Republicans told to proceed with speed a ” and caution a ” on dismantling Obamacare

Republicans have yet to agree on how they want to replace the Affordable Care Act, but they're hearing that they might not have much time. Insurance companies need some details by the end of March as they develop health coverage packages for 2018, panelists suggested at a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

Review of pipeline could be beginning of end for opponents

FILE- In this Dec. 3, 2016, file photo, law enforcement vehicles line a road leading to a blocked bridge next to the Oceti Sakowin camp where people have gathered to protest the Dakota Access oil pipeline in Cannon Ball,... . This Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, photo from video provided by KXMB in Bismarck, N.D., shows cleanup beginning at a North Dakota encampment near Cannon Ball where Dakota Access oil pipeline opponents have protested for months.

DeVos nomination at risk with two…

What previously appeared to be a near-certain chance of Betsy DeVos becoming President Donald Trump's education secretary took a hit Wednesday as two Republican U.S. senators said they would vote against her. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska delivered statements from the floor of the U.S. Senate saying they could not support DeVos' nomination, questioning both her experience and commitment to public schools.

Greasy Palms Dept.: Congress To Repeal Oil and Mining Anti-Corruption Regulation

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to repeal an obscure anti-corruption rule aimed at the oil and gas industry before the rule even took effect. Now oil majors like ExxonMobil or Chevron won't have to disclose payments they make to foreign governments while chasing resource deals around the world.

Congressman Pascrell Wants Ways and Means to Formally Request Trump’s Tax Returns

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. , a member of the Ways and Means Committee, is calling on Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady to submit a formal request to the Secretary of the Treasury for President Donald J. Trump's tax returns for each of the past ten years. "The Presidential campaign is over and the fear that a political opponent will try to use tax returns for electoral benefit is passed," wrote Pascrell.

Republicans Push Cabinet Nominees Through Committee

The Democratic Party's attempts to derail the confirmation process of President Donald Trump's cabinet nominees appear to be unsuccessful as GOP senators managed to pass two of his selections out of committee Wednesday morning. In an unprecedented move, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch opted to suspend the rules requiring one Democrat to be present for the vote - effectively advancing Department of Health and Human Services nominee Rep. Tom Price of Georgia and Treasury secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin out of committee by a 14-0 margin.

Congress Is Trying To Tear Up This Obama Rule That Hurts Businesses

Republicans in the House of Representatives have proposed legislation that would stop regulations requiring federal contractors to report any and all labor violations. The joint resolution , proposed Monday by North Carolina Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, makes use of the Congressional Review Act of 1996, which allows Congress to overturn executive actions, and has only been used once before.

Negron: Farmland isn’t only option for Okeechobee plan

Senate President Joe Negron appears willing to look beyond sugar farmland to carry out his proposal to reduce the flow of polluted water from Lake Okeechobee into bays on both coasts. The Stuart Republican, speaking at the Capitol this week, maintained his desire to buy 60,000 acres for a reservoir south of the lake to store and clean water.

Nation-Now 35 mins ago 5:03 a.m.Senator: Army Corps told to approve Dakota pipeline easement

The Army Corps of Engineers was ordered to allow construction of the Dakota Access pipeline to proceed under a disputed Missouri River crossing, North Dakota Sen. John Hoeven said. It's the latest twist in a months-long legal battle over the $3.8 billion project.

Roberts to speak in Kentucky after Trump’s high court pick

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is scheduled to speak to the University of Kentucky College of Law one day after President Donald Trump announced Neil Gorsuch as his nominee for the high court. Roberts is scheduled to make a presentation and have a conversation with James C. Duff, director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

Conservatives Defend Stephen Miller: A ‘Brilliant And Courageous’ Man

President Donald Trump's senior policy advisor Stephen Miller has come under fire for his role in crafting the president's pause on immigration from seven Muslim-majority nations, and is being cast by prominent media figures as a toxic influence within the administration. But for the conservatives who know Miller best, a far different picture emerges of the 31-year-old man who's become a significant player in the White House.

Tensions erupt in Senate over Trump nominees

Tensions erupted in the Senate Tuesday as Democrats stalled several of President Donald Trump's Cabinet picks, frustrating Republicans who accused Democrats of playing politics to try to hurt Trump and make Senate Republicans look ineffective. Party leaders squared off after a fast-paced and chaotic morning when Democrats on one committee abruptly boycotted a hearing where two top administration officials were expected to clear votes to advance to the floor.

Hatch: Trump may not have Obamacare replacement

He has said he was putting finishing touches on a plan that would provide "insurance for everybody" and would submit a proposal as soon as his nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services is confirmed. But according to Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, a key player in the GOP's efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, there may not be a Trump Obamacare plan.