Trump predicts economic boom as final tax bill heads for House, Senate

President says 'giant tax cut for Christmas' will breathe new life into U.S. economy, delivering more jobs and higher wages and massive tax relief for American families and companies. President Trump on Tuesday predicted the already-humming U.S. economy is about to get a big boost, as the final version of the $1.5 trillion Republican tax bill heads to the floors of the House and the Senate.

Experts tell Congress how to cut drug prices. We give you some odds

The nation's most influential science advisory group was set to tell Congress on Tuesday that the U.S. pharmaceutical market is not sustainable and needs to change. "Drugs that are not affordable are of little value and drugs that do not exist are of no value," said Norman Augustine, chair of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine's committee on drug pricing and former CEO of Lockheed Martin Corp. The report, "Making Medicines Affordable: A National Imperative," identifies eight steps to cut drug prices.

Juan Williams: The ground shifts on immigration

The earthquake began when candidates backed by President Trump played strong anti-immigrant cards in Virginia's gubernatorial race and Alabama's Senate race - and both came up losers. Trump, who had begun pulling down the curtain on the Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals , is himself now talking a different game.

The Latest: House GOP unveils $81B disaster aid measure

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., accompanied at right by Secretary for the Majority Laura Dove, walks to the chamber as Republicans in the House and Senate plan to pass the sweeping $1.5 trillion GOP tax bill on party-line votes, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. House Republicans have unveiled an $81 billion disaster aid measure that almost doubles last month's request by President Donald Trump.

House GOP unveils $81B disaster relief for hurricanes, fires

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., accompanied at right by Secretary for the Majority Laura Dove, walks to the chamber as Republicans in the House and Senate plan to pass the sweeping $1.5 trillion GOP tax bill on party-line votes, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. WASHINGTON - House Republicans on Monday unveiled an $81 billion disaster aid package to help hurricane-ravaged communities and states hit by wildfires, almost double the amount requested by President Donald Trump.

Pence delays Israel, Egypt trip as tax vote nears

Washington, Dec 19 - US Vice President Mike Pence, who was scheduled to travel to Egypt and Israel on Tuesday, has postponed his trip until next month to ensure the Senate passage of the much-awaited Republican tax bill, the media reported. The largest tax cut in American history is a landmark accomplishment for President Trump and a relief to millions of hardworking Americans, Pence press secretary Alyssa Farah said in a statement on Monday.

Hawaii attorney general announces run for US Congress

Hawaii Attorney General Douglas Chin, who has been fighting President Donald Trump's travel ban and other policies over the past year, has announced he will run for U.S. Congress. Chin, a Democrat, seeks to replace Hawaii U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who is running for governor.

McCain says he’s feeling well, vows return in January

Republican Sen. John McCain on Monday expressed thanks for the overwhelming support as he battles brain cancer, saying he is feeling well and looks forward to being back on the job in January. The 81-year senator returned home to Arizona after being treated for a viral infection at Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland.

Stefanik to vote “no” on GOP tax bill

On the eve of the House vote to approve the final draft of the GOP tax bill, Rep. Elise Stefanik said she would vote "no'' because of limits placed on the state-and-local tax deductions upon which many New York taxpayers depend. The revised bill is scheduled for a vote in the House Tuesday and in the Senate on Wednesday.

House Trump-Russia Probe Shouldn’t – Drag’ Out, Says Republican

The Republican leading the House Intelligence Committee's Russia investigation said Monday there's no reason to "drag" the inquiry out much longer and that Americans need some answers. But Representative Michael Conaway of Texas wouldn't comment on Democrats' contention that the GOP is trying to wrap up the probe by the end of the year.

House GOP Agrees on $81 Billion in Disaster Spending

A firefighter turns away from the heat as flames explode through the front windows of a home burning in the Lilac fire in House Republicans agreed Monday on $81 billion in disaster relief for areas hit by hurricanes and wildfires that will be attached to a must-pass government spending bill this week, according to a document provided by a Republican lawmaker.

Amtrak train derails on highway bridge in Washington state, several killed

A spokesman for the local sheriff's office told reporters at the scene there were "multiple" deaths but did not have a specific number to report. A still image from a video camera shows an Amtrak train that derailed on a bridge over a highway in Pierce County WASHINGTON: An Amtrak passenger train derailed on a bridge over a major highway in Washington state on Monday morning, sending part of the train crashing down onto Interstate 5 and killing several passengers, authorities said.

Post-Alabama, Democrats See A Slim Path To A Senate Majority, But Challenges Remain

Democrats have a path to a Senate majority in 2018 after an upset win by Doug Jones in last Tuesday's Alabama Senate special election. The win in Alabama now gives Democrats the elusive third target seat they had been looking for, which they needed given they're defending 10 incumbents who sit in states that Trump won last November.

Rule by 50%+1

I think the editors of the Wall Street Journal are asking the wrong question in considering the completely partisan nature of the tax reform bill making its way through Congress: Part of the explanation is ideological. The Democrats as a party moved sharply left during the Obama years-on economics nearly as much as on identity politics.

Congress week ahead: Key tax vote before holiday break

With the tax bill complete and two key Senate Republicans promising a "yes" vote Friday, Republicans are rolling at full speed to pass the bill through Congress and land it on President Donald Trump's desk before the end of the week. Both chambers had planned to go into holiday recess at the end of last week, but delayed it a week to push through the tax reform vote and get home before Christmas.

House panel to interview publicist Goldstone, Rep. Wasserman Schultz on Monday

The House Intelligence Committee has at least two interviews scheduled Monday to kick off a packed week of witnesses in the panel's Russia probe. The committee is interviewing British music publicist Rob Goldstone, who arranged the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Trump campaign officials and a Russian lawyer who promised dirt on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the former head of the Democratic National Committee, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Tour of ICE facility enlightens senator

As Sen. Tammy Duckworth left Jerome Combs Detention Center in Kankakee, she stopped to thank the officers for the tour and to remind them her commitment to supporting them transcends political debate. The Democrat and junior senator from Illinois was there for an oversight visit of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, which house up to about 190 detainees at any given time.