Senators introduce VA accountability bill after 2-month stall

Nearly two months after the House passed legislation that would allow Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin to fire bad workers more quickly, the Senate on Thursday introduced its own version of the bill - one with bipartisan support. The bill, a deal between Senate Republicans and Democrats, signals the most likely opportunity that Congress has to pass VA accountability legislation following the 2014 scandal when veterans were found to be waiting long periods for health care.

If youa re not appalled by Comeya s firing, youa re not paying attention

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday defended President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey, as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer questioned the president's decision and called for a special prosecutor to lead the Russia investigation. And Republican Sen. Marco Rubio essentially shrugged.

Republican party closes ranks, mostly protects Trump over shock FBI firing

The Republican party is mostly closing ranks around its president, shielding Donald Trump against attacks over the historic firing of an FBI director who was investigating his campaign's ties to Russia. Wednesday's circling of conservative wagons following the firing of FBI director James Comey extended from cable-news chatter to the party brass.

These Republicans are standing up to Trump over James Comey firing

President Donald Trump's firing of former FBI Director James Comey has split his party into two factions - those scrambling to defend their leader and those who find themselves unable and/or unwilling to do so. I've spent the last several hours trying to find an acceptable rationale for the timing of Comey's firing.

UN investigator warns about Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs

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An unscientific analysis of the Florida delegation’s feelings on orange juice

In addition to being the day the House of Representatives passed an Obamacare repeal bill and the unofficial Star Wars day, Thursday was also National Orange Juice Day. It's a totally real thing promoted by the state's Department of Citrus, which you should not be surprised to hear is also a real thing.

Jailed Venezuela activist dispels rumors of health emergency

The wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez rushed to Caracas' military hospital late Wednesday seeking information on her husband after a report on social media said he had been taken there with a medical emergency - a scare that proved to be wrong. "Please, can you inform us if anyone brought Leopoldo here? Did he enter or not?" Lilian Tintori could be heard pleading tearfully through the metal bars at the hospital's entrance.

Welcome to Miami’s Top House Race

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL, right, admires Ysmelio Lopez's American flag themed tie after the dedication of a Statue of Liberty replica on the campus of Florida International University, Monday, July 6, 2015, in Miami. Lopez donated the statue which was unveiled after a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony.

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen, 1st Cuban-American in Congress, to retire

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, the first Cuban-American elected to Congress, is retiring at the end of her term next year, saying it's time to move on after 38 years in office. The 64-year-old Republican was elected last November to Florida's redrawn 27th district, a stretch of southeast Miami-Dade County that is heavily Democratic.

Bush Beats Trump! And Other Insurance Political Giving News

Monumental views on insurance and risk in the nation's capital? S urely we jest. Well, we will take an occasional dip into the Potomac waters to poke fun, but overall we hope this reporting on insurance and risk as seen from the nation's capital will be worthy of reflection.

Trump Holds Secret Meeting With Former Colombian Presidents

President Donald Trump quietly met a pair of former Colombian presidents last weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, thrusting his administration into an ugly power struggle in Latin America that threatens to undermine the country's controversial peace agreement with rebel leaders. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is expected to push Trump to support the peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia at their first meeting at the White House next month.

Sen. Marco Rubio: Government shutdown would be ‘catastrophic’ for the world

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., warned Sunday against letting the federal government shutdown this week because of the effects it could have on national security and foreign affairs. "We cannot shut down the government right now," Rubio told CBS "Face the Nation" host John Dickerson, citing a number foreign events and threats.

Jacksonville: ‘I’M a Goner’: El Faro’s last hours as ship sails into storm

Rochelle Hamm's eyes fill with tears when she reads her terrified husband's last words - uttered as the cargo freighter El Faro went down in hurricane, taking the lives of Frank Hamm and 32 others. A few lines later, the transcript ends, along with the lives of Hamm and the captain who desperately sought to save him.

El Faro widow turns anguish into mission for safer ships

Rochelle Hamm's eyes fill with tears when she reads her terrified husband's last words - uttered as the cargo freighter El Faro went down in hurricane, taking the lives of Frank Hamm and 32 others. A few lines later, the transcript ends, along with the lives of Hamm and the captain who desperately sought to save him.

Congress Sends Bill to Boost Weather Research to President’s Desk

The National Weather Service would have to boost research - including some from private companies - to improve forecasts and storm warnings under a bill headed to President Donald trump's desk. Lawmakers said the bill should save lives by giving residents more time to prepare for hurricanes, tornadoes and other deadly storms.