House GOP launches shutdown battle by voting to defund Obamacare
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With one vote on Friday, the Republican-led House launched the latest spending battle in Congress -- one that could bring a government shutdown in less than two weeks.By a 230-189 tally almost strictly on party lines, the House passed a short-term government spending plan that would eliminate all funding for Obamacare.The measure now goes to the Democratic-led Senate, which is certain to reject the provision that defunds President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement of his first term.Even though House Republicans now have voted 42 times to repeal or otherwise undermine Obamacare, Speaker John Boehner and fellow Republicans held a brief victory rally after Friday's action and challenged the Senate to follow their lead."The American people don't want the government shut down, and they don't want Obamacare," the Ohio Republican said to applause and cheers. "The House has listened to the American people.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With one vote on Friday, the Republican-led House launched the latest spending battle in Congress -- one that could bring a government shutdown in less than two weeks.By a 230-189 tally almost strictly on party lines, the House passed a short-term government spending plan that would eliminate all funding for Obamacare.The measure now goes to the Democratic-led Senate, which is certain to reject the provision that defunds President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement of his first term.Even though House Republicans now have voted 42 times to repeal or otherwise undermine Obamacare, Speaker John Boehner and fellow Republicans held a brief victory rally after Friday's action and challenged the Senate to follow their lead."The American people don't want the government shut down, and they don't want Obamacare," the Ohio Republican said to applause and cheers. "The House has listened to the American people.
Congress shifts its focus away from Syria resolution
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate focused Wednesday on an energy efficiency bill while House Republicans argued among themselves over funding Obamacare as Congress shifted its focus from the Syria crisis in order to give new diplomatic efforts a chance to succeed.In his nationally televised address Tuesday night, President Barack Obama said he asked legislators to hold off on voting on his requested authorization to attack Syria over chemical weapons while his administration negotiates with Russia on putting Syrian stockpiles under international control."Congress will be watching these negotiations very closely," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, warned Wednesday. "If there is any indication they're not serious or they're being used as a ploy to delay, then Congress stands ready to return to that Syria resolution" that would authorize a military strike on Syria.Obama accuses Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of a major sarin gas attack last month on suburban Damascus that killed more than 1,400 people.The president tried to generate an international coalition to attack Syria for violating chemical weapons bans, but Russia blocked any U.N. action and the British Parliament voted against taking part to deny the president a normally reliable NATO ally.He then went to Congress for authorization, but appeared in danger of rejection by legislators reflecting public opposition to military strikes.However, the sudden emergence Monday of a diplomatic opening by Russia, which proposed having Syria give up control of its chemical weapons, caused Obama to ask Congress for time to pursue negotiations before any vote on military action.So instead of taking up a resolution authorizing a military response to Syria, the Senate considered a bipartisan bill to improve energy efficiency in the United States.Senators agreed to bar any Syria-related amendments to the energy bill, assuring that heated political rhetoric in Washington won't corrode the negotiations Secretary of State John Kerry will conduct on Thursday and Friday in Geneva with his Russian counterpart.Off the Senate floor, however, talks continued behind the scenes among a group of bipartisan senators on changes to the resolution that Reid said would be taken up if the negotiations with Russia fail.New language yet to be finalized takes into account Syria's recent acknowledgment that it possesses chemical weapons.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate focused Wednesday on an energy efficiency bill while House Republicans argued among themselves over funding Obamacare as Congress shifted its focus from the Syria crisis in order to give new diplomatic efforts a chance to succeed.In his nationally televised address Tuesday night, President Barack Obama said he asked legislators to hold off on voting on his requested authorization to attack Syria over chemical weapons while his administration negotiates with Russia on putting Syrian stockpiles under international control."Congress will be watching these negotiations very closely," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, warned Wednesday. "If there is any indication they're not serious or they're being used as a ploy to delay, then Congress stands ready to return to that Syria resolution" that would authorize a military strike on Syria.Obama accuses Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of a major sarin gas attack last month on suburban Damascus that killed more than 1,400 people.The president tried to generate an international coalition to attack Syria for violating chemical weapons bans, but Russia blocked any U.N. action and the British Parliament voted against taking part to deny the president a normally reliable NATO ally.He then went to Congress for authorization, but appeared in danger of rejection by legislators reflecting public opposition to military strikes.However, the sudden emergence Monday of a diplomatic opening by Russia, which proposed having Syria give up control of its chemical weapons, caused Obama to ask Congress for time to pursue negotiations before any vote on military action.So instead of taking up a resolution authorizing a military response to Syria, the Senate considered a bipartisan bill to improve energy efficiency in the United States.Senators agreed to bar any Syria-related amendments to the energy bill, assuring that heated political rhetoric in Washington won't corrode the negotiations Secretary of State John Kerry will conduct on Thursday and Friday in Geneva with his Russian counterpart.Off the Senate floor, however, talks continued behind the scenes among a group of bipartisan senators on changes to the resolution that Reid said would be taken up if the negotiations with Russia fail.New language yet to be finalized takes into account Syria's recent acknowledgment that it possesses chemical weapons.
