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democratic senator elizabeth warren taking aim budget chief mick mulvaney plan fill ranks us consumer financial watchdog political allies, according letters seen reuters, latest salvo broader battle run bureau president donald trump last month appointed mulvaney acting director consumer financial protection bureau cfpb , though decision legally challenged agency deputy director, leandra english, says rightful interim head mulvaney told reporters earlier month planned bring several political appointees help overhaul agency, warren warned pair letters sent monday mulvaney office personnel management opm , oversees federal hiring, inappropriate potentially illegal cfpb meant independent agency staffed primarily non political employees hiring political appointees could violate civil service laws designed protect employees undue political pressure discrimination, warren said naked effort politicize consumer agency runs counter agency mission independent voice consumers power stand wall street banks, warren, helped create cfpb, wrote mulvaney separate letter, warren asked opm review mulvaney unprecedented unjustified plans third letter sent mulvaney english, warren asked information review ongoing enforcement actions cfpb reuters reported earlier month potential multimillion dollar settlement wells fargo among enforcement actions review amid change cfpb leadership spokespeople mulvaney opm immediately respond requests comment mulvaney, also serves directly trump head office management budget omb , said long term would like see professional staff alongisde political appointees, mirroring arrangement place omb staffing permanent political people professional staff better feel administration wants take bureau, mulvaney said warren said arrangement, though understandable bureaus like omb sit directly beneath white house, suitable independent financial regulators leadership cfpb question since agency first director, richard cordray, resigned november

us president donald trump administration said monday russia interferes domestic political affairs countries globally, stopped short accusing moscow meddling us election criticism russia, laid new national security strategy based trump america first vision, reflects view long held us diplomats russia actively undermines american interests home abroad, despite trump bid warmer ties president vladimir putin modernized forms subversive tactics, russia interferes domestic political affairs countries around world, said document avoided directly citing us intelligence agencies say russian meddling last year us presidential election russia uses information operations part offensive cyber efforts influence public opinion across globe influence campaigns blend covert intelligence operations false online personas state funded media, third party intermediaries, paid social media users trolls, document said trump frequently spoken wanting improve relations putin, even though russia frustrated us policy syria ukraine done little help washington standoff north korea speech laying strategy, trump noted received call putin sunday thank providing us intelligence helped thwart bomb attack russian city st petersburg trump said collaboration way supposed work seek opportunities cooperation, stand stand country like never stood before, said ronald reagan building downtown washington audience people frequently applauded speech included military joint chiefs staff, several cabinet secretaries, lawmakers, military personnel officials intelligence community agencies us justice department investigation looking whether trump campaign aides colluded russia, something moscow trump deny us intelligence agencies concluded russians tried tip election trump hacking releasing emails embarrass democratic candidate hillary clinton spreading social media propaganda facebook, google twitter inc facing backlash saying russians used services anonymously spread divisive messages among americans run election western nations, including france, accused russia trying interfere elections congress mandates every us administration set national security strategy new trump strategy influenced strongly thinking top national security officials rather president himself, said one official involved preparing document republican president strategy reflects america first priorities protecting us homeland borders, rebuilding military, projecting strength abroad pursuing trade policies favorable united states talking points sent us embassies worldwide diplomats say new strategy makes clear official us position tough russia unclassified state department cable, seen reuters, said russia tries weaken credibility america commitment europe invasions georgia ukraine, russia demonstrated willingness use force challenge sovereignty states region harry kazianis, analyst conservative center national interest think tank, said, things moscow might warm fuzzy moment, president putin take kindly labeled essentially amounts enemy america drops democratic former president barack obama description climate change us national security threat, aides said trump vowed withdraw united states paris climate accord unless changes made trump administration lumps together china russia competitors seeking challenge us power erode security prosperity singling china russia revisionist powers also comes despite trump attempts build strong relations chinese president xi jinping senior administration official said russia china attempting revise global status quo

republican us senator susan collins said monday would vote sweeping tax overhaul party leaders hope push congress week, ensuring passage despite seemingly universal opposition democrats first major overhaul tax code since , legislation provide tax relief working families, encourage creation jobs right america spur economic growth benefit americans, said remarks senate floor

top democrat senate environment committee monday asked environmental protection agency internal watchdog audit recent trip morocco agency head determine line epa mission epa administrator scott pruitt, trip morocco last week, promoted us liquefied natural gas senator tom carper asked epa inspector general arthur elkins expand current audit pruitt travel include trip morocco part us trade mission request review purpose administrator pruitt travels determine whether activities trip line epa mission protect human health environment, carper wrote letter elkins traditionally, epa, regulates clean air water, promote us energy industry last week, epa announced pruitt attended bilateral meetings morocco outlined us environmental priorities updating environmental work plan us morocco free trade agreement potential benefit liquefied natural gas lng imports morocco economy liquefied natural gas produced cooling natural gas condensed liquid, allowing shipped via tanker instead moved pipeline reconverted gas end asked head epa involved touting lng, epa spokesman jahan wilcox said pruitt discussed role us technology innovation abroad, including limited lng serves emphasize importance administration placed promoting us businesses, wilcox said carper said morocco travel cost taxpayers , gas exports fall within agency jurisdiction inspector general office already reviewing travel pruitt conducted sept democratic lawmakers asked review pruitt frequent travels oklahoma, home state

us republican senator mike lee utah said monday support legislation overhaul us tax system, leaving two republicans undecided bill approaches final senate vote week finished reading final tax cuts jobs act cut taxes working utah families proudly vote it, lee said message released twitter republicans, control seat senate margin, lose support two party lawmakers bill pass republican senators susan collins jeff flake yet said whether support legislation senator john mccain, brain cancer, present vote

president donald trump unveiled new national security strategy monday, calling pakistan take decisive action terrorism saying washington deal challenge posed north korea weapons programs wide ranging speech, trump said security strategy first time addresses economic security would include complete rebuilding us infrastructure well wall along southern us border trump said united states wanted pakistan take decisive action help fight extremism, washington choice deal challenge posed north korea nuclear missile programs trump said security strategy would also end mandatory defense spending limits, frequently called sequester, mention consulted members congress possible bill end caps established budget legislation recognize weakness surest path conflict unrivaled power certain means defense reason, security strategy breaks damaging defense sequester, trump said going get rid

lawyer nominated president donald trump serve federal judge withdrew consideration monday video senate confirmation hearing showing unable provide answers rudimentary legal questions went viral last week trump accepted matthew petersen offer withdraw nomination district court judge washington, white house official said petersen, republican member federal election commission, became latest trump judicial nominations fail president seeks win confirmation judges make federal judiciary conservative seen cousin vinny qualify federal judge, republican senator john kennedy, grilled petersen dec confirmation hearing, told wwl tv, referring comedy film novice lawyer kennedy, critical trump judicial nominees, asked several basic legal questions petersen could answer video shown cable news shows widely viewed internet honored nominated position, become clear past days nomination become distraction

us president donald trump said monday derailment train, sent train cars crashing onto major highway killed passengers, washington state showed necessity infrastructure plan train accident occurred dupont, wa shows ever soon submitted infrastructure plan must approved quickly, trump said seven trillion dollars spent middle east roads, bridges, tunnels, railways crumble long

