Political parties
The abortion provision in the Senate bill's health care reform package has become a contentious issue, with anti-abortion groups and lawmakers arguing that it could lead to taxpayer funding of abortions. The provision, which would allow states to offer health plans that cover abortions, has sparked concerns among
Political parties
President Obama has recast his health care message, shifting focus from perceived sweetheart deals to the overall benefits of his bill, such as better Medicare coverage for seniors and insurance guarantees regardless of pre-existing conditions. This public relations offensive has revitalized Democrats' last-ditch effort to pass the legislation by
Political parties
As the fate of President Obama's health care bill hangs in the balance, lawmakers are exploring a complex procedural tool to bypass a Republican filibuster and push the legislation to passage. Reconciliation, a rarely used procedure, has been criticized by Republicans as a "parliamentary trick" to
Political parties
The governor's race in Florida has gotten off to a fiery start with two attack ads hitting the airwaves. The Republican Governor's Association (RGA) released a 15-second ad criticizing Democrat Alex Sink's banking career, while the Florida Democratic Party plans to start airing its
Legislative bills
The Senate has passed the Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2010, which includes funding for important statewide projects and extensions of crucial programs. According to U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), the bill includes more than $36 million for defense funding, as well as funding for emergency unemployment insurance,
Legislative bills
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation aimed at punishing foreign companies that sell gasoline to Iran or assist it with its own domestic refining ability. The bill, titled the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, was passed despite warnings that it may not compel a change in Iran&
Legislative bills
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a $636.3 billion fiscal year 2010 Defense Appropriations Bill, supporting U.S. troops and their families with first-class resources and equipment, and providing funding for numerous local businesses, organizations, and universities working with the Defense Department on research and procurement programs.
Legislative bills
The House of Representatives passed the Stupak-Pitts amendment to the "Affordable Health Care for America Act," maintaining the current policy of preventing federal funding for abortion and clarifying individual rights to purchase supplemental coverage for elective abortions. This is a significant pro-life victory for women and their unborn
Legislative bills
U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) voted late Saturday to pass H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, bringing significant reform to government and private health insurance programs since Medicare and Medicaid's creation in 1965. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by
Legislative bills
The bipartisan collaboration that had emerged when House Republicans joined Democrats to pass the crime bill on Sunday appears to have been short-lived, as Senate Republicans now threaten to block the bill in the upper chamber. Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole has collected signatures from 40 Republicans who have committed
Legislative bills
The fate of the anti-crime legislation hangs in the balance as the Senate reaches a stalemate over the crime bill, with Democrats calling for a vote and Republicans demanding more changes. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell says that agreeing to Republican demands would doom the legislation, while Senate Minority Leader
Clinton, Bill
House Democratic leaders are struggling to maintain support for the $33 billion crime bill, with some considering deeper cuts to win over Republican moderates and sway holdouts among their own party. The bill, a top priority for the Clinton administration, faces significant hurdles as Democrats try to navigate the complexities
