The Latest: Many in GOP cool to Trump’s budget plan

Another senior Republican lawmaker, Fred Upton of Michigan, questioned inclusion of money for Trump's border wall, remarking: "I thought Mexico was going to pay for the wall, why is this in our budget?" House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin dismissed such criticism as typical rhetoric and praised the budget because it balances over 10 years. Independent economists say the budget relies on unrealistic projections of economic growth, but Ryan sidestepped that question, saying faster growth would "help so many of our problems."

How Democrats Can Hasten Trump’s Departure

's presidency is cascading out of control. Ironically, the appointment last week of Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate Russia's involvement in the 2016 presidential election may slow White House hemorrhaging, taking pressure off GOP congressional leaders and their weak investigations and temporarily shoring up support for Trump on Capitol Hill.

Senate Intel leaders: Door open to holding Flynn in contempt after invoking Fifth Amendment

The top two leaders of the Senate intelligence committee are leaving the door open to holding Michael Flynn in contempt of Congress after President Trump's former national security adviser said he would invoke his Fifth Amendment rights rather than comply with a subpoena. Sen. Richard Burr, the chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, said the panel was reviewing a range of options to compel Flynn to disclose records about his meetings with Russian officials, including holding Flynn in contempt.

Flynn rejects Trump-Russia probe subpoena

President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in rebuffing a subpoena Monday in the investigation into Russia's election meddling. Then a top House Democrat cited new evidence he said appeared to show Flynn lied on a security clearance background check.

Westporter Off to Become U.S. Senate Page

Ethan Parker, 16, of Westport is off to Washington, D.C. this summer to work as a U.S. Senate page under the sponsorship of New York Sen. Charles Schumer, the Senate minority leader. The Greens Farms Academy honor roll sophomore is one of 30 students from across the country who will serve the 100 senators.

House Democrat: Flynn misled Pentagon on Russia ties during security clearance review

Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn , who was fired in February for misleading Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. In photo, Pence, left, and Flynn shake hands before the start of the President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joint news conference in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, Feb. 10, 2017.

House Democrat: Flynn lied about Russia ties to renew security clearance

Former White House National Security Adviser Michael Flynn appears to have lied to federal investigators last year about who paid for his 2015 trip to Moscow, during a Defense Department inquiry into the renewal of his top secret security clearance, a leading Capitol Hill Democrat said Monday. Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said he intended to turn his information about Flynn over to Robert Mueller, named last week as a Department of Justice special counsel charged with investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 election.

Dems: New documents show Flynn lied to investigators about Russian trips

A new letter from the leading Democrat on the House oversight committee, Rep. Elijah Cummings, reveals new information about former national security adviser Michael Flynn and what he told investigators about his ties to foreign governments when he was interviewed about his security clearance. According to the Report of Investigation, which Cummings refers to in his letter to committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, Flynn made false statements to investigators about who funded his foreign trips, including a 2015 trip to Russia where Flynn was paid roughly $45,000 to speak at an event in Moscow .

Political vitriol sparks call for moderation in Nevada

Small business owner Ron Nelsen, center, is told to leave after interrupting U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., during a luncheon to discuss infrastructure projects at the Suncoast casino-hotel on Friday, May 12, 2017 in Las Vegas. @Erik_Verduzco They disrupt his speeches and town halls screaming grievances.

Flynn rejects Trump-Russia probe subpoena; Dems say he lied

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster, center, arrives for a news conference with President Donald Trump and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, May 18, 2017, in Washington. . From left, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Cory A. Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., walk on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 18, 2017, to ... .

Michael Flynn to plead Fifth Amendment in Senate panel’s Russia investigation

Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn will invoke his constitutional right against self-incrimination on Monday when he declines to hand over documents to a Senate panel investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 election, The Associated Press has learned. Flynn is expected to cite Fifth Amendment protections in a letter Monday to the Senate intelligence committee, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

Congress back to work while Trump overseas: Budget, Russia

In fact, the nation's legislative branch is still trying to get some work done. Both chambers will be back in session on Monday, and it will be interesting to see if President Donald Trump's long overseas trip will lower the daily drama in Washington or if his international events will lead to more controversies that lawmakers will wake up to each day and have to react.

Key lawmakers vow public hearings on why Comey was fired

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is surrounded by reporters as he leaves a briefing of the full Senate by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, amid controversy over President Donald Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, at the Capitol, Thursday, May 18, 2017, in Washington. From left, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Cory A. Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., walk on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 18, 2017, to meet with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein for a briefing of the full Senate amid controversy over President Donald Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey.

Gov. Scott forms new PAC ahead of likely U.S. Senate run

Ahead of a likely 2018 run for U.S. Senate , Gov. Rick Scott has set up a political action committee designed to appeal to younger and Hispanic voters. The super PAC, called New Republican and announced last week, is meant to sell the GOP 's philosophy to young voters who want less government in their lives, Scott said.

Key lawmakers vow full airing of reasons behind Comey firing

From left, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Cory A. Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., walk on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 18, 2017, to meet with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein for a briefing of the full Senate amid controversy over President Donald Trump's ... (more)