Obama hits new low on foreign policy in CNN polling
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One day before President Barack Obama gives a prime time speech to make his case against Syria, a new national poll indicates the president's approval rating on foreign policy has hit an all-time low.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One day before President Barack Obama gives a prime time speech to make his case against Syria, a new national poll indicates the president's approval rating on foreign policy has hit an all-time low.
How the Syria debate in Congress could play out this week
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congress returns to Washington on Monday after a monthlong summer break to jump right into debate and votes on a resolution giving President Barack Obama the authorization to strike Syria.How this all will unfold over the coming week is far from certain, but here's how things could play out:Monday• The House and Senate are in session at 2 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to take the first procedural steps to overcome an anticipated filibuster over whether to officially take up the Syria resolution.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congress returns to Washington on Monday after a monthlong summer break to jump right into debate and votes on a resolution giving President Barack Obama the authorization to strike Syria.How this all will unfold over the coming week is far from certain, but here's how things could play out:Monday• The House and Senate are in session at 2 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to take the first procedural steps to overcome an anticipated filibuster over whether to officially take up the Syria resolution.
House leaders back Pres. Obama on Syrian situation
(CNN) -- The leaders of both parties in the House of Representatives emerged from a White House meeting Tuesday to support President Barack Obama's call for American strikes against government forces in Syria's civil war.House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters that only the United States has "the capability and capacity" to respond to what Washington says was a poison gas attack by troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad."The use of chemical weapons is a barbarous act.
(CNN) -- The leaders of both parties in the House of Representatives emerged from a White House meeting Tuesday to support President Barack Obama's call for American strikes against government forces in Syria's civil war.House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told reporters that only the United States has "the capability and capacity" to respond to what Washington says was a poison gas attack by troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad."The use of chemical weapons is a barbarous act.
White House pushes Congress on Syria after Obama's recoil
(CNN) -- The Obama administration pushed forward Sunday on a new path toward military action in Syria, urging Congress to support the president's call.Tests found signatures of sarin gas in blood and hair samples collected from the Damascus site of an alleged chemical weapons attack, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.The samples were collected separately from a United Nations investigation into the August 21 attack and provide further proof that the Syrian regime attacked its own people, Kerry said.With "each day that goes by, this case is even stronger," he said, arguing that the United States must act."If you don't do it, you send a message of impunity," Kerry said.
(CNN) -- The Obama administration pushed forward Sunday on a new path toward military action in Syria, urging Congress to support the president's call.Tests found signatures of sarin gas in blood and hair samples collected from the Damascus site of an alleged chemical weapons attack, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday on CNN's State of the Union.The samples were collected separately from a United Nations investigation into the August 21 attack and provide further proof that the Syrian regime attacked its own people, Kerry said.With "each day that goes by, this case is even stronger," he said, arguing that the United States must act."If you don't do it, you send a message of impunity," Kerry said.
IRS finalizes penalties for Obamacare "individual mandate"
(CNN) -- The Internal Revenue Service has issued finalized rules for the individual mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama's healthcare plan.The individual mandate penalty has long been one of the contentious components of health care reform, with lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of the law reaching the Supreme Court.Under the new rules, individuals choosing not to carry insurance are subject to a penalty of $95 per person each year, or 1% of household income, whichever is greater, beginning in 2014.
(CNN) -- The Internal Revenue Service has issued finalized rules for the individual mandate portion of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama's healthcare plan.The individual mandate penalty has long been one of the contentious components of health care reform, with lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of the law reaching the Supreme Court.Under the new rules, individuals choosing not to carry insurance are subject to a penalty of $95 per person each year, or 1% of household income, whichever is greater, beginning in 2014.
UPS cuts insurance to 15,000 spouses, blames Obamacare
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- United Parcel Service is planning to drop 15,000 workers' spouses from its health insurance plan, citing higher costs due to Obamacare.In an undated memo to employees, UPS said it will discontinue coverage for all working spouses who are eligible for insurance with their own employer.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- United Parcel Service is planning to drop 15,000 workers' spouses from its health insurance plan, citing higher costs due to Obamacare.In an undated memo to employees, UPS said it will discontinue coverage for all working spouses who are eligible for insurance with their own employer.
