Government funding bill clears key hurdle in Senate

A bill to fund the US government through April that got caught up in a fight over health insurance for coal miners, cleared a key procedural hurdle late Thursday when senators voted 61-38 to advance it. A group of Democrats, who tried to bolster the health insurance provisions in the bill, were not able to get enough votes to block it.

Trump jovially rejoins campaign trail, tosses hat to a fan

Appearing jovial and relaxed, Donald Trump plunged back into election politics Friday, a full month after he won the presidency, enthusiastically prodding Louisiana Republicans to turn out for Saturday's Senate runoff election and protect the party's 52-48 margin in Washington. Addressing a large crowd at an airport hangar, at one point he tossed his trademark "Make America Great Again" hat to a supporter.

Trump: Ban Fed Employees From Applying to Former Clients

President-elect Donald Trump said Friday that he would propose a lifetime ban on federal employees who grant huge defense contracts from working for those companies - after saying this week that he wanted to cancel the "ridiculous" order for a new Air Force One. "But when you're talking about the kind of money [spent on such contracts] I said: 'Who gives these orders out?'" Trump told a rally in Baton Rouge, La., as part of his "thank you" tour of battleground states.

Sessions’ first move at DOJ should be to clear Rep. Rick Renzi

Jeff Sessions Sessions' first move at DOJ should be to clear Rep. Rick Renzi Sessions' first move at DOJ should be to clear Rep. Rick Renzi Will justice in America be Trumped? MORE is confirmed as attorney general, he must work with Congress to clean up the corruption within the Department of Justice. One of the first cases he should review is the prosecution of former Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi.

Trump picks congresswoman to lead Interior

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers will be Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of the interior, according to multiple media outlets. A senior member of the House, McMorris Rodgers, 47, is the highest-ranking female Republican in Congress.

Governor Tomblin Urges Passage of Federal Miners Protection Act –

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin recently issued a statement urging congressional passage of the Miners Protection Act, legislation supported by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito that would protect health care benefits for retired coal miners and their families: "For decades, West Virginia's coal miners have given tirelessly of themselves to power our nation, lift up our economy and support their families.

Obama fails to condemn lawless protesters

Like most Americans, I was shocked when I saw President Obama fail to condemn protesters who wouldn't accept the election results. " I would not advise people who feel strongly a to be silent ," he said while visiting Germany in November, taking no action to stop protests like those that caused $1 million in damages in Portland, Ore.

Five Things We’ve Learned From Trump’s Cabinet Picks So Far

First Read is a morning briefing from Meet the Press and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter. President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet selections are now almost complete -- save for that secretary of state position, as well as Agriculture, Energy, and Interior.

Trump’s Cabinet will serve corporate interests, not the chumps who voted for him

To understand what kind of president Donald Trump will be, do not listen to what he says, watch what he does. In a series of campaign-style events, he has repeated all the favorite lines that convinced millions of voters that he was on the side of Americans who feel abused by the establishments on Wall Street, K Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Trump praises Michigan GOP while weighing RNC chairman call

Donald Trump may have more than just his gratitude to offer in Michigan when he visits the state that capped his stunning presidential victory last month. Michigan Republican Party chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel is a leading contender for the Republican National Committee 's chairmanship.

Chief of staff Priebus? Some Trump loyalists still dubious

In this Nov. 9, 2016, file photo, President-elect Donald Trump stands with Republican National Committee Chairman, incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, right, and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, during an election night rally in New York. When Trump tapped Priebus as his chief of staff, Republican leaders welcomed the prospect of a close ally having a top White House job.

Right to the end, Trump campaign spent less than Clinton’s

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence react to supporters during a rally, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence react to supporters during a rally, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Latest: Trump spent far less than Clinton in final weeks

Donald Trump's campaign spent about $94 million in its final push for the White House, new fundraising reports show. The Republican continued his campaign-long trend of spending far less than Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Colleges pushed to note sexual misconduct on transcripts

Colleges that expel students whom they suspect of having committed sexual assault are being asked to go further by specifying the reason for expulsion on their transcripts. Victims' advocates say it's critical to ensuring such students don't end up on other campuses without their new schools knowing the potential risk and to holding them accountable, long term, so they can't just move on with a clean slate.

Plane Missing in Alaska With 4 Passengers, Search Underway

A plane went missing in Alaska Wednesday morning, and a search is underway for the aircraft, which was carrying four people from Port Alsworth to Anchorage. The small airplane, described by Alaska Dispatch News as a Piper PA-28 Cherokee, departed about 10:30 a.m. The plane, though did not arrive to its destination at Merrill Field, said Clint Johnson, spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board, according to KTVA .

Trump’s Choice of Scott Pruitt for EPA Draws Positive Reviews

President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to head the EPA is drawing widespread praise from legislators and Republican environmental groups as someone who will draw back the agency's excessive regulations. "By standing up to unwarranted and unlawful policies, he has demonstrated rightful concern for Americans whose livelihoods and communities have suffered under intrusive, job-killing regulations."

Study: ‘Obamacare’ Repeal-Only Would Make 30M Uninsured

Repealing President Barack Obama's health care law without a replacement risks making nearly 30 million people uninsured, according to a study released Wednesday. Separately, a professional group representing benefit advisers warned congressional leaders of the risk of "significant market disruption" that could cause millions of Americans to lose their health insurance.