congressional republicans friday unveiled final version dramatic us tax overhaul

us congress expected vote week sweeping, debt financed tax legislation key parts bill corporate tax rate cuts corporate income tax rate percent percent, beginning jan , pass throughs creates percent deduction first , qualified business income joint filers pass businesses partnerships sole proprietorships income threshold, legislation phases limits, producing effective marginal tax rate percent corporate minimum tax repeals percent corporate alternative minimum tax, set ensure profitable corporations pay least tax territorial system exempts us corporations us taxes future foreign profits, ending present worldwide system taxing profits us based corporations, matter earned would align us tax code industrialized nations, undercut many offshore tax dodging strategies deliver multinationals goal pursued years repatriation sets one time mandatory tax percent illiquid assets percent cash cash equivalents trillion us business profits held overseas foreign cash pile created rule making foreign profits tax deferred brought united states, repatriated rule would rendered obsolete territorial system anti base erosion measures prevents companies shifting profits united states lower tax jurisdictions abroad sets alternative minimum tax payments us corporations foreign affiliates, limits shifting corporate income transfers intangible property, including patents combination, measures repatriation territorial system provisions, represent dramatic overhaul us tax system multinationals capital expensing allows businesses immediately write off, expense, full value investments new plant equipment five years, gradually eliminates percent expensing five years beginning year six interest deduction limit caps business deductions debt interest payments percent taxable income, regardless deductions depreciation, amortization depletion clean energy preserves tax credits producing electricity wind, biomass, geothermal, solar, municipal waste hydropower carried interest leaves place carried interest loophole private equity fund managers hedge fund managers, despite pledges republicans including president donald trump close financiers claim lower capital gains tax rate much income investments held year new rule would extend holding period three years, putting loophole reach fund managers, preserving availability many brackets maintains current seven tax brackets, temporarily changes income levels rates married couples filing jointly, effective jan , ending , income tax would percent , , versus percent , existing law percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , versus percent , single individuals, effective jan , ending , income tax would percent , , versus percent , existing law percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , , versus percent , , percent , , versus percent , brackets would expire standard deduction change expected end itemizing deductions millions americans, bill eight years beginning jan , would increase standard deduction

us president donald trump saturday defended republican tax cut plan democratic charges favors rich, saying one great christmas gifts middle class days go congress votes vote biggest tax rewrite three decades set tuesday, republicans working ensure party members holding line favor legislation entrenched democratic opposition plan finalized friday republican senators marco rubio bob corker pledged support three republican senators, enough defeat measure senate trump party controls slim majority, remained uncommitted susan collins, jeff flake mike lee passage congress would provide republicans trump first major victory since took office january going one great christmas gifts middle income people, trump told reporters white house boarded helicopter meetings camp david democrats sound bite, standard sound bite even know bill about, added proposed package would slash us corporate tax rate percent cut taxes wealthy americans agreement house representatives senate, corporate tax would percentage point higher percent rate earlier proposed, still far current headline rate percent, deep tax reduction corporations sought years democrats slammed plan giveaway corporations rich would drive federal deficit months, trump touted bill middle class tax cut studies independent analysts non partisan congressional researchers projected corporations rich would benefit disproportionately trump repeated saturday tax overhaul would help bring trillion foreign profits us companies tax plan proposes new rules repatriating cash held overseas going bring money example, think trillion going flowing back country, said money overseas stuck years years

republican controlled us house representatives expected vote sweeping tax legislation early tuesday afternoon, aides said, bringing president donald trump goal overhauling us tax system one step closer fruition vote, final bill agreed house senate republicans last week, could come around pm est gmt , aides said house senate must approve measure trump sign law senate expected vote bill early tuesday must complete hours debate acting clear debate would begin

white house legislative director marc short said expects congress pass short term spending bill fund federal government least january, told cnbc interview monday, days current funding expires friday think anybody wants see government shut down, short told cnbc optimistic going find resolution week

financial advisers accountants working overtime many us taxpayers scramble pay rest taxes jan proposed republican tax overhaul would sharply cut amount deduct federal tax bills tax legislation, top us republicans said sunday expected congress pass week, caps amount state, local property taxes individuals deduct federal tax bills , average american itemized tax bill claimed , deductions taxpayers jan pay final installment taxes, tom holly accounting firm pwc said received dozens calls weekend concerned clients eager pay sooner going busy holiday season advisers, said holly, heads firm wealth asset management division lisa featherngill, managing director wealth planning wells fargo abbot downing, said skipping family trip valero alamo bowl football game texas dec order work featherngill said wealthy clients accountants trying figure makes sense estimate pay rest itemized taxes year, also working see itemize taxpayers, particularly high tax states income , , may end paying alternative minimum tax, limits deductions person take federal income tax people really run numbers subject alternative minimum tax, taxes deductible anyway, said featherngill last week, according media reports, state officials new york received calls residents asking pay state, local property taxes jan effort claim higher amount deductions republican tax bill takes effect response, us treasury department issued guidance weekend saying pre payments tax liabilities would deductible federal tax bills passed, tax bill would biggest us tax rewrite since legislation would cut corporate income tax rate percent percent offer mixed bag individuals, including middle class workers, roughly doubling standard deduction require itemization, eliminating scaling back popular itemized deductions exemptions

top us republicans said sunday expected congress pass tax code overhaul week, senate vote early tuesday president donald trump aiming sign bill week end john cornyn, us senate republican, said interview abc week confident senate would pass legislation, probably tuesday republican representative kevin brady said believed party votes pass bill think headed

republican us senator john mccain expected miss upcoming vote tax code overhaul, office said returned home arizona following medical treatment senate expected vote early tuesday tax legislation mccain, undergoing treatment brain cancer, washington january, office said sunday top us republicans said sunday expected congress pass tax bill

president donald trump, asked sunday considering firing us special counsel robert mueller, told reporters, democratic lawmakers recent days expressed concern trump might fire mueller, investigating allegations russian interference us presidential election whether trump anyone team colluded moscow russia denies meddling election trump denied collusion

organization established us president donald trump transition white house said saturday special counsel investigating allegations russian meddling election obtained tens thousands emails unlawfully kory langhofer, counsel transition team known trump america, inc tfa , wrote letter congressional committees say special counsel robert mueller team improperly received emails general services administration gsa , government agency career staff members agency unlawfully produced tfa private materials, including privileged communications, special counsel office, according letter, copy seen reuters said materials included tens thousands emails trump transition team used facilities gsa, helps manage us government bureaucracy, period republican november presidential election victory inauguration january trump team accusation adds growing friction president supporters mueller office investigates whether russia interfered election trump anyone team colluded moscow asked comment, white house spokeswoman sarah sanders said continue cooperate fully special counsel expect process wrap soon special counsel office waved transition team complaint obtained emails course ongoing criminal investigation, secured either account owner consent appropriate criminal process, said peter carr, spokesman special counsel office gsa respond immediately request comment democrats say wide ranging effort president allies capitol hill media outlets discredit mueller investigation trump loudly declared mueller effort waste time absolutely collusion proven, trump told reporters friday russia denies interfering election friday, representative adam schiff, top democrat house representatives intelligence committee, said fears committee republican majority intends close investigation topic prematurely republicans argued mueller biased trump fired langhofer letter sent us senate committee homeland security government affairs, us house committee oversight government reform asked congress act immediately protect future presidential transitions private records misappropriated government agencies, particularly context sensitive investigations intersecting political motives letter said mueller office obtained emails despite fact aware gsa control records said special counsel office extensively used materials question, including portions susceptible claims privilege without notifying trump america team transition team number aides later caught mueller investigation, former national security adviser michael flynn flynn pleaded guilty month lying fbi contacts russia langhofer, trump transition team lawyer, wrote letter gsa transfer materials discovered dec fbi requested materials gsa staff aug , asking copies emails, laptops, cell phones materials associated nine members trump transition team responsible national security policy matters, letter said fbi requested materials four additional senior members trump transition team aug , said langhofer argued that, transition teams involved executive functions, considered private, non profit organizations whose records private subject presidential records laws

democrat doug jones, scored upset victory last week us senate race alabama, said sunday believe president donald trump needed resign sexual misconduct allegations think president ought resign point, jones told cnn state union program allegations made election, people opportunity judge election think need move get distracted issues dozen women accused trump making unwanted sexual advances entered politics accusations sexual harassment high profile men politics, media entertainment industry put new spotlight allegations trump, several democratic senators called resign trump white house officials denied allegations accusations emerged presidential campaign, videotape surfaced conversation caught open microphone trump spoke vulgar terms trying sex women trump apologized remarks called private locker room talk said done things talked jones prevailed senate race republican roy moore, accused sexual misconduct jones victory deeply conservative state alabama political blow trump, endorsed moore

