2 Republican senators seek to protect Mueller from Trump

Despite new protestations from the White House that President Donald Trump does not plan to fire Robert Mueller, two leading Republican senators Sunday called for a law to protect the special counsel leading the Russia investigation. "I've got legislation protecting Mr. Mueller, and I'll be glad to pass it tomorrow," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said on ABC's "This Week."

GOP senators: Trump needs to show restraint in Russia probe

Two Republican senators said Sunday that President Donald Trump would be wise to keep a public silence on an independent investigation into his 2016 campaign's contacts with Russia in the wake of news reports that he sought to fire the special counsel. The senators, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Susan Collins of Maine, also urged special counsel Robert Mueller to review whether Trump tried to fire him last June, an accusation the president has labeled "fake news."

Strong health sign-ups under Obamacare encourage Democrats

Republicans on the campaign trail this year will be eager to tout the potential benefits of their tax cut plan. Failed efforts by congressional Republicans last year to repeal former President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act exposed not only deep divisions within the party but also revealed core benefits of the law that millions of Americans now take for granted.

Collins: Talks about protecting Mueller’s job

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins said on Sunday that Congress should pass legislation to protect special counsel Robert Mueller following reports President Donald Trump considered firing him last June. But at the same time, Collins said in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union" that she ultimately had faith in Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who has direct authority over the probe.

Truthout’s Progressive Pick of The Week: Greg Palast’s Best Democracy Money Can Buy

As part of their commitment to providing independent information and resources to their readers, Truthout chooses a "Progressive Pick" every week: an independent book or DVD that they find thought-provoking and insightful. This week, Truthout have selected The Best Democracy Money Can Buy: The Case Of The Stolen Election - which has been updated and has just been released on Amazon - as their "Progressive Pick".

In Must-See Interview, Trey Gowdy Hints FISA Memo Will Expose Hillary …

In a must see interview with "Fox News Sunday," Rep. Trey Gowdy hinted, by way of asking a series of rhetorical questions to host Christopher Wallace, that the FISA abuse memo will expose Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee's true role in obtaining the Steele dossier. "If you think your viewers want to know whether or not the dossier was used in court proceedings, whether or not it was vetted before it was used, whether or not it's ever been vetted - if you are interested in who paid for the dossier, if you are interested in Christopher Steele's relationship with Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee, then, yes, you will want the memo to come out," Gowdy told Wallace.

Sen. Collins: If Trump Fired Rosenstein, Would Be ‘Terrible Mistake’

President Donald Trump would be making a "terrible mistake" if he fired Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein - and should "never ever" discuss special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe with anyone but his lawyer, Sen. Susan Collins said Sunday. In an interview on CNN's "State of the Union," the Maine Republican, reacting to a report that Trump wanted to fire Mueller last year, noted Rosenstein is the only one who could technically fire the special counsel.

Fox’s Chris Wallace asks if GOP hurt its credibility by hyping…

Fox News aired the phrase "secret society" over 100 times over two days, then went silent after reports showed the text was a joke On Fox News Sunday , host Chris Wallace displayed a shocking lack of self-awareness when he asked his guest, Rep. Trey Gowdy , if "Republicans hurt their credibility on real issues of bias when they make such a big deal about secret societies and palace coups?" referring to the GOP hyping a text message between two FBI employees referencing a "secret society." Wallace ignored Fox News' role in hyping the texts, airing the term "secret society" over 100 times on Fox News over the course of two days, before stopping abruptly after it was reported the "secret society" reference was likely a joke.

Scott Baio Says Nicole Eggert – Seduced Me,’ But She…

"My reputation is being damaged, my family is being put through this, and I'm done," actor says of his former "Charles in Charge" co-star's accusations A New York Times article uncovered multiple incidents of Weinstein's sexually harassment or abuse. Thousands of women embracing the "Me Too" movement to own their histories of sexual harassment and abuse, and those issues swirling at high volume in the culture overall, parents are reaching for teachable moments in the post-Weinstein world.

GOP and Dems emphasize compromise in forging immigration deal

Members of both political parties are emphasizing a need for compromise on immigration negotiations, amid pressure to reach a deal on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The calls for compromise follow the White House's proposed immigration framework, which would give 1.8 million undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship.

Tom Kacich: Cross-partisan group endorses Ebel’s integrity

Jon Ebel of Urbana, one of five Democrats seeking to run against U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis next fall, has received the endorsement of a cross-partisan group dedicated to more integrity and civility in politics and to getting more military veterans into Congress. The group, called With Honor, last week announced its support for five Republicans and four Democrats running in March primaries.

Continue reading Pressure grows on Texas Sen. John Cornyn to deliver DACA fix

The White House aggravated hard-line conservatives and Democrats when it proposed granting citizenship to 1.8 million Dreamers in exchange for border wall funding and drastic changes to the nation's immigration laws. The Senate majority whip, who has emerged as a key Republican negotiator in talks to resolve the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, says he supports a permanent solution for young immigrants in the country illegally.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio fires chief of staff

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said Saturday that he has fired his chief of staff after getting reports of "improper conduct" with subordinate staffers. "By early this afternoon, I had sufficient evidence to conclude that while employed by this office, my Chief of Staff had violated office policies regarding proper relations between a supervisor and their subordinates.

Markets seem unfazed by politics

Despite almost nonstop news coverage recently of the high likelihood and adverse implications of a U.S. government shutdown, the performance of stocks and bonds betrayed little evidence of investor concern. Go back a little further and markets have shown a striking ability to shrug off political and geopolitical instability.

Hispanic business group to push Congress to support citizenship for DREAMers

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders will call Monday for Congress - including Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz - to find a permanent solution for DACA recipients. Photos by Evan Tucci/AP , Tom Reel/San Antonio Express-News , and John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News .