting lawsuits are moving through the courts in Maryland and North Carolina.The outcome in the Wisconsin case probably rests with Justice Anthony Kennedy.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is taking up a case about political maps in Wisconsin that could affect elections across the country.The justices are hearing arguments Tuesday in a dispute between Democratic voters and Wisconsin Republicans who drew maps that have entrenched their control of the legislature in a state that is otherwise closely divided between the parties.The Democratic challengers are asking the court to declare for the first time that the inherently political process of redistricting can be too partisan.Republicans contend that courts have no business in decisions that should be left to the political branches of government.Courts have struck down districts as racially biased for decades, and other partisan districting lawsuits are moving through the courts in Maryland and North Carolina.The outcome in the Wisconsin case probably rests with Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Supreme Court opens pivotal term with Neil Gorsuch, Pres. Trump's nominee in place
WASHINGTON — Disputes over a wedding cake for a same-sex couple and partisan electoral maps top the Supreme Court's agenda in the first full term of the President Donald Trump presidency.
WASHINGTON — Disputes over a wedding cake for a same-sex couple and partisan electoral maps top the Supreme Court's agenda in the first full term of the President Donald Trump presidency.