trump administration told agencies within department health human services avoid using certain words phrases official documents drafted next year budget, washington post reported saturday newspaper said one agencies, us centers disease control prevention, given list seven prohibited words phrases vulnerable, entitlement, diversity, transgender, fetus, evidence based science based officials second agency also told use obamacare instead affordable care act describe president barack obama healthcare law use exchanges instead marketplaces reference venues people buy federally subsidized health insurance, post reported hhs pushed back report assertion hhs banned words complete mischaracterization discussions regarding budget formulation process, spokesman matt lloyd said statement hhs continue use best scientific evidence available improve health americans hhs also strongly encourages use outcome evidence data program evaluations budget decisions, said newspaper said state department documents also refer sex education sexual risk avoidance briefing second hhs agency relied document white house office management budget, oversees president donald trump annual budget proposal congress, according post post said explanations given language changes

us representative ruben kihuen announced saturday seek election, becoming latest member congress end legislative career face sexual harassment allegations first term nevada democrat, subject ethics investigation house representatives, denied allegations concluded charges would distract fair thorough discussion issues campaign trail best interests family constituents complete term congress seek reelection, kihuen, , said statement issued campaign committee news website buzzfeed reported allegations kihuen sexually harassed staff member political campaign week, also multiple reports anonymous lobbyist description unwanted advances reuters independently confirmed reports kihuen latest growing roster male lawmakers congress accused sexual misconduct amid wave allegations powerful men entertainment, politics media lawmakers working legislation update body rules sexual harassment friday, democratic representative bobby scott virginia accused touching former aide without permission offering advance career exchange sex aide also said wrongfully dismissed job scott denied charges republican representative blake farenthold also said week would seek election accounts surfaced created hostile work environment denied allegations sexual harassment admitted allowing unprofessional culture capitol hill office last week, democratic representative john conyers republican representative trent franks resigned, democratic senator al franken said would step coming weeks

president donald trump lay new us national security strategy monday based america first policy will, among items, make clear china competitor, two senior us officials said saturday trump praised chinese president xi jinping also demanding beijing increase pressure north korea nuclear program change trade practices make favorable united states national security strategy, rolled speech trump, seen attempt contain china rather offer clear eyed look challenges china poses, said officials, spoke condition anonymity strategy, still drafted, may also reverse democratic president barack obama declaration september climate change threat security, one official said trump, republican, lay foreign policy priorities, emphasize commitment america first policies building us military, confronting islamist militants realigning trade relationships make united states competitive, officials said

member graduating class national academy quantico, congratulations est

compromise republican tax bill released late friday eliminate , electric vehicle tax credit republicans us house representatives previously proposed measure follows lead senate version approved last month eliminate credit killing credit could hurt automakers like general motors co gmn , volkswagen ag vowg pde , tesla inc tslao nissan motor co consumers current law eligible , tax credit defray cost plug electric vehicles electric vehicle tax credit starts phase manufacturer sells , plug vehicles automaker hits point, , tax credit still available least three months phasing consumers currently allowed take credit vehicles manufacturer hits , plug vehicles sold electric vehicles expensive batteries make pricier gasoline powered vehicles electric drive transportation association said statement late friday pleased credit would remain law credit supports innovation job creation helping drivers access advanced vehicle technology, group said automakers companies groups released letter earlier week urging congress retain credit, including ford motor co fn , bmw ag bmwgde , gm, uber technologies inc former president barack obama repeatedly proposed hiking tax credit electric vehicles , converting point sale rebate, congress approve measure automakers face mandates california dozen states produce rising number zero emission vehicles said credits essential meeting requirements

us attorney general jeff sessions, oversees federal bureau investigation, friday offered tepid endorsement nation leading law enforcement agency, attack president donald trump republicans trump said earlier month fbi reputation tatters news came light fbi agent team investigating links russia trump election campaign exchanged anti trump text messages fbi lawyer sessions friday defended bureau, part department justice leads, enthusiastic endorsement share view fbi functioning high level country, told news conference sessions comments came time former fbi director robert mueller leading investigation russian interference presidential election sampling texts agent peter strzok fbi lawyer lisa page released congress media earlier week two referred trump idiot, also took aim politicians, including democrat hillary clinton, lost trump election, independent bernie sanders, sought democratic nomination president strzok transferred mueller team, texts provided fresh fodder republicans fiercely criticized mueller move democrats say effort discredit russia investigation russia denied meddling election, trump repeatedly said campaign collude russia sessions latest senior official defend fbi comments much milder fbi director christopher wray deputy attorney general rod rosenstein recent testimony congress sessions said trump support fbi noted trump spoke earlier friday class domestic international law enforcement managers graduating fbi training program quantico, virginia however, audience consist fbi agents, trump speech local state police officers sessions also ducked question whether appoint second special counsel investigate bias allegations mueller team, republicans demanded

top us senate democrat said friday would force vote federal communications commission decision repeal landmark net neutrality rules, move unlikely block ruling could reshape digital landscape fcc voted thursday along party lines reverse obama era rules barring internet service providers blocking throttling internet traffic, offering paid fast lanes group state attorneys general vowed sue friday, senator charles schumer new york said would force vote fcc action congressional review act republicans scuttled internet privacy rules adopted obama administration using procedural vehicle vote repeal rule fcc passed power that, schumer said new york sometimes like them, used repeal pro environmental regulations, use cra benefit intend senate majority leader mitch mcconnell opposes schumer effort backed fcc repeal, spokesman republican said friday reversal thursday fcc vote would need approval senate, us house president donald trump trump also backed fcc action, white house said thursday week fcc order grants internet providers sweeping new powers block, throttle discriminate among internet content, requires public disclosure practices internet providers vowed change consumers get online content fcc rules also seek bar states imposing net neutrality requirements fcc said rules would take effect white house office management budget approved new transparency rules, could take several months democrats say net neutrality essential protect consumers, republicans say rules hindered investment providers needed moody investors service said note friday fcc vote credit positive internet service providers could faced rate regulation rules would treated like public utilities moody said providers tread lightly comes engaging paid prioritization throttling, could significant negative public reaction acts moody said least near term, cost negative publicity existing businesses far outweighs benefit additional revenue streams companies generate paid prioritization agreements

us house representatives ethics committee said friday begun investigation public reports democrat ruben kihuen engaged sexual harassment, second lawmaker denied former aide allegations sexual misconduct ethics panel said announcing probe sign committee already determined nevada representative violated rules said previously, intend fully cooperate, welcome opportunity clear name, said kihuen statement provided reuters news website buzzfeed reported kihuen, currently finishing first year congress, harassed staff member political campaign, thursday multiple reports anonymous lobbyist description unwanted advances reuters independently confirmed reports lawmakers us political parties recently ensnared allegations sexual misconduct, prompting committee launch probe month house members staffs friday second democratic congressman, bobby scott virginia, accused former legislative aide macherie reese everton touching leg back without permission offering advance career exchange sex said wrongfully dismissed job scott, served years congress, rejected everton charges said never sexually harassed anyone absolutely deny allegation misconduct, said statement confident false allegation seen facts adequately reviewed reuters independently verified claims week republican representative blake farenthold said would seek election accounts surfaced created hostile work environment facebook post, farenthold denied allegations sexual harassment former staff members admitted allowed unprofessional culture flourish capitol hill office members congress working legislation update body rules sexual harassment representative carolyn maloney said introduce bill friday says companies cannot block sexual harassment victims publicly disclosing details allegations, often included settlement agreements allegations misconduct recent weeks also made movie makers, television interviewers men private sector

prominent republican senators thursday embraced push overhaul rules addressing sexual harassment us congress, signing bill would protect victims require lawmakers pay settlements legislation builds demands lift veil secrecy around sexual harassment misconduct capitol hill, gained steam recent months wave women come forward accusations prominent american men politics, media entertainment bipartisan push signaled momentum republican led us congress overhauling process handling misconduct allegations many lawmakers say antiquated stacked victims senate bill, called congressional harassment reform act, draws proposals senator kirsten gillibrand representative jackie speier, democrats, developing congress really behind eight ball think that, many respects, private sector acted swiftly terms addressing sexual harassment, speier said interview high profile republican senators co sponsoring bill include john cornyn, senate republican ted cruz joni ernst lisa murkowski legislation would require member congress found liable harassment pay settlements themselves, rather taxpayer funds, current process allows congress laws, secret settlements taxpayer money cover harassment longer tolerated, cruz said statement settlements would made public automatically unless victims choose keep private outrage sexual misconduct politics helped fuel upset victory democrat doug jones us senate race deeply conservative alabama tuesday voters rejected republican candidate race, roy moore, accused multiple women pursuing teenagers s, including one woman said tried initiate sexual contact moore denied allegations many prominent republicans distanced moore, although president donald trump backed washington, allegations sexual misconduct prompted resignations last week three lawmakers

