Daily news coverage of politics, policy, and issues shaping the nation.
During a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing this morning, experts agreed that by establishing a no-fly zone in Syria, the United States will be able to protect Syrian citizens from chemical weapons attacks and simultaneously strengthen the fight against ISIS. Committee Chairman Ed Royce, R-Calif., said that Syrians “face a one-two punch” of danger…
WELLSBURG, Iowa—For this coming fall, Timothy Christian School will welcome just 45 students in kindergarten through 8th grade—the fewest to begin an academic year since the school opened in 1941. In a state where 30 entire school districts have been eliminated in the last decade and more than 4,000 have been wiped out since 1950,…
Rep. Jason Chaffetz introduced a new Internet sales tax bill Monday that would allow states to impose an online sales tax on out-of-state businesses. The Remote Transactions Parity Act would enable states to collect taxes on businesses that may not have a physical presence in the state, but permeate borders through online sales. “The same…
DES MOINES, Iowa—Donald Trump coined (and literally owns) the phrase, “Make America great again!” On Tuesday evening at the elegant Hoyt Sherman Place in Iowa’s capital city, Trump laid out his plans to do just that—this time as a freshly announced presidential candidate. The plan that Trump laid out focuses on building up the military,…
Donald Trump announced he’ll be running for president in 2016. Trump joins 11 other Republicans who have already announced their candidacy. Here are some facts about the latest presidential candidate: Donald Trump is the only presidential candidate with his own board game. 1) Trump almost filed for bankruptcy in 1990, due to massive personal and…
The Supreme Court rejected an appeal Monday from North Carolina state officials attempting to restore a state law requiring doctors to conduct ultrasounds and describe the fetuses to women wanting an abortion. The court’s refusal left intact an appeals court decision deeming the law unconstitutional under the First Amendment for violating doctors’ free speech rights. The North…
Later this month, the Supreme Court is set to decide on a case involving the legality of federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. While a ruling against President Obama’s signature legislation—popularly known as Obamacare—would be a nod to Republicans who have long argued the law is unconstitutional, it also has the party on edge….
DERRY, N.H.—Former Gov. Jeb Bush held his first town hall in New Hampshire today since he announced yesterday that he is running for president. The Florida Republican told the audience that he is extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments, but that he is his own person with a unique set of achievements and…
After Democrats helped imperil President Obama’s trade agenda, conservatives are insisting they can help rescue the trade effort—if House Republican leadership will let them. Conservative lawmakers today railed against House Speaker John Boehner and his leadership team for working closely with Democrats on a failed strategy to usher Trade Promotion Authority through Congress. “What’s most…
The policy agenda sketched out by Hillary Rodham Clinton comes in the form of what she calls four fights: building a fairer economy, strengthening families, maintaining world leadership and reforming government. As president, Clinton pledged Saturday before an exuberant crowd in Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, N.Y., “I’ll wage and win four fights for…
“I am officially running for president of the United States, and we are going to make our country great again.” With those words halfway through 45 minutes of remarks, real estate magnate Donald Trump today entered the race for the Republican nomination, making good on repeated suggestions over the years that he would seek the White…
Al-Qaeda confirmed Tuesday a CIA drone strike killed its second in command, Nasir al-Wuhayshi. Al-Wuhayshi also commanded the terrorist group’s Yemen affiliate, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the deadliest branch of the global network according to U.S. officials. The group said in a video statement two operatives were additionally killed. Steve Bucci, director of…
CONCORD, N.H.—Hillary Clinton defended the records of both her husband and President Obama while speaking today in New Hampshire during her first visit to the state since the formal launch of her campaign on Saturday. Clinton said that she is not seeking “a third term” for Obama or for her husband, Bill Clinton, but rather…
Jeb Bush didn’t keep his audience in suspense, announcing within four minutes of taking the stage in his adopted home of Miami that he is indeed a candidate for the Republican nomination for president. Bush made a direct appeal to conservatives in his speech at Miami Dade Community College, echoing Ronald Reagan’s emphasis on getting…
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa—At a national security forum here today, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal revealed to Iowans his plan for how to keep Americans safe. The forum, put on by Americans for Peace, Prosperity and Security and hosted at an advertising agency, represented the latest campaign stop for Jindal, who will announce his presidential plans later…
More than 100 convicted criminals who remained in the U.S. despite receiving deportation orders between 2010 and 2014 now face murder charges, according to the agency charged with carrying out such deportations of illegal immigrants. U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement reports that 121 convicted criminals who were never removed from the country face murder charges today….
ROOSEVELT ISLAND, N.Y.—The theatrics of Hillary Clinton’s campaign relaunch here Saturday—live music, a dance performance, a crowd of nearly 5,500—were carefully choreographed to position the former first lady, senator and secretary of state as a “champion” of everyday Americans. How did some of these everyday Americans attending the speech at Four Freedoms Park react to…
Jeb Bush officially announced his presidential campaign on Monday, six months after he said he was “actively exploring” the candidacy. He will join the pool of ten other Republicans seeking to win the White House in 2016. Here are eight things you may not already know about the newest GOP contender. 1. If elected, Bush…
In one of the most highly watched marijuana cases in the country, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Monday morning that companies can fire employees for smoking pot—even if it’s off-duty and despite the drug being legal in the state. The decision poses a major setback for legalization proponents, as it sets the precedent that state…
Supporters of the Export-Import Bank cheered last week when the majority of United States senators voted in favor of reauthorizing the embattled agency. However, the vote also demonstrated growing opposition to the bank among Republican senators—a trend that has evolved in recent years. Since 1992, opposition to Ex-Im has grown substantially among Republicans in the…