Lawmakers in Congress approve cheaper student loans
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- The House on Wednesday approved a bipartisan that ensures lower interest rates on loans for students heading to college this fall.Members of the House voted 392 to 31 to lower rates for undergraduates taking out government loans this school year to 3.86% -- cheaper than the 6.8% interest rate that kicked in on July 1.
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- The House on Wednesday approved a bipartisan that ensures lower interest rates on loans for students heading to college this fall.Members of the House voted 392 to 31 to lower rates for undergraduates taking out government loans this school year to 3.86% -- cheaper than the 6.8% interest rate that kicked in on July 1.
Obamacare delay passes insurance burden onto workers
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Employers got a one year reprieve from having to offer health insurance.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Employers got a one year reprieve from having to offer health insurance.
House passes two bills to delay key Obamacare requirements
WASHINGTON (CNN) - The House of Representatives passed two bills Wednesday postponing two key provisions of Obamacare, marking nearly 40 times that the Republican-controlled House has attempted to repeal or roll back parts of the president's signature first term accomplishment.One measure, which passed 264-161, delayed for one year the requirement that employers provide health insurance, something the Obama administration already announced it was doing earlier this month.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - The House of Representatives passed two bills Wednesday postponing two key provisions of Obamacare, marking nearly 40 times that the Republican-controlled House has attempted to repeal or roll back parts of the president's signature first term accomplishment.One measure, which passed 264-161, delayed for one year the requirement that employers provide health insurance, something the Obama administration already announced it was doing earlier this month.
Supreme Court asked to stop NSA telephone surveillance
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to stop the National Security Agency's surveillance of domestic telephone communications data.In an emergency appeal filed Monday, a privacy rights group claimed a secret federal court improperly authorized the government to collect the electronic records, and said only the justices could resolve the statutory issues at stake.The Electronic Privacy Information Center filed its petition directly with the high court, bypassing the usual step of going to the lower federal courts first.Such a move makes it much harder for the justices to intervene now, but the privacy group argues "exceptional ramifications" demand judicial review now.Published reports linked to Edward Snowden, who has admitted leaking classified national security information, indicated the NSA received secret court approval to collect vast amounts of so-called metadata from telecom giant Verizon and leading Internet companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Google, Yahoo and Facebook.The revelations have triggered new debate about national security and privacy interests, and about the secretive legal process that sets in motion government surveillance.The once-secret approval came in April from a judge at the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which handles individual requests for electronic surveillance for "foreign intelligence purposes."Verizon Business Network Services turned over the metadata to the government."Telephone records, even without the content of the calls, can reveal an immense amount of sensitive, private information.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to stop the National Security Agency's surveillance of domestic telephone communications data.In an emergency appeal filed Monday, a privacy rights group claimed a secret federal court improperly authorized the government to collect the electronic records, and said only the justices could resolve the statutory issues at stake.The Electronic Privacy Information Center filed its petition directly with the high court, bypassing the usual step of going to the lower federal courts first.Such a move makes it much harder for the justices to intervene now, but the privacy group argues "exceptional ramifications" demand judicial review now.Published reports linked to Edward Snowden, who has admitted leaking classified national security information, indicated the NSA received secret court approval to collect vast amounts of so-called metadata from telecom giant Verizon and leading Internet companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Google, Yahoo and Facebook.The revelations have triggered new debate about national security and privacy interests, and about the secretive legal process that sets in motion government surveillance.The once-secret approval came in April from a judge at the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which handles individual requests for electronic surveillance for "foreign intelligence purposes."Verizon Business Network Services turned over the metadata to the government."Telephone records, even without the content of the calls, can reveal an immense amount of sensitive, private information.
After Supreme Court gay marriage rulings, attention turns to states
KENOSHA (WITI) -- Two weeks after the Supreme Court ended the federal ban on gay marriage, and attention is now turning to the states.
KENOSHA (WITI) -- Two weeks after the Supreme Court ended the federal ban on gay marriage, and attention is now turning to the states.