trump administration briefed congressional staff week white house considering non proliferation standards potential pact sell nuclear reactor technology saudi arabia, indicate whether allowing uranium enrichment would part deal, congressional aides said non proliferation advocates worry allowing saudi arabia enrich fuel nuclear power deal could also enable one day covertly produce fissile material set arms race arch rival iran could spread broadly throughout middle east senate foreign relations committee staff members briefed state department department energy officials meeting wednesday, aides said learned administration working develop position non proliferation standards begin talks saudi arabia civilian nuclear cooperation pact known agreement, committee aide said administration still mulling whether agreement would allow uranium enrichment, aide said race build saudi arabia first nuclear power reactors heating among us, south korean, chinese russian companies us energy secretary rick perry visited saudi arabia last week, telling reuters new talks two allies agreement would start soon agreement would allow us companies participate saudi arabia civilian nuclear program riyadh said wants self sufficient producing nuclear fuel interested diverting nuclear technology military use previous talks, saudi arabia refused sign agreement washington would deprive enriching uranium uranium fuel reactors enriched percent, lower percent level fissile material nuclear bombs senators proliferation concerns worry administration moving quickly talks nuclear plants enrichment saudi without consulting congress required law, president required keep committees house senate deal foreign relations fully currently informed initiative talks relating new amended agreements frustrated lack briefings yet learn potential foreign policy developments press, congressional aide said day senate briefing, report bloomberg citing sources said administration may allow uranium enrichment part agreement congressional aide said concerns plans agreement conducted small number people controlled white house also appears policy driven white house, makes congressional oversight much harder, said aide lawmakers oppose civilian nuclear deal signed president try fight legislation measures trump administration previous obama administration pushed selling nuclear power technology abroad, partly keep country competitive russia china nuclear innovation state department official said united states saudi arabia talks since regarding agreement declined comment discussions energy department officials immediately comment briefing toshiba owned westinghouse talks us based companies form consortium bid multibillion dollar tender two nuclear reactors saudi arabia winning bid would big step westinghouse went chapter bankruptcy year abandoned plans build two advanced ap reactors united states

us district court judge friday said would release former trump campaign manager paul manafort house arrest meets certain conditions, expressing satisfaction million agreed forfeit would available ever failed appear court proceedings order, judge amy berman jackson said released home confinement, manafort must execute documents agreeing forfeit four properties, including two new york, one alexandria, virginia, florida home subject restrictions including curfew electronic gps monitoring allowed leave home alexandria home palm beach gardens, florida, meets conditions manafort charged conspiring launder money failing register foreign agent working behalf government ukraine former pro russia president viktor yanukovych prosecuted special counsel robert mueller, part mueller investigation accusations russian meddling us presidential election possible collusion russia trump campaign case forfeited properties raise million, judge said, manafort wife, kathleen, deposited million account daughter andrea manafort shand, million separate account, make difference assets cannot touched without court order florida, manafort must stay within area, unless traveling washington court appearances meetings counsel, according order needs permission domestic travel cannot leave country

us republican senator bob corker, staunch fiscal hawk critic emerging tax legislation, said friday support sweeping tax overhaul republicans hope approve next week decided support tax reform package vote next week, corker, expressed concerned bill impact federal deficit, said statement released twitter details legislation expected released later friday, votes expected senate house representatives next tuesday

republican senator marco rubio signaled support sweeping tax bill friday, saying changes made urging increase refundability child tax credit marked solid step toward broader reforms increasing refundability child tax credit solid step toward broader reforms pro growth pro worker, rubio, threatened vote bill, said twitter

us republican representative kristi noem said friday refundable portion expanded child tax credit tax bill negotiation capitol risen , , , apparent bid win support republican senator marco rubio believe good spot able earn support, said noem, member conference committee working final tax bill

chief tax writer us house representatives said friday republicans finalized tax bill hope vote next week details would released hours house ways means committee chairman kevin brady told reporters text bill would posted house comes session pm gmt friday

us republican senator marco rubio support compromise tax bill comes vote next week congress, cnbc reported friday, citing unnamed sources florida lawmaker earlier friday repeated concerns expansion child tax credits bill little win support, keeping cloud prospects legislation passage

us senator ted cruz wants place cap cents renewable fuel credits

trump administration put new requirements place friday countries participating us visa waiver program, including use us counterterrorism data screen travelers, officials said program allows citizens mainly european countries travel united states days without visa citizens countries required obtain called travel authorization enter united states president donald trump sought tighten rules seeking visit live united states several ways, saying restrictions necessary security reasons changes apply countries program one change required use us information screen travelers crossing borders third countries many countries program already that, one administration official said countries whose citizens stay longer authorized visits united states relatively higher rate required conduct public awareness campaigns consequences overstays, officials said one existing penalty people overstay visit may travel visa free united states future threshold overstay rate triggering public information campaign requirement two percent, officials said fiscal year, vwp countries, greece, hungary, portugal, san marino, wealthy enclave landlocked inside central italy, total overstay rates higher two percent, according report department homeland security overall overstay rate vwp countries percent, lower non vwp countries excluding canada mexico, percent, according dhs report members congress expressed concern security risks overstays may report dhs inspector general found department lacked comprehensive system gather information departing visitors, forcing rely third party data confirm departures, sometimes faulty united states also start assessing vwp countries safeguards insider threats airports, especially direct flights united states, officials said goal ensure countries make sure airport employees, aviation workers et cetera, corrupted co opted pose threat aircraft, especially us bound, official said

president donald trump called fellow republican roy moore friday concede democrat doug jones alabama us senate race, following party stinging loss southern us state earlier week moore, whose controversial candidacy beset allegations sexually assaulted pursued teenage girls s, far refused admit defeat tuesday election saw jones win percentage points percent ballots counted embattled republican made two statements since loss, conceded even trump others reached congratulate jones, former prosecutor, win would certainly say should, trump, endorsed moore final stage campaign, told reporters white house tried, trump added, referring moore campaign efforts reiterating earlier comments party top leader would liked keep seat republican hands jones defeated former judge special election replace jeff sessions, left senate serve us attorney general trump state officials said outcome unlikely change even provisional ballots counted democratic win would narrow republicans hold senate seats also buoyed democrats hopes potential comeback party midterm elections

us federal communications commission vote thursday roll back net neutrality rules could galvanize young voters, move democrats hope send millennials polls greater numbers bolster chances next year elections democrats hoping paint repeal rules fcc, chaired president donald trump appointee ajit pai, evidence republicans uninterested young people consumer concerns large american public angry, said fcc commissioner jessica rosenworcel, democrat added actions republican majority awoken sleeping giant attitudes toward net neutrality, rules prevent internet providers limiting customers access certain websites slowing download speeds specific content, largely split along party lines congress heated debate turned kind election issue democrats think help studies show young people disproportionately use internet compared older americans polls shown feel passionately fair open internet access democrats believe issue may resonate younger voters may politically active issues like taxes foreign policy us senator brian schatz, hawaii democrat, said twitter young people need take lead net neutrality possible millennial political leadership make real difference scrapping obama administration rules likely set court battle could redraw digital landscape, internet service providers possibly revising americans view online content providers could use new authority limit slow websites offer fast lanes certain content republicans fcc sought reassure young people ability access internet change rules take effect people favor move argue users realize little nothing changed internet access, resonate political issue jesse ferguson, democratic strategist, said polls found young people favoring democrats recent elections net neutrality issue could used gather support midterm congressional elections said older voters tend care medicare, polls finding younger voters motivated net neutrality net neutrality latest data point voters administration interested big companies want do, people think interest, ferguson said narrative politically toxic republicans november , seats us house representatives grabs, seats senate democrats hope gain control one chambers capitalizing unpopularity trump republicans currently control chambers well white house regain power, democrats need strong showing support among young voters, traditionally shown large numbers elections held years presidential contest liberal groups using net neutrality issue criticize republican incumbents representative pramila jayapal, democrat washington state, echoed sentiment, telling reuters thursday net neutrality huge political legs something everyone across country understands

