Could conservatives back single-payer system?

Areal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 10:22PM EDT expiring July 13 at 2:00AM EDT in effect for: Broward, Miami-Dade A Democratic senator said Tuesday that his conservative constituents are warming to the idea of universal government-run insurance, which has long been a policy goal of progressives. "What I'm hearing -- even in these conservative parts of my state that I lost by 30, 40% when I was running for re-election -- what I'm hearing is the system is way too stressful," Sen. Jeff Merkley told CNN's Alisyn Camerota during a discussion on health care legislation on "New Day."

Mitch McConnell: If repeal fails, GOP must bolster Affordable Care Act

Mitch McConnell, above on Capitol Hill in June, acknowledged on Thursday how difficult it is proving to craft an alternative health-care bill that can satisfy the GOP's conservative and centrist camps. Must credit: Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford Mitch McConnell, above on Capitol Hill in June, acknowledged on Thursday how difficult it is proving to craft an alternative health-care bill that can satisfy the GOP's conservative and centrist camps.

Oregon approves measure requiring insurers to cover abortion

Insurance companies in Oregon would be required to cover abortions and other reproductive services at no cost to the patient regardless of income, citizenship status or gender identity under a measure approved Wednesday by lawmakers. Oregon already has some of the most liberal abortion laws in the U.S., leaving out otherwise common requirements for waiting periods or spending limits on taxpayer funds.

Ohio’s Republican senator to visit drug recovery center

Ohio's Republican senator plans to tour a drug recovery center in suburban Cincinnati after voicing opposition to proposed legislation to overhaul Barack Obama's health care law because of concerns about the impact on drug treatment. Second-term Sen. Rob Portman and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Republican from neighboring West Virginia, issued a joint statement last week against the proposed legislation's cuts to Medicaid.

Ramesh Ponnuru

Republican efforts to pass health-care legislation are in jeopardy again, in part because of controversy over its potential impact on Medicaid. But the Republican reforms are more moderate, and more worthwhile, than they are getting credit for.

Democrat Kanew seeks to challenge Republican Rep. Blackburn

A film writer and producer says he is seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee next year. The Tennessean reports that Justin Kanew says he was inspired to run for the heavily Republican 7th Congressional District seat because he opposes efforts to replace and repeal former President Barack Obama's signature health care law.

GOP voters blame Congress, not Trump, for lack of progress

In firm control of the federal government, President Donald Trump and his Republican Party have so far failed to deliver on core campaign promises on health care, taxes and infrastructure. But in New York's Trump Tower cafe, the Gentry family blames Congress, not the president.

Agencies struggle to label soy milk

Dairy farmers want U.S. regulators to banish the term "soy milk," but documents show even government agencies haven't always agreed on what to call such drinks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture "fervently" wanted to use the term "soy milk" in educational materials for the public, according to emails recently released in response to a lawsuit.

Trump back repeal-only health bill as ‘option’

President Donald Trump is pressuring wavering senators to back a Republican bill to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's health care law but is holding open a repeal-only option if Republicans can't reach agreement over the July 4 recess, Trump's top legislative aide says. Marc Short, the White House's legislative director, said Trump was making weekend calls and believed senators were "getting close" on passing a bill.

Illinois House passes $5 billion tax package, spending plan

Illinois' Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed big, permanent increases in income tax rates and a $36 billion fiscal 2018 spending plan on Sunday with the help of some Republican votes as the cash-strapped state scrambled to stave off a bond rating downgrade to junk. The $5 billion tax package, which passed in a 72-45 vote and drew an immediate veto threat from Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, would boost the personal income tax rate to 4.95 percent from 3.75 percent and the corporate rate to 7 percent from 5.25 percent.

Soy – milk’? Even federal agencies can’t agree on terminology

Dairy farmers want U.S. regulators to banish the term "soy milk," but documents show even government agencies haven't always agreed on what to call such drinks. The U.S. Department of Agriculture "fervently" wanted to use the term "soy milk" in educational materials for the public, according to emails recently released in response to a lawsuit.

Soy ‘Milk’? Even Federal Agencies Can’t Agree on Terminology

This Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, photo shows the ingredients label for soy milk at a grocery store in New York. Dairy producers are calling for a crackdown on the almond, soy and rice "milks" they say are masquerading as the real thing and cloud the meaning of milk for shoppers.

Kasich Comeuppance Coming In Budget Veto Overrides

A reversal of fortune now awaits Ohio's 69th governor after he issued more than 47 vetoes Friday before signing his last state budget deal clocking in at $133 billion in all-funds. Gov. John Kasich's executive prowess started out in 2011 unbeatable, but awaits a comeuppance six years later after lawmakers in his own party prepare to potentially override his vetoes, the biggest of which is freezing Medicaid enrollment next year.