Asset forfeiture rule changes leave problems

In an unfortunate turn, the U.S. Department of Justice has decided to lighten up on rules restricting law enforcement's use of asset forfeiture. Although Attorney General Jeff Sessions will include some helpful modifications to the stricter new policy, the net result is still a setback for Americans - not only the criminals federal prosecutors and cops want to keep off the streets.

Talks over Pennsylvania budget deadlock take unexpected turn

Efforts to end Pennsylvania's 18-day stalemate over how to pay for a $32 billion budget took an unexpected turn Tuesday when House Republican leaders abruptly retreated from discussions over raising taxes to help stitch together the state government's threadbare finances. The new stance left Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf further away from an agreement to settle his third budget and more clearly facing the prospect of having to set at least $1.5 billion aside to balance the budget bill he let become law last week.

Carlisle man convicted for his role in the 1992 murder of a witness

A Carlisle man has been convicted of the 1992 murder of a witness in a case against his brother - for the third time. According to the the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, a jury found Willie Tyler, 65, guilty of witness tampering through physical force and murder, returning with a verdict after deliberating for two hours.

Doomed GOP plan leaves health-care industry in legislative limbo

But few health insurers, hospitals or doctors seem to know how to approach the next chapter in American health care now that Republican efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act have all but collapsed. With Republicans in Congress reeling Tuesday from the failure of their latest Obamacare repeal effort, the health care industry is facing an accumulation of "ifs."

Poll: Do you think America relies too much on foreign labor?

Businesses will soon be able to apply to bring in up to 15,000 more foreigners for seasonal work, the Department of Homeland Security announced Monday - prompting questions about whether the move fit in with the White House's "America First" posture. The Department of Homeland Security's announcement came as the White House kicked off its "Made in America" week, during which the administration is highlighting its efforts to increase domestic employment and investment.

UPDATE 3-UnitedHealth beats profit estimates after Obamacare exit

UnitedHealth was losing money selling these plans when it withdrew last year, and it and other insurers questioned the sustainability of former President Barack Obama's health reform law. Republicans have vowed repeatedly to repeal and replace the law, but have disagreed on how to do that.

House budget blueprint boosts military, cuts food stamps

House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled a budget that makes deep cuts in food stamps and other social safety net programs while boosting military spending by billions, a blueprint that pleases neither conservatives nor moderates.

Paul Ryan threw Republican senators under the bus on their healthcare failure

House Speaker Paul Ryan blamed Senate Republicans for the party's failure to pass an Obamacare repeal and replacement bill, saying he hopes House Republicans' "friends in the Senate can figure out how they can get a bill passed." Ryan made the comments at a press conference Tuesday morning, the day after two GOP lawmakers announced they would not support the bill, effectively killing it.

Health plan hinges on the young, but they’re a tough sell

Julian Senn-Raemont isn't convinced he needs to buy health insurance when he loses coverage under his dad's plan in a couple of years - no matter what happens in the policy debate in Washington, or how cheap the plans are. The 24-year-old musician hasn't known a world without a health care safety net.

Patents Don’t Sue People, People Sue People

On July 13, 2017, The Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet of the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on The Impact of Bad Patents on American Businesses. Such a loaded topic should strike fear in the hearts of the many of us who work diligently to protect our clients' legitimate inventions.

Protesters Rally Against GOP Health Care Plan At Senate Office Building

Protesters again took to Capitol Hill on Monday to protest Senate Republicans' proposed health care bill, staging a demonstration in the Hart Senate Office Building, where several people were reportedly arrested. Demonstrators there urged Republican senators to vote against the bill, which would dismantle key portions of the Affordable Care Act and cause millions of people to lose their health care coverage, largely due to cuts to Medicaid.

Gova t to report on solvency of Social Security, Medicare

Republicans in Washington have been clamoring for years to address the long-term financial problems of Social Security and Medicare. On Thursday, the trustees who oversee the programs are scheduled to issue their annual warning about the finances of the federal government's two largest benefit programs.

Senators begin negotiations on new VA Choice Program

Members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee gained feedback this week about three draft proposals to reform how and when veterans seek private-sector health care, setting the stage for negotiations between Democrats and Republicans on what might be the biggest task for the committee this year. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., the chairman of the committee, said an "amazing amount" has been accomplished so far this session and he contributed it to an amendable relationship between Republicans and Democrats on the committee.

Gov’t to report on solvency of Social Security, Medicare

Republicans in Washington have been clamouring for years to address the long-term financial problems of Social Security and Medicare. On Thursday, the trustees who oversee the programs are scheduled to issue their annual warning about the finances of the federal government's two largest benefit programs.

Talk of Bipartisan Health Care Bill Emerges Amid Floundering GOP Effort

The Republican effort to overhaul the U.S. health insurance system appears to be floundering, as GOP senators await additional details on a new draft of the legislation. While the initiative remains in limbo, more lawmakers are openly exploring the possibility of a bipartisan health care bill.