president donald trump drive win passage sweeping republican tax bill us congress hit potential obstacles thursday two republican senators insisted changes, joining list lawmakers whose support uncertain florida marco rubio, former presidential contender, told reporters capitol hill bill proposed refundability taxpayers child tax credit expanded, higher , rubio mike lee utah talks senators expanding child tax credit refundability, said conn carroll, lee spokesman lee undecided tax bill currently written, carroll said telephone interview child tax credit us tax code meant lower tax bills working families children fast moving republican tax package evolved, tilted increasingly toward benefiting businesses wealthy taxpayers, trend aides saying privately growing concern lawmakers provisions offsetting revenue costs last minute changes also becoming worrisomely unclear, said resisting demands weeks cut top income tax rate richest taxpayers, bill authors agree recent days lower percent percent concern found money lower top rate find little bit least somewhat increase refundable portion child credit rubio said white house spokeswoman sarah sanders said white house continue work rubio child tax credit headline feature bill deep cut percent percent corporate income tax rate, step corporate tax lobbyists pursuing many years orrin hatch, chairman senate tax committee one bill chief authors, said senate would probably vote final senate house measure monday said hoped rubio concerns could addressed important us, hatch said know leadership wants problem, question senate approved wide ranging tax bill dec vote senator bob corker republican join senate democrats two independents voting bill earlier, house representatives approved tax legislation recent days negotiators chambers scrambling reconcile two bills, changing specific parts fly lock enough votes pass trump said wants final bill desk enactment christmas enacted, bill would first major legislative achievement trump republicans since took office january corker, leading republican fiscal hawk, reiterated concerns bill expansion federal deficit addressed independent nonpartisan tax analysts estimated bill expand trillion national debt least trillion next years moderate senator susan collins also non committal bill, part concern provision repeal obamacare federal fine imposed americans buy health insurance senate vote outlook muddled senator john mccain admission hospital treatment side effects cancer therapy office said looks forward returning work soon possible carroll said child tax credit made fully refundable, would cost billion lost revenues years lee rubio want expanded refundability current law, maximum child tax credit , per eligible child allowed portion family earnings current form, legislation expands credit lee rubio seeking help families, especially lower income brackets two senators failed effort senate floor tax bill initially debated republicans vote senate majority lose two votes still win approval, vice president mike pence able vote break tie pence delayed planned trip middle east case vote needed final tax bill

republican tax cuts looking good working hard meantime, stock market hit another record high est

members us house intelligence committee thursday interviewed head data analysis firm determine whether donald trump election campaign team sought help find thousands emails missing hillary clinton private server, three sources familiar session said trump campaign hired alexander nix company, cambridge analytica, june paid million last december, according federal election commission records month firm hired, nix emailed wikileaks founder julian assange help tracking , emails clinton supposedly deleted private server, daily beast wall street journal reported october nix wanted convert missing potentially damaging emails searchable database use trump campaign pro trump political action committee, journal reported wikileaks confirmed reuters thursday approached nix, representative said turned request intelligence committee investigating possible collusion trump campaign team russia election matter also investigated special counsel robert mueller three congressional committees russia denied meddling election, trump said collusion moscow campaign representatives elijah cummings jerrold nadler, top democrats house oversight judiciary committees, thursday asked republican committee chairmen issue subpoenas documents cambridge analytica giles parscale, another data analysis firm worked trump campaign spokesmen cambridge analytica giles parscale immediately respond emails requesting comment cummings nadler said sent letter two companies declined answer questions whether contacts foreign actors presidential campaign sources said intelligence committee members met washington law office thursday conduct interview nix skype united states sources said interview lasted minutes cia, federal bureau investigation national security agency said january russia used propaganda, social media means meddle election try help trump defeat clinton report, agencies said russian intelligence services hacked emails documents democratic national committee democratic party organizations, used wikileaks release

republican governors four us states thursday met vice president mike pence voice deep concerns proposed changes nafta could affect jobs manufacturing states, officials attended meeting said meeting white house included governors kim reynolds iowa, rick snyder michigan, bill haslam tennessee asa hutchinson arkansas, well president donald trump commerce secretary wilbur ross us trade representative robert lighthizer meeting, pence, also former governor indiana tweeted great discussionabout potus priorities pro growth tax cuts better trade deals result jobs stronger us manufacturing reynolds emphasized meeting importance north american free trade agreement iowa farmers manufacturers expressing support updated nafta, spokeswoman brenna smith said later governors healthy discussion, conversation ongoing, smith added arkansas hutchinson said statement afterwards united states careful harm global trade revises nafta administration clear wants able negotiate better nafta deal american manufacturers workers, hutchinson said respect negotiating position, message arkansas must able continue access north american markets unimpeded trade barriers otherwise, serious harm arkansas agriculture, retail manufacturing sectors tuesday, indiana governor eric holcomb, accompanied representatives subaru , fiat chrysler, honda, general motors toyota also met pence discuss nafta, republican governor office said letter lighthizer october, holcomb urged administration safeguard trade relations canada mexico, especially car industry emphasized auto industry represented billion exports , jobs indiana mexico canada pushed back demands trump administration negotiations would require regional content autos raised percent percent, percent content coming produced united states neither canada mexico offered counterproposals argued us demands would cause serious damage north american automotive manufacturing meetings week took place nafta negotiators united states, canada mexico met behind closed doors downtown washington hotel update decades old accord, trump blamed american job losses big trade deficits country

republicans us congress reached deal tax legislation wednesday, clearing way final votes next week package that, approved, would sent president donald trump sign law formal language legislation, expected add least trillion trillion national debt decade, released following known provisions house representatives senate tax writers agreed, based conversations aides lawmakers corporate tax rate falls percent percent house senate bills, well trump, earlier proposed percent going percent gave tax writers federal revenue needed allow tax cut take effect immediately us corporations seeking large tax cut like many years pass businesses creates percent business income deduction owners pass businesses, sole proprietorships partnerships house proposed percent tax rate senate, percent deduction corporate minimum repeals corporate alternative minimum tax, set ensure profitable companies pay least federal tax clean energy maintains production tax credit wind energy , electric vehicle tax credit house proposed repealing electric vehicle credit scaling back wind energy credit senate version neither individual income tax rates seven brackets, top rate falls percent percent house proposed maintaining percent top rate condensing current seven tax brackets four senate proposed cutting top rate percent maintaining seven brackets permanence expectation individual tax rates snap back current levels less years, possibly individual tax rates house bill permanent individual tax rates senate bill expire state local tax salt house senate proposed scaling back popular individual deduction state local tax payments limiting property tax payments capping , compromise bill keep , cap, allow continued deduction state local income tax payments, well property tax payments mortgage interest caps mortgage interest deduction new mortgages , home loan value, current million house proposed , cap senate bill left million estate tax roughly doubles exemption federal estate tax inherited assets million per person, million per couple, leaves estate tax place, mirroring senate proposal house bill proposed entirely repealing estate tax several years obamacare mandate repeals federal fine imposed americans obamacare obtaining health insurance coverage house bill repeal obamacare individual mandate anwr drilling allows oil drilling alaska arctic national wildlife refuge provision sponsored republican senator lisa murkowski alaska

republican house speaker paul ryan told confidants would like retire congressional elections, politico reported thursday, wisconsin lawmaker aide played report, saying quitting time soon ryan made known closest confidants final term speaker, politico said politico said interviewed three dozen people knew ryan

