Harvey aid, debt on returning Congress’ daunting to-do list

Harvey has scrambled the equation for Congress as lawmakers return to Washington Tuesday. . In this Feb. 27, 2017 file photo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., accompanied by House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., speaks to reporters outside the White House in Washington, following their meeting wit... The expected crush of interviews, subpoenas and testimony this fall underscores both the broad scope of the Russia probes and the certainty that they will shadow Trump's presidency for months or even years.

Harvey changes the equation as Congress returns

Harvey has scrambled the equation for Congress as lawmakers get ready to return to Washington on Tuesday after a five-week summer recess. A daunting workload awaits, including funding the government by month's end and increasing the federal borrowing limit to head off a catastrophic first-ever default.

Political figures consider options

Even as party volunteers and political higher-ups spend their efforts on a slate of local elections this November, many are keeping an eye on another process already unfolding behind the scenes: next year's congressional and state races. Primary season is still months away, and next year's elections - including key races in both Washington and Harrisburg - are nearly 15 months out.

Sheriff Clarke Denounced This ‘Scam PAC’ – Why Won’t They Stop Using His Name For Money?

A shady super PAC denounced by former Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke as a "scam PAC" is still using Clarke's name to solicit donations for a Senate run that Clarke has repeatedly said isn't happening. Again and again, Clarke has said that he has no intention of running for federal office.

APLU Urges Congress to Take Swift Action to Protect DACA Participants

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities President Peter McPherson today sent the following letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi , and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressing strong support for swift congressional action that would, at a minimum, codify the provisions of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy into law. On behalf of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities I write to strongly support swift congressional action which will, at a minimum, codify the provisions of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy into law.

Houston area schools get a helping hand, thanks to Keller principal

Principals and campuses from New Jersey to California are providing assistance to Texas schools impacted by Hurricane Harvey, thanks to the efforts of Kristen Eriksen, principal of Sunset Valley Elementary, a Keller district school in north Fort Worth. Hundreds of principals from across the United States had signed up to help more than 200 schools in Southeast Texas through a grassroots effort called "Principals Helping Principals."

New Jersey Senator Menendez fails towin breaks in corruption trial

A federal judge has rejected Senator Robert Menendez's request to allow breaks in his corruption trial beginning next Wednesday so the New Jersey Democrat could travel to Washington to cast critical Senate votes. In a decision made public on Friday, U.S. District Judge William Walls in Newark, New Jersey, rejected Menendez's claim that he deserved special treatment because he had a "constitutional duty" to be in Washington for his constituents.

Trump’s summer of discontent bleeds into high-stakes fall

In this July 31, 2017 photo, President Donald Trump talks with new White House Chief of Staff John Kelly after he was privately sworn in during a ceremony in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump in Washington. After a summer of staff shake-ups and self-made crises, President Trump is emerging politically damaged, personally agitated and continuing to buck at the confines of his office, according to some of his close allies.

Trump seeks an initial $7.9 billion in Harvey aid

President Donald Trump has sent lawmakers an initial request for a $7.9 billion down payment toward Harvey relief and recovery efforts. The request, expected to be swiftly approved by Congress, would add $7.4 billion to rapidly dwindling Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster aid coffers and $450 million to finance disaster loans for small businesses.

Humboldt County reacts to Trumpa s possible cuts to undocumented protections

Arcata resident Karla Sanchez was 2 years old when she crossed the border with her mother and grandmother into the United States from Mexico in search of a better life. Sanchez, now 23, said the only life she has known has been in the U.S. where she has lived for 21 years and is now finishing up her last semester at Humboldt State University where she studies psychology.

Trump asks for $7.9 billion down payment for Harvey relief

President Donald Trump has sent lawmakers an initial request for a $7.9 billion down payment toward Harvey relief and recovery efforts. The request, expected to be swiftly approved by Congress, would add $7.4 billion to rapidly dwindling Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster aid coffers and $450 million to finance disaster loans for small businesses.

Hanabusa’s intention to challenge Ige promises to shake up Hawaii politics

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa has announced her intention to establish a gubernatorial campaign committee. She is shown here taking an oath after officially filing for the U.S. Congress District 1 seat on June 2, 2016, at the Office of Elections in Honolulu.

From CEOs to bishops, support grows for immigrant program

Corporate executives, Roman Catholic bishops, celebrities and immigrants have become unlikely companions in an effort to pressure national leaders to save an Obama-era program that shields young immigrants from deportation. Immigrant groups have been staging daily protests in the scorching Phoenix heat, mobilizing people through phone banks in California, and demonstrating outside House Speaker Paul Ryan's church and office.

Rep. Jim Bridenstine nominated as next NASA administrator

U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine has been nominated to be the next administrator of NASA, the White House announced Friday night. Bridenstine, a 42-year-old Tulsa Republican, had taken the unusual approach of making clear his interest in the job.