Daily news coverage of politics, policy, and issues shaping the nation.
The recent Netroots Nation gathering, billed as a “giant family reunion for the left,” included a directive from one leader of a progressive state policy network to “take down” conservative state policy organizations nationwide. Arshad Hasan, who moderated a breakout session called “Stink Tanks in Your State: Inside the State Policy Network,” called on attendees…
Following a speech about extremism at the Environmental Protection Agency, Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., called the Obama administration’s climate change proposal a “public relations piece.” He told The Daily Signal there’s “no way” the administration’s current plan will reduce global temperatures and warned of the “unintended consequences” for the American people.
Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina says $2 billion in federal aid and other U.S. investment in Central America could help end the flood of immigrants across the U.S. southern border. But it’s a fool’s game, says the leader of a charity serving immigrants from Honduras. “I think giving money to these governments is a serious mistake,”…
The Environmental Protection Agency kicks off public hearings today on its new carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions regulations for power plants. But before the public has its chance to weigh in, the EPA’s plan evoked harsh reactions from a Heritage Foundation panel. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., joined the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s William Yeatman and…
Lawmakers will examine allegations of fraud and corruption at the Export-Import Bank today as a House subcommittee probes the embattled agency’s operations. Led by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation & Regulatory Affairs will examine multiple allegations of wrongdoing that have plagued the Export-Import Bank. Witnesses…
SANTA FE, N.M.—Oil production in New Mexico keeps on booming, and it could continue to do so for some time. “I think the forecast is great,” said Parker Hallam, president and CEO of Crude Energy in Dallas. “I’m excited.” The Permian Basin, located in eastern New Mexico and West Texas, recently has become one of the world’s…
A federal program designed to make Americans “healthy people” is getting broader. Healthy People 2000—launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address obesity—initially was supposed to address the differences in health outcomes between wealthy and non-wealthy. By 2010, the mission was expanded to eliminate, not just reduce, health disparities. Healthy People…
For the third year in a row, an annual report by Alliance Defending Freedom discovered widespread waste, abuse and potential fraud by Planned Parenthood on the taxpayer’s dime. Steven H. Aden, senior counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, called the latest findings “disturbing.” The report comes as the organization faces backlash following undercover videos that revealed…
New details about Obamacare insurance enrollment show that employer-based coverage is eroding, offsetting gains made in individual insurance enrollment, according to a report released today by The Heritage Foundation. While individual coverage grew by 2.2 million Americans during Obamacare’s first open enrollment period, employer group coverage—health plans offered through the workplace—fell by 1.7 million, said the…
Before lawmakers adjourn for August recess, they’re expected to vote on the Sunscreen Innovation Act (H.R. 4250), designed to streamline the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory process. Don’t look for new sunscreen on store shelves anytime soon, though. The FDA hasn’t approved a new sunscreen formula since the Clinton administration, and Time reports that there…
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., told Fox and Friends Monday that “even well-meaning doctors don’t always know” best. After discovering her daughter had been diagnosed with a rare fetal syndrome, Beutler’s doctor told her that many women “would be scheduling a termination now,” Beutler told People. Doctors wrongly predicted Beutler’s daughter wouldn’t survive past pregnancy…
As Virginia’s race for the U.S. Senate heats up, the Export-Import Bank has emerged as a key difference between incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner and his Republican challenger, Ed Gillespie. The candidates faced off for a debate Saturday covering a myriad of topics, including the Export-Import Bank. Warner, who supports the bank’s reauthorization, came under…
The Chaldean Catholic Patriarch is appealing to the international community for action against ISIS’ expulsion of Christians in Mosul, deeming the situation as “21st century genocide.” “It’s mass cleansing based on religion.” Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako said. “It is a shame that in the 21st century we have such behavior.” Sako said Western countries and…
MIAMI—With thousands of Central American children newly arrived in the United States, and more expected to come, school officials have asked the federal government for a helping hand. Immigrant kids cost about $1,900 more per pupil to educate. Teachers must be bilingual. The students will need health care and psychological services because many arrive sick and traumatized…
The battle over the meadow jumping mouse moved has from New Mexico to Washington, D.C. Ranchers who complain the federal government is acting with a heavy hand to protect the mouse appeared at a congressional hearing last week conducted by the House Natural Resources Committee. Among the New Mexico contingent was a member of a…
Rep. Jim Bridenstine, a freshman congressman and Navy pilot whose military awards decorate his Capitol Hill office, holds a special affection for fellow servicemen. The Oklahoma Republican also is sympathetic to Central American children who are being smuggled into the United States from Mexico to reunite with family. Bridenstine witnessed the intersection of those two…
Despite repeated prodding from “Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace, Rep. Steve Scalise wouldn’t definitively say whether the U.S. House would delay its month-long August recess and remain in Washington, D.C., to address the flood of illegal immigrants coming to the United States. “We’re going to get our job done,” said Scalise, the Louisiana Republican who will become majority whip…
As violence in Israel and Gaza continues, hope for a break in the conflict was quickly shattered as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas violated the cease-fire. Hamas offered a 24-hour cease-fire beginning at 2 p.m. local time today. But Netanyahu told both “Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace and “State of the Union” host Candy Crowley the…
Can a person survive on $77 a week? Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, are going to try. The liberal advocacy group Americans United for Change says $77 is how much a full-time worker earning the $7.25 federal minimum wage has to spend each week after taxes and housing expenses are…
CHICAGO—A substantial city revenue source is under fire as Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced 9,000 drivers would be allowed to contest tickets they received from red-light cameras. Since 2007, the city of Chicago has issued more than 4 million tickets via red-light cameras, bringing in more than $400 million, according to the Chicago Tribune. Questions over the…