us republican representative blake farenthold said would seek election november, denying allegations sexual harassment former staffers admitting allowed unprofessional culture flourish capitol hill office year old congressman corpus christi, texas, made announcement thursday, week house ethics committee said investigating allegations sexual harassment, discrimination retaliation involving former female staff member committee said also looking whether farenthold made inappropriate statements members staff videotaped statement campaign facebook page, farenthold said political novice unprepared new responsibilities came washington first term idea run congressional office, result, allowed workplace culture take root office permissive decidedly unprofessional, said politico reported last week congressional office compliance paid , public fund behalf farenthold sexual harassment claim , former communications director, lauren greene, filed lawsuit accusing creating hostile work environment, gender discrimination retaliation, court documents showed two reached confidential mediated agreement , according statement farenthold office denied wrongdoing reuters unable verify allegations farenthold, said thursday charges false issue become political distraction, said quite simply, constituents deserve better house representatives speaker paul ryan called allegations disconcerting, including reports outlining unacceptable behaviors think made right decision retire, ryan said congress reviewing workplace policies sexual harassment number lawmakers accused sexual misconduct recent weeks amid wave allegations powerful men entertainment, politics media last week, democratic representative john conyers republican representative trent franks resigned, democratic senator al franken said would stepping coming weeks

alabama democrat doug jones, bitter fight us senate seat week, thursday called republican opponent concede race help heal southern state deeply divisive contest roy moore, conservative christian republican whose campaign tainted accusations pursued teenaged girls s, made second statement wednesday night concede election jones, former federal prosecutor, first democrat hold senate seat alabama quarter century, narrowing republicans majority senate seats potentially making difficult pursue president donald trump agenda percent vote counted, jones lead percentage points moore, former alabama supreme court justice alabama secretary state, republican, said remaining ballots tuesday election unlikely shrink victory half percentage point margin required trigger recount jones said interview nbc confident outcome time move on, said people alabama spoken let get behind us people alabama get someone start working asked whether moore concede, white house spokeswoman sarah sanders told reporters, surprised sounds like already taken place jones wednesday said received congratulatory phone calls trump, endorsed moore, well senate republican leader mitch mcconnell senate democratic leader chuck schumer president already called congratulated doug jones expressed willingness work meet arrives, sanders said

surprise victory democrats tuesday alabama election us senator prompting fund managers prepare losses republican party mid term congressional elections fund managers federated investors, wells fargo, james funds lpl financial among moving shares retailers, banks, industrials technology firms may benefit strong global economic growth abroad tax cuts high income wage earners home, even democratic party makes gains next year elections strong economy, continuing deregulation administration president trump, benefits corporate tax cuts expected passed republican led congress coming days, cyclical companies ranging amazoncom inc amzno allstate corp alln outperform long washington stays way, according fund managers tax reform big thing economic perspective, got got next year election makes harder republicans pass immigration bill trade restrictions even better reduces threats global economic growth, said steven chiavarone, portfolio manager federated investors new york, billion assets management result, chiavarone holding large capitalization technology stocks like apple inc aaplo amazon, despite company stock gaining percent year date, expects largest beneficiaries global economic expansion going money pockets consumers corporations, companies exposed money spent, said historically, us stock market done well periods opposing political parties control presidency least one house congress time, however, influential factor looks strength global economy us, economy grew fastest pace three years third quarter year, economy eurozone pace largest expansion decade october, international monetary fund raised outlook global economic growth rate percent , helping push emerging market stocks six year highs anything like global growth scale since , said ryan detrick, senior market strategist lpl financial, billion assets management backdrop, gridlock washington bad thing, extreme moves one way another detrick expects cyclical value stocks, especially financials industrials, outpace market year ahead federal reserve continues raise interest rates corporations start increase capital expenditures financial stocks slightly outperformed broad market wednesday following victory alabama election democrat doug jones, financial select spdr fund xlfp , measure financial companies benchmark p stock index, gaining percentage points index whole little changed move invest stocks might benefit gridlock washington dc, democrats regain least one house congress next year, reversal year ago, fund managers piled infrastructure, defense small capitalization stocks anticipation republican legislative victories elections dubbed trump trade last year, move helped push us dollar multi year highs sent broad p index percent november march year now, however, fund managers looking companies benefit even republicans able legislate congress barry james, portfolio manager billion james balanced golden rainbow fund, also moving financial stocks allstate capital one financial corp cofn expects trump administration continue reduce regulations industry, policy continue republicans lose one houses congress time, increasing position retail companies best buy co inc bbyn target corp tgtn get majority revenues us well positioned benefit republican led corporate tax cut likely passed soon expects democrats win least least one house congress , limiting impact washington stock market presidential election looking like tax plan one legislative victory republicans have, anything else washington unless truly bi partisan, said

republicans us congress reached deal week final version debt financed legislation cut taxes businesses wealthy americans, house senate votes expected early next week republicans control chambers senate majority, meaning lose two votes still pass tax bill, democrats oppose following republican lawmakers watch florida senator former presidential contender said thursday vote tax plan proposed refundable amount child tax credit increased rubio told reporters tax negotiators made many changes legislation, including lowering top rate paid wealthy individuals concern found money lower top rate find little bit least somewhat increase refundable portion rubio asked utah senator also unhappy legislation child tax credit approach undecided whether vote measure changes, spokesman told reuters lee rubio negotiations aimed making tax credit refundable low income families benefit it, office said thursday maine moderate said cannot say whether supportive see bill republican leaders persuaded collins support senate version bill earlier month promising take two healthcare provisions end year would help mitigate concerns repealing obamacare individual mandate republican tax writers also included amendments offered collins woo support one preserves deductibility property tax payments cap , final bill goes preserving deduction state local income tax payments corker, deficit hawk tennessee, stalled momentum senate tax bill earlier month, ended voting due expansion federal deficit nonpartisan government estimates shown republican tax bill expand deficit trillion decade, trillion accounting economic growth corker said week compromise bill deficit concerns alleviated arizona conservative voted senate tax bill earlier month announcing succeeded eliminating billion expensing budget gimmick flake also got commitment senate leaders trump administration work permanent protections immigrants brought united states illegally children flake yet said whether support compromise bill specific hesitation brief hallway remarks reporters week arizona senator, war hero former presidential nominee voted senate bill office said week undergoing treatment side effects cancer therapy military hospital outside washington mccain, , missed non tax votes week office said looks forward returning work soon possible mississippi senator, also voted senate bill, absent capitol hill nearly month earlier year missed votes recent weeks cochran office said year old senator washington expects vote tax legislation next week vice president mike pence delayed planned trip middle east case vote needed break tie final tax bill pence played role dealmaker senate negotiations, assuring collins flake concerns legislation would addressed johnson endorsed senate bill getting percent tax deduction pass business income wisconsin senator said encouraged compromise bill, percent tax deduction pass business income, lower top individual rate percent

house speaker paul ryan told president donald trump report thursday ryan considering retiring true, white house said speaker assured president accurate reports, look forward working together long time come, white house spokeswoman sarah sanders told reporters news briefing politico reported ryan would like retire november congressional election

white house said thursday would continue work republican senator marco rubio seeks expansion child tax credit tax overhaul bill, proud lawmakers already considering doubling really proud work done already, point senator rubio, already doubling child tax credit, white house spokeswoman sarah sanders told reporters going continue working senator, think made great strides

us republican senator mike lee decided whether support republican tax bill wants changes child tax credit, aide lawmaker said thursday lee republican senator marco rubio want proposed child tax credit refundable, conn carroll, lee communications director said, adding lee undecided tax bill currently written sweeping tax bill needs simple majority pass senate, republicans hold seats democrats expected support

final version comprehensive tax legislation negotiated house senate lawmakers preserve key renewable energy tax credits risk removed, congressional business sources said thursday congressional republicans reached deal tax legislation wednesday, clearing way final votes next week package would slash us corporate tax rate percent cut taxes wealthy americans congressional business sources briefed status talks confirmed production tax credit wind energy , electric vehicle tax credit, house version bill targeted, remain final bill lawmakers working produce tax package republican controlled house senate passed different versions legislation president american council renewable energy, gregory wetstone, sent note members wednesday saying knew certainty legislation also include alternative minimum tax amt corporations would reduced value production tax credit ptc wind projects meanwhile, renewable energy industry awaiting final details congressional negotiators address problems created provision included senate passed bill called base erosion anti abuse tax beat measure intended prevent multinational companies abusing tax code would make tax credits like ptc wind less valuable provision would chilled investment international companies like vestas, banks renewable energy sector, industry experts said wetstone said negotiators working fix would allow ptc offset least percent beat tax imposed multinational companies another source briefed negotiations said much percent credits could used offset beat tax still unclear precise terms deal, good news whole sector, said liam donovan, lobbyist bracewell focused tax, infrastructure energy

