URGENT – Obama congratulates Perez on DNC election

Former President Barack Obama congratulated his former labor secretary, Tom Perez, for clinching the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee on Saturday and for selecting his rival for the job, Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, as his deputy. "I'm proud of all the candidates who ran and who make this great party what it is," Obama said in a statement.

Democrats Elect Thomas Perez, Establishment Favorite, as Party…

Perez wins bid to lead Democratic Party - ATLANTA - Former Labor Secretary Tom Perez has defeated Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee in a blow to Sen. Bernie Sanders - (I-Vt.) and the progressive wing of the party.

In Trump’s First Speech to Congress, Will Decorum Hold?

The House sergeant-at-arms will stand at the rear of the House of Representatives on Tuesday night and announce the arrival of Donald Trump before a joint session of Congress by intoning: "Mister Speaker, the President of the United States" just like always. Trump will stride down the center aisle to lusty cheers and hearty handshakes from his Republican supporters.

NY congresswoman urges open White House press briefings

A New York congresswoman has voiced outrage over the White House decision to block The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, CNN, Politico and others from a press briefing. Rep. Carolyn Maloney said Saturday outside The New York Times offices in Manhattan that she wants the Trump administration to commit to a policy of press access for all.

Dems invite immigrants to Trump’s first address to Congress

In this Dec. 1, 2015 file photo, then-Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear speaks in Louisville, Ky. Democrats have tapped Beshear to deliver the party's response to President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday, highlighting the Kentucky Democratas efforts to expand health care coverage under the law Republicans are determined to repeal and replace.

White House says chief of staff not wrong to talk to FBI

President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference , Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, in Oxon Hill, Md. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference , Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, in Oxon Hill, Md.

Democrats inviting immigrants to Trump’s speech to Congress

In this Feb. 10, 2016 file photo, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington during a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee hearing on The Flint Water Crisis. Dr. Hanna-Attisha came to the U.S. with her parents, who were fleeing the regime of Saddam Hussein, has been invited by Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich.

Comey in middle of political fray over Trump and Russians

As a high-ranking Justice Department official in the George W. Bush administration, he clashed with the White House over a secret surveillance program. Years later as head of the FBI, he incurred the ire of Hillary Clinton supporters for public statements on an investigation into her emails.

White House asked key officials to deny reports of Russian contacts after FBI refused

The Trump administration has enlisted senior members of the intelligence community and Congress in efforts to counter news stories about Trump associates' ties to Russia, a politically charged issue that has been under investigation by the FBI as well as lawmakers now defending the White House. Acting at the behest of the White House, the officials made calls to news organizations last week in attempts to challenge stories about alleged contacts between members of President Donald Trump's campaign team and Russian intelligence operatives, U.S. officials said.

Democrats invite immigrants to Trumpa s first address to Congress

Democrats have invited immigrants and foreigners to President Donald Trump's first address to Congress in an effort to put a face on those who could be hurt by the Republican's policies. Lawmakers typically get one guest ticket apiece for presidential addresses, as they will for Tuesday's prime-time speech, and the invites often go to family, friends or someone from back home.

Trump’s Billionaire Pick For Commerce, Oceans Chief Is Keeping His Oil Tankers

If there's one thing that's clear from Wilbur Ross's financial disclosure forms, it's that the billionaire nominee for secretary of commerce lives in a world most Americans can only fantasize about. His many holdings include at least $150 million in cash accounts.

Comey faces pressure as White House fights Russia reports

As a high-ranking Justice Department official in the George W. Bush administration, he clashed with the White House over a secret surveillance program. Years later as head of the FBI, he incurred the ire of Hillary Clinton supporters for public statements on an investigation into her emails.

Daily Business Report-Feb. 24, 2017

Rep. Susan Davis defended the economic value of a "diverse community" at a pro-immigration rally Thursday outside two University Heights businesses started by an Iranian family. "Like many of you, I've been alarmed to hear President Trump's rhetoric on immigration," said the seven-term Congresswoman.

Vulnerable Dems lay low as town hall angst rages

From Montana to West Virginia, the nation's most vulnerable Senate Democrats are avoiding town hall meetings as their Republican counterparts get pummeled by an energized electorate frustrated with President Donald Trump's early agenda. Some Democrats prefer to connect with constituents over the telephone or using social media.

Officials: Trump adviser asked FBI to dispute Russia reports

By JULIE PACE, AP White House Correspondent WASHINGTON - White House chief of staff Reince Priebus asked top FBI officials to dispute media reports that President Donald Trump's campaign advisers were frequently in touch with Russian intelligence agents during the election, according to three White House officials. Democrats accused Priebus of interfering in a pending investigation.