Ryan stands by Trump’s executive order, offering only gentle criticism

Speaker Paul Ryan on Tuesday stood by President Donald Trump’s executive order closing the nation’s borders to refugees and people from predominantly Muslim countries, offering only gentle criticism that “regrettably, the rollout was confusing,” as House Republicans broadly embraced the measure’s mission. “We need to make sure that the vetting standards are up to snuff,” Mr. Ryan told reporters at the Capitol, saying he remained supportive of the order.

AG nominee Jeff Sessions set to face grilling in Senate hearing

The first major test of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration comes on Tuesday, as Sen. Jeff Sessions faces a grilling from his colleagues in his confirmation hearing to become attorney general. Sessions’ hearing, which begins on Tuesday and continues into Wednesday, is expected to be one of the most contentious of any of Trump’s nominees.