chairman us house representatives ways means committee indicated thursday republican tax bill allow property income sales taxes deducted state local income tax deduction republican representative kevin brady, asked true called salt deduction would include property income sales taxes compromise bill forged house senate republicans, told reporters yes

republican senator john mccain, receiving treatment brain cancer missed votes week, available next week vote tax compromise bill, john cornyn, republican us senate, said thursday resting up, cornyn said

former chemical industry consultant nominated trump administration head environmental protection agency chemical safety pollution prevention office withdrawn nomination, bloomberg reported wednesday michael dourson notified administration decision wednesday republican senators raised concerns past work possible conflicts interest, said bloomberg, cited unnamed official report dourson, former professor university cincinnati worked consultant chemical companies, one several people whose nominations top epa positions approved senate environment panel october vote along party lines bloomberg said several republican senators refused support dourson, including richard burr thom tillis, north carolina, raised concerns contaminated water camp lejeune military base state white house immediately respond reuters request comment spokeswoman burr said could confirm dourson withdrawn tom carper, top democrat senate environment panel, said statement, dourson, individual spent career promoting less protective chemical safety standards, business overseeing nation chemical safety laws environmental group earthjustice hailed news victory children, workers communities deserve strongest protections exposure toxic chemicals pesticides dourson, consultant, assessed chemicals, including pfoa, used make teflon non stick surfaces, safe levels far higher considered acceptable epa

north carolina senators richard burr thom tillis said support trump administration nominee head environmental protection agency epa chemical safety office, media reports said one republican votes michael dourson, likely confirmed post, hill reported wednesday bitly hv xgn republican senators raised concerns track record dourson, former professor university cincinnati worked consultant chemical companies, starnews reported bitly jvlppr record state history contamination camp lejeune well current genx water issues wilmington, confident best choice country, starnews quoted senator burr saying us senate environment panel, oct , approved dourson nominees top posts epa, vote along party lines slammed democrats dourson, consultant, assessed chemicals, including pfoa, used make teflon non stick surfaces, safe levels far higher considered acceptable epa reuters could reach senators comment outside regular business hours

us vice president mike pence delay upcoming middle east trip days case tie breaking vote needed tax cut legislation congress, senior white house official said thursday pence leave time tuesday trip begin visit cairo talks egyptian president abdel fattah al sisi, official said initially planned leave late saturday vice president, pence cast tie breaking vote us senate, close vote expected along party lines tax legislation, decided keep country case republican senator john mccain, fighting brain cancer, hospital wednesday expect vote needed want scenario side world come back, official said pence set hold talks israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu thursday jerusalem pence press secretary, alyssa farah, said trip, pence would reaffirm us commitment us allies middle east working together fight islamist militants looks forward constructive conversations prime minister netanyahu president sisi reaffirm president trump commitment partners region future, said statement palestinian president mahmoud abbas refused meet pence protest president donald trump decision recognize jerusalem capital israel

kentucky state representative dan johnson, facing sexual assault accusations, died probable suicide wednesday, bullitt county coroner dave billings said johnson, , also leader louisville area heart fire church, held news conference tuesday denied accusations contained report kentucky center investigative reporting report, published earlier week, included accusations woman johnson molested teenager johnson, whose press conference widely reported local media, also defied calls legislators step wednesday evening, johnson found dead probable suicide single gunshot wound near louisville, coroner said, adding autopsy would performed thursday billings said law enforcement officials searching johnson someone read post facebook page, became concerned contacted police post since taken down, courier journal reported appeared farewell read part, accusations npr false, god god knows truth nothing way make death comes amid national reckoning sexual harassment abuse included allegations misconduct number state legislatures, including kentucky kentucky republican jeff hoover recently resigned post speaker kentucky house representatives cloud sexual harassment allegations saddened hear tonight death ky representative dan johnson, kentucky republican gov matt bevin wrote twitter heart breaks family tonightthese heavy days frankfort americamay god indeed shed grace us allwe sure need michael skoler, president louisville public media, operates investigative reporting center, said statement social media organization reached johnson numerous times seven month investigation declined discuss group findings johnson elected despite becoming known facebook post comparing president barack obama michelle obama monkeys, wdrb tv reported

white house budget director mick mulvaney said thursday believed votes tax overhaul legislation could occur senate house representatives early tuesday wednesday, respectively cautiously optimistic great news coming hill last , hours, mulvaney said interview cnbc compromise bill finalized, said, stay schedule could vote senate early tuesday next week house early wednesday

president donald trump eldest son asked house representatives committee tuesday investigate possible leaks information dec interview lawmakers, congressional probes russia election picked steam ahead new year alan futerfas, attorney donald trump jr, asked representative michael conaway, republican leading house intelligence committee investigation alleged russian meddling election, look comments said came committee members staff included media reports maintain credibility investigation, committee determine whether member staff member violated rules, said letter conaway spokeswoman conaway declined comment separately, associated press reported trump jr due appear congress wednesday, time senate intelligence committee, citing source familiar matter republican senator richard burr, committee chairman, would confirm report committee members aides declined comment futerfas also declined comment senate house intelligence panels conducting main congressional investigations us intelligence agencies found moscow attempted influence campaign help republican trump defeat democratic opponent, hillary clinton also working determine whether trump associates colluded russia moscow denies seeking influence election, trump dismissed talk collusion two committees, sometimes members sometimes staff, conducting frequent interviews variety witnesses, seeking wrap investigations well us congressional elections november burr said felt urgency related election security related next year vote said expected senate committee investigation would last , dozens people still interviewed going carry next year , going carry far unless basket people interviewed changes, way changes learn individuals know today, burr told reporters us capitol said committee plan public hearings russia probe separately, sam clovis, former trump campaign official, interviewed house intelligence committee four hours tuesday came attention investigators report encouraged george papadopoulos, one time trump foreign policy campaign adviser, improve relations united states russia clovis attorney denied reports respond immediately request comment house testimony tuesday

since mid , us house speaker paul ryan carried around postcard said shows easy americans file taxes republicans finished tax overhaul recently thursday president donald trump touted americans able file taxes single, little beautiful sheet paper lawmakers finalizing biggest tax reform years president ready sign law end year, moment near ryan postcard stops rhetorical prop becomes reality right kind crazy say file postcard when, first, one going put social security number postcard second, already giant postcard form ez, mark mazur, director nonpartisan tax policy center, said, citing line internal revenue service irs tax form representatives billion us tax preparation industry said legislation far seemed unlikely render services unnecessary think going millions people filing taxes cell phone, said mark steber, chief tax officer jackson hewitt tax service inc jakhtul think demise tax business bit premature irs would discuss changes might come proposed tax overhaul however, irs estimates that, despite efforts make filing taxes easier, percent americans use tax preparation services jackson hewitt, h r block inc liberty tax inc tax software turbotax intuit inc congress enacts republican plan law, would affect tax year returns filed , millions middle class americans would longer gain wide range deductions, credits tax breaks key driver this, according independent analyses, would proposed doubling standard deduction curtailment deduction state local tax payments combination, two changes would mean million people would longer benefit itemizing would stop writing charitable donations, mortgage interest state local tax payments, according institute taxation economic policy, think tank itemized deductions medical expenses, investment interest, unreimbursed employee expenses tax preparation fees could also dropped many personal exemptions individual taxpayers, take lot space tax forms, would also eliminated changes would mean simpler taxes possibly allow number taxpayers use shorter forms irs expects million people file longest widely used irs form today, form , lines long million people use line ez wealthy americans likely would still itemize republican plan owning businesses, homes factors could also lead taxes complicated filers could describe postcard even though talking simplification large number taxpayers, still many taxpayers complicated tax situations help well, said david williams, chief tax officer turbotax adds first name, title th paragraph