Obamacare delay emboldens repealers, makes it 2014 issue
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The e-mails came fast and furious.Soon after the Treasury Department announced a one-year delay in a key provision of President Barack Obama's sweeping health care law, the Affordable Care Act, Republicans quickly called for its repeal."This announcement means even the Obama administration knows the 'train wreck' will only get worse," House Speaker John Boehner said in a statement. "This is a clear acknowledgment that the law is unworkable, and it underscores the need to repeal the law and replace it with effective, patient-centered reforms."GOP Sen.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The e-mails came fast and furious.Soon after the Treasury Department announced a one-year delay in a key provision of President Barack Obama's sweeping health care law, the Affordable Care Act, Republicans quickly called for its repeal."This announcement means even the Obama administration knows the 'train wreck' will only get worse," House Speaker John Boehner said in a statement. "This is a clear acknowledgment that the law is unworkable, and it underscores the need to repeal the law and replace it with effective, patient-centered reforms."GOP Sen.
Key Obamacare provision delayed until 2015
(CNN) -- The requirement that businesses provide their workers with health insurance or face fines -- a key provision contained in President Barack Obama's sweeping health care law -- will be delayed by one year, the Treasury Department said Tuesday.The delay came after business owners expressed concerns about the complexity of the reporting requirements, the agency said in its announcement.
(CNN) -- The requirement that businesses provide their workers with health insurance or face fines -- a key provision contained in President Barack Obama's sweeping health care law -- will be delayed by one year, the Treasury Department said Tuesday.The delay came after business owners expressed concerns about the complexity of the reporting requirements, the agency said in its announcement.
After historic court rulings, what's next for gay rights movement?
(CNN) -- For some people, Wednesday was a day to celebrate.
(CNN) -- For some people, Wednesday was a day to celebrate.
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down key provision of Defense of Marriage Act
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a dramatic slap at congressional authority, a divided Supreme Court has struck down a key part of a law that denies to legally married same-sex couples the same federal benefits provided to heterosexual spouses.The Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage as only between a man and a woman.The vote Wednesday was 5-4."Although Congress has great authority to design laws to fit its own conception of sound national policy, it cannot deny the liberty protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment," said Justice Anthony Kennedy.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a dramatic slap at congressional authority, a divided Supreme Court has struck down a key part of a law that denies to legally married same-sex couples the same federal benefits provided to heterosexual spouses.The Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage as only between a man and a woman.The vote Wednesday was 5-4."Although Congress has great authority to design laws to fit its own conception of sound national policy, it cannot deny the liberty protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment," said Justice Anthony Kennedy.
Will Wisconsin's same-sex couples benefit from SCOTUS rulings?
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday, June 26th handed down two rulings relating to same-sex marriage, and now, U.S. Attorney James Santelle will play a role in determining how the rulings will affect same-sex couples in Wisconsin.There are currently 13 states that allow gay marriage -- and the state of Wisconsin is not one of them.In landmark rulings on Wednesday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the federal DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) is unconstitutional — extending federal benefits to same-sex spouses.In a separate case, the court declined to decide the Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage in California, effectively allowing gay marriage in that state.Because Wisconsin is a state in which same-sex marriage is not allowed, same-sex couples who live in Wisconsin are not eligible for federal benefits.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday, June 26th handed down two rulings relating to same-sex marriage, and now, U.S. Attorney James Santelle will play a role in determining how the rulings will affect same-sex couples in Wisconsin.There are currently 13 states that allow gay marriage -- and the state of Wisconsin is not one of them.In landmark rulings on Wednesday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the federal DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) is unconstitutional — extending federal benefits to same-sex spouses.In a separate case, the court declined to decide the Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage in California, effectively allowing gay marriage in that state.Because Wisconsin is a state in which same-sex marriage is not allowed, same-sex couples who live in Wisconsin are not eligible for federal benefits.
Same-sex couples in WI call SCOTUS rulings a "huge" victory
GERMANTOWN/MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court made history on Wednesday, June 26th, with two major legal victories that reshape civil rights and the family unit in the nation.
GERMANTOWN/MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The U.S. Supreme Court made history on Wednesday, June 26th, with two major legal victories that reshape civil rights and the family unit in the nation.
Sen. Baldwin responds to Supreme Court gay marriage action
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WITI) -- Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin responded to the Supreme Court's announcement on Wednesday morning, June 26th that the DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) is unconstitutional -- thereby allowing same-sex couples that were married in a state that allows same-sex marriage to receive federal benefits.Baldwin is the first openly gay United States Senator.In a statement released Wednesday, Baldwin said:
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WITI) -- Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin responded to the Supreme Court's announcement on Wednesday morning, June 26th that the DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) is unconstitutional -- thereby allowing same-sex couples that were married in a state that allows same-sex marriage to receive federal benefits.Baldwin is the first openly gay United States Senator.In a statement released Wednesday, Baldwin said: