Sessions’ tough on crime talk could lead to fuller prisons

The federal prison population is on the decline, but a new attorney general who talks tough on drugs and crime and already has indicated a looming need for private prison cells seems poised to usher in a reversal of that trend. Jeff Sessions, a former federal prosecutor sworn in this month as the country's chief law enforcement officer, signalled at his confirmation hearing - and during private meetings in his first days on the job - that he sees a central role for the federal government in combating drug addiction and violence as well as in strict enforcement of immigration laws.

Sessionsa tough on crime talk could lead to fuller prisons

The federal prison population is on the decline, but a new attorney general who talks tough on drugs and crime and already has indicated a looming need for private prison cells seems poised to usher in a reversal of that trend. Jeff Sessions, a former federal prosecutor sworn in this month as the country's chief law enforcement officer, signaled at his confirmation hearing - and during private meetings in his first days on the job - that he sees a central role for the federal government in combating drug addiction and violence as well as in strict enforcement of immigration laws.

NY Times’ Rutenberg Tries to Enlist Republicans to Defend Media, Oppose Trump

Sunday's New York Times featured the latest installment in easily-freaked media reporter Jim Rutenberg's crusade against President Trump: " Trump's Undermining Reporters May Haunt Republicans ." The online headline foreshadowed Rutenberg's unlikely attempt to enlist Republicans in defense of the press and against Trump: "Will the Real Democracy Lovers Please Stand Up?" while the text box delivered an empty threat: "This strategy could push Republicans into a corner later."

Republicans divided on Russia probe, calls for special prosecutor over AG Sessions

Republicans are increasingly divided over whether members of Donald Trump's presidential campaign made illegal contact with Russia and if a special prosecutor should be appointed over Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate allegations. Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski told "Fox News Sunday" that he has confidence in Sessions, a Trump campaign supporter and former Alabama senator, and his judgment.

Officials question if flurry of political visits really matter

U. S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, talks with the media, along with, left to right, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, U.S. Representative John Carter, R-TX, U.S. Representative Mike Conaway, R-TX, and U.S Representative David Rouzer, R-NC, before touring the Rio Grande at Anzalduas Park on Feb. 20, 2017 in Mission. photo by Joel Martinez/jmartinez@monitor.com U. S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, talks with the media, along with, left to right, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-NC, U.S. Representative John Carter, R-TX, U.S. Representative Mike Conaway, R-TX, and U.S Representative David Rouzer, R-NC, before touring the Rio Grande at Anzalduas Park on Feb. 20, 2017 in Mission.

White House dodging questions of Sessions’ role in FBI probe

The White House is dodging questions about whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions should consider withdrawing from the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. A prominent Republican, California Rep. Darrell Issa, has called for a special prosecutor and said it would be improper for Sessions to lead the investigation as the nation's chief law enforcement official.

GOP congressman: Special prosecutor needed for Russia probe

Congressman Darrell Issa speaks with members of the media following his speech during the California Republican Party's 2017 Organizing Convention in Sacramento, CA, on Saturday February 25, 2017. WASHINGTON - A Republican congressman has called for a special prosecutor to investigate whether Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election and was in touch with President Donald Trump 's team during the campaign.

Our View: Leashing Visit Florida

Instead of euthanizing Visit Florida, House Speaker Richard Corcoran has decided to try to put it on a tighter leash. Corcoran, a Republican from Land O'Lakes, has been waging an internecine battle against Gov. Rick Scott over the state's taxpayer-funded tourism marketing agency.

Conservatives unsure how to handle Trump

For the past eight years, thousands of conservative activists have descended on Washington each spring with dreams of putting a Republican in the White House. With Donald Trump's presidential victory, the future of the conservative movement has become entwined with an unconventional New York businessman better known for his deal-making than any ideological principles.

Trump administration blocks changes on coal mining royalties

The Interior Department has put on hold changes to how the federal government values huge volumes of coal extracted from public lands, primarily in the Western United States, after mining companies challenged the agency in federal court. The move by the Trump administration means current rules governing the industry will remain in place pending decisions in the courts, according to an agency notification due to be published Monday in the Federal Register.

Medical workers to Sen. McCain: Keep the ACA

About 150 people, many employed in the healthcare sector, gathered outside U.S. Senator John McCain's office to show their support for the Affordable Care Act and urge Arizona's senior congressman to resist attempts to dismantle the law signed by former President Barack Obama. "We feel the ACA is one of the most important pieces of healthcare legislation of all time," said Dr. Qunn Snyder, an emergency room physician."

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.

There was one group noticeably absent from CPAC, the biggest conservative conference of the year

The "Stand With Rand" shirts were out, and the "Make America Great Again" were in among the younger crowd at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference. Libertarians, who normally make up the loudest and most vocal faction at the annual nationwide gathering of conservatives, had a noticeably diminished presence at the 2017 political confab.

Trump aides urged intel officials, members of Congress to lie

The administration of Donald Trump, the President who routinely abandons the truth in his quest for self-proclaimed "greatness," attempted to enlist senior members of the American intelligence community and Congressional representatives and Senators to counter documented news stories about questionable ties by Trump associates to Russia. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other parts of the Justice Department are investigating of unlawful contacts by senior White House and campaign officials, as well as Trump himself, in growing scandals surrounding the new President.