congressional republicans reached deal final tax legislation wednesday, clearing way final votes next week package would slash us corporate tax rate percent cut taxes wealthy americans agreement house representatives senate, corporate tax would percentage point higher percent rate earlier proposed, still far current headline rate percent, deep tax reduction corporations sought years finalized biggest tax overhaul years, republicans wavered weeks whether slash top income tax rate wealthy end, agreed cut percent current percent despite criticism democrats republican plan tilts toward rich corporations, offering little middle class think got pretty good deal, senate finance committee chairman orrin hatch told reporters emerging agreement would repeal corporate alternative minimum tax, set ensure profitable companies pay federal tax, expand proposed , cap state local property tax deductions include income tax, lawmakers sources familiar negotiations said also expected limit popular mortgage interest deduction home loans , provide owners pass businesses, sole proprietorships partnerships, percent business income deduction deal would gut part obamacare health law repealing federal fine individuals fail obtain health insurance, authorizing oil drilling alaska arctic national wildlife refuge add measures part nailing sufficient votes passage moving corporate tax target rate percent percent gave tax writers enough revenue make tax cuts immediate, republican senator ron johnson told reporters news deal began circulating formal house senate conference committee began debating public, leading democrats decry gathering sham final bill could formally unveiled friday, decisive votes expected next week chambers despite expressions confidence passage party leaders, path final vote senate could still perilous republicans, hold majority seat senate, lose two votes tax bill republican senator john mccain, brain cancer, military hospital undergo treatment side effects cancer therapy least three senate republicans still seemed undecided, including arizona jeff flake, specific hesitation brief hallway remarks reporters bob corker, fiscal hawk, said undecided whether support bill told reporters deficit concerns alleviated susan collins, helped sink fellow republicans efforts dismantle former democratic president barack obama healthcare law earlier year, said would make final decision way vote see bill white house speech, trump said internal revenue service advised signs bill law christmas, tax cuts would take effect february irs immediate comment trump administration official said irs would readjust paycheck tax withholding tables employers new withholding levels would take effect february bill, tax returns filed next year would affected, returns filed would trump appeared white house several middle class families said would benefit tax bill joint committee taxation congressional budget office, nonpartisan research units congress, forecast wealthy taxpayers businesses would gain disproportionately debt financed republican proposals drafted, republican plan expected add much trillion trillion national debt years view, republicans urgently trying finalize details package without increasing estimated impact federal deficit debt tax event held democrats, moody analytics chief economist mark zandi said republican bill, enacted, would cause interest rates rise, meaning benefits lower corporate tax rate would completely washed stock markets rallied months anticipation lower taxes businesses benchmark dow jones industrial average index dji closed percent , defeat tuesday alabama special us senate election, republicans pressure complete tax overhaul christmas new democratic senator formally seated senate democrat doug jones victory alabama came hours ahead final tax deal jones arrives washington, republicans already slim senate majority narrow fast action republicans taxes would prevent jones upsetting expected vote tallies since likely seated late december early january senate democratic leader chuck schumer called republicans delay vote overhauling tax code first time years jones seated unlikely would thought could made bill even less favorable middle class slanted towards wealthy schumer told news conference

democrats said wednesday us senate victory alabama could lead sweeping comeback party elections, republicans sought assess blame defeat one country conservative states doug jones, democrat former federal prosecutor, special election tuesday night bitter campaign drew national attention amid sexual misconduct accusations conservative republican candidate roy moore president donald trump endorsed moore loss stunning upset fellow republicans, narrowing majority senate also boosted democrats hope retake control congress elections next november trump, speaking reporters white house, said alabama outcome would affect policy agenda republicans rushing pass tax overhaul package end year jones expected take office early january election results certified wish would gotten seat, trump said lot republicans feel differently happy way turned news conference birmingham, alabama, wednesday, jones said received congratulatory calls trump, well senate majority leader mitch mcconnell, republican, senator chuck schumer, democratic leader congressional republicans quick wednesday slam former trump strategist steve bannon steadfast support moore, saying split party paved way jones shocking victory jones, , first democrat elected senate alabama quarter century party sees potential nationwide campaign given lot people reason believe, jones said schumer said defeat moore reflected distaste among voters trump policies, said help wealthy powerful detriment middle class things looking good us, schumer told reporters republicans continue run government benefit special powerful wealthy interests, many alabamas senate republicans expressed relief moore would joining ranks, including bob corker, frequent trump critic retiring next year know supposed cheer side aisle really, really happy happened us nation, people serving senate, deal likely going deal outcome way, corker said bannon, trump former chief white house strategist, worked hard moore part broader campaign centrist republican leaders, critics quick attack wednesday guy belong national stage, republican representative peter king said cnn representing stand consider conservative republican sort parades weird, alt right views and, me, demeaning whole governmental political process moore, hard line conservative twice removed seat alabama supreme court refusing abide federal law, became republican candidate beating incumbent senator luther strange primary race earlier year strange appointed fill seat vacated republican jeff sessions became trump attorney general mcconnell republican leaders congress backed strange race pressured moore withdraw candidacy faced allegations several women sexually assaulted pursued teenagers moore, , denied accusations mcconnell, frequent bannon target, declined address bannon role race speaking reporters wednesday quite impressive election, mcconnell said big turnout unusual day strange harsh words bannon accomplished one thing think anybody america thought possible, getting democrat elected state alabama, strange said fox news channel trump backed strange republican primary endorsed moore threw full support behind even party leaders washington walked away trump tried minimize damage credibility wednesday reason originally endorsed luther strange numbers went mightily , said roy moore able win general election right said twitter roy worked hard deck stacked republicans defended trump zero donald trump, republican representative bradley byrne alabama told msnbc, calling race purely weird, unique election wednesday night, moore conceded race jones, saying video statement military provisional ballots still counted campaign waiting certification secretary state indeed struggle preserve republic, civilization, religion set free suffering humanity, said battle rages jones victory expected affect pending votes congress funding government republican overhaul tax code republican congressional leaders vowed get tax changes approved christmas alabama outcome could push democrats make sexual harassment key election issue time many powerful men entertainment, media politics

us president donald trump eldest son met us senate intelligence committee wednesday part panel investigation russia, us election whether father election campaign colluded moscow donald trump jr arrived senate office building shortly capitol police officers tried keep journalists witnessing arrival, spotted reporters rushed room committee uses classified briefings testified nine hours, person familiar matter said us intelligence agencies said trump victory november presidential election concluded russia sought influence campaign boost trump chances defeating former secretary state hillary clinton, democratic challenger moscow denied activity, trump dismissed talk possible collusion witch hunt led democrats disappointed victory senate committee conducting one main congressional investigations richard burr, panel chairman, told reporters tuesday expected probe last , likely many months new year department justice special counsel robert mueller also investigating matter trump jr testified house intelligence committee last week lawmakers interested talking meeting russian lawyer june trump tower new york said hoped get information fitness, character qualifications clinton

republicans us congress reached deal final tax legislation wednesday, clearing way final votes next week package that, approved, would sent president donald trump sign law formal language legislation released following known provisions house representatives senate tax writers agreed, based conversations aides lawmakers corporate tax rate falls percent percent house senate bills, well trump, earlier proposed percent going percent gave tax writers federal revenue needed make tax cut immediate us corporations seeking large tax cut like many years pass businesses creates percent business income deduction owners pass businesses, sole proprietorships partnerships house proposed percent tax rate senate, percent deduction corporate minimum repeals corporate alternative minimum tax, set ensure profitable companies pay least federal tax top individual income tax rate falls percent percent house proposed maintaining percent top rate condensing current seven tax brackets four senate proposed cutting top rate percent maintaining seven brackets permanence expectation individual tax rates snap back current levels less years individual tax rates house bill permanent individual tax rates senate bill would expired years state local tax salt house senate proposed scaling back popular individual deduction state local tax payments limiting property tax payