Senators begin negotiations on new VA Choice Program

Members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee gained feedback this week about three draft proposals to reform how and when veterans seek private-sector health care, setting the stage for negotiations between Democrats and Republicans on what might be the biggest task for the committee this year. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., the chairman of the committee, said an "amazing amount" has been accomplished so far this session and he contributed it to an amendable relationship between Republicans and Democrats on the committee.

Schumer still pushing to add sailors’ names to Vietnam Memorial Wall

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is continuing to lobby to get members of the military killed during the Vietnam War added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. During a meeting with Defense Secretary James Mattis, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer urged Secretary Mattis to grant Terry Lee Henderson of Mayville, Larry Reilly Jr., and the names of 72 other sailors who died on the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans the honor and respect of being added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Schumer explained the Department of Defense has delayed adding Frank E. Evans 74 to the wall, citing a rule which limits recognition on the memorial wall to sailors who died within a designated combat zone.

Russia sanctions bill stuck in procedural hell

A bill imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran that in theory has broad support from both parties has been has been stalled by convoluted fights over substance and process that are threatening to derail the measure, even after it passed 98-2 in the Senate and seemed to be on a path toward quickly becoming law. The battle has Democrats charging that Republicans are looking to make it easier for President Trump to waive sanctions against Russia, while the GOP charges that Democrats are needlessly delaying the bill's passage.

Million-plus would face deportation if program phased out

President Donald Trump's top immigration official warned Hispanic members of Congress Wednesday that more than a million people living in the United States under a special protected status could soon be placed in line for deportation. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus that the fate of deferred action program known as DACA - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - will likely be determined by the courts, perhaps as soon as September, and that attorneys he's consulted with do not think the program is legally sustainable.

Trump nominee to lead FBI pledges to resist White House pressure

FBI Director nominee Christopher Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would protect the bureau's independence and resist pressure from the White House. FBI Director nominee Christopher Wray told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he would protect the bureau's independence and resist pressure from the White House.

Here’s how a rollback of net neutrality could affect your internet

Activists and internet companies are protesting Wednesday a proposed quash of net neutrality protections by the FCC. Here's what the likes of Amazon, Netflix and internet users say would happen to your internet access with the rollback.

Much to discuss’: Trump and Putin’s first handshake at G20 summit

The two men are to hold a formal meeting later today, when their body language is likely to be closely analysed US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a veteran businessman and a former spy, shook hands on Friday ahead of the most highly anticipated face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit . Trump has said he wants to find ways to work with Putin, a goal made more difficult by sharp differences over Russia's actions in Syria and Ukraine, and allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election.

What’s at stake when Trump finally meets Putin

President Donald Trump finally sits down with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday, and though the square knot-shaped logos decorating this German port city say this is the G-20, the U.S.-Russian summit on the sidelines is the meeting that has the world holding its breath. Syria, Ukraine and the war on terror will no doubt come out when the two presidents hold their first face-to-face encounter, a 35-minute chat set for Friday afternoon against the backdrop of antiglobalist protests.

Will a Jewish Nevada woman win a seat in the Senate?

The Nevada Independent reported Thursday that Rosen, a software developer whose only elective experience prior to her successful congressional run last year was as president of Ner Tamid, a Reform synagogue in suburban Las Vegas, was talked into running by former Sen. Harry Reid, who believes she is the likeliest challenger to unseat Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev. "He told me to think about it and that's what I did when I came home to talk to my husband," Rosen, 59, said, describing the conversation she had with Reid in May. She cast her decision in terms of "tikkun olam," a Talmudic principle meaning "repair the world" which has become commonplace among American Jewish liberals.

GOP candidate for governor stops in Marietta

JANELLE PATTERSON The Marietta Times Ohio Gubernatorial candidate U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, of Wadsworth, center, speaks to members of Marietta Noon Rotary Thursday. The Republican candidate, 58, of Wadsworth, near Akron, spoke with local pastors and representatives of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, made an appearance at the Marietta Noon Rotary Club meeting, toured Broughton Commercial Properties and held a commercial roundtable at Artex Oil before closing out the local visit with a meet and greet at Freedom Gate Church with local Republican party members.

All eyes on Donald Trump-Vladimir Putin dynamics as they meet for first time at G20

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to size each other up in person for the first time on Friday in what promises to be the most highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Trump has said he wants to find ways to work with Putin, a goal made more difficult by sharp differences over Russia's actions in Syria and Ukraine, and allegations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US presidential election.