Zinke defends plan to raise park fees amid flap over travel

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke bristled Tuesday under tough questioning by Democrats about his travel spending as the Trump administration seeks deep cuts to conservation programs and fee increases at national parks. He has proposed doubling entry fees during peak seasons at some of the nation's most popular national parks to help make up for an $11 billion backlog in needed maintenance.

Top Democrats warn Ryan Zinke to not cut offshore oil and gas drilling royalty payments

Top House and Senate Democrats warned Interior Department Secretary Ryan Zinke on Tuesday night to not cut the royalty rate oil and gas companies pay for offshore drilling in federal waters. The Interior Department's Royalty Policy Committee on Wednesday is holding a meeting in Houston to evaluate a proposal to lower the royalty rate companies pay on offshore drilling from 18.75 percent to 12.5 percent to promote more U.S. energy production in federal waters.

Three sectors being transformed by artificial intelligence

But exactly how that technology will influence the enterprise sector remains to be seen. Fiery public debates have swirled in the tech community around whether new advancements involve tactical adoptions for enterprise, like a personalized, improved retail experience, or whether these developments signal the coming of the robot apocalypse.

Susan Hutchison resigns as Chair of the Washington State Republican Party

Donald Trump admirer Susan Hutchison gave notice today that she intends to stand down as Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party effective February 4th, 2018, having spent about five years in the position. "The Washington State Republican Party is in a robust financial position with a bright future," Hutchison said in a statement, confidently declaring the party would do well despite evidence that a Democratic wave is building and despite the party's disastrous performance in the 45th District special election last year.

Tax bill boosts oil, gas drilling – and renewable energy

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, talks to reporters at the Capitol after Republicans signed the conference committee report to advance the GOP tax bill, in Washington, Friday, Dec. 15, 2017. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, talks to reporters at the Capitol after Republicans signed the conference committee report to advance the GOP tax bill, in Washington, Friday, Dec. 15, 2017.

Zinke calls reports on helicopter use a “wild departure from reality’

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke responded Saturday to reports about his helicopter use, calling them a "wild departure from reality" in a statement on Twitter. "Recent articles about official Interior Department helicopter usage are total fabrications and a wild departure of reality," he said in a statement posted with the tweet.

Democratic senator wants probe into interior secretary’s helicopter use

A Democratic senator is calling for the investigation into Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's travel to include his use of government helicopters. Zinke's use of Interior Department and other helicopters was revealed earlier this year when the department released his office and travel schedules in response to Freedom of Information Act requests.

Democrats pressure Franken to resign

His once-promising political career in shambles, Minnesota Sen. Al Franken appeared on the verge of resigning after fellow Democrats led by female senators, including Washington's Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, abandoned him Wednesday over the mounting allegations of sexual misconduct that are roiling Capitol Hill. A majority of the Senate's Democrats called on the two-term lawmaker to get out after another woman emerged Wednesday saying he forcibly tried to kiss her in 2006.

Senators debate likely effects of GOP tax plan

Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Tim Scott face off against Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders at CNN's tax reform debate on November 28, 2017. WASHINGTON -- While Congress continues to push for tax reform, senators from across the aisle debated Tuesday evening over the likely ramifications of the GOP tax bill.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) speaks during a Senate Energy and…

From right: Sens. Lisa Murkowski , Maria Cantwell and Bernie Sanders during the confirmation hearing for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of energy, before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Jan. 19, 2017. From right: Sens. Lisa Murkowski , Maria Cantwell and Bernie Sanders during the confirmation hearing for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of energy, before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Capitol Hill, in Washington, Jan. 19, 2017.

GOP Inches Closer To Opening ANWR To Drilling

Legislation to open part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration advanced out of a Senate committee on Wednesday, largely along party lines. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat, joined with GOP lawmakers to pass ANWR legislation in a 13-10 vote.

Obama health mandate now target of GOP in big tax bill

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., arrives to speak to reporters following a closed-door strategy session on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017.

Senate GOP intent on scrapping health mandate in tax bill

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., joined with from left, Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks to reporters following a closed-door strategy session on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017.

Documents: Puerto Rico utility ignored advice on repair deal

Puerto Rico's bankrupt electric utility ignored advice from its own lawyers before signing an expanded contract worth $300 million with a tiny Montana company to repair its damaged power grid, newly released documents show. The law firm, Greenberg Traurig, recommended that the state-run power authority be allowed to terminate the deal within 10 days for any breach by the company, Whitefish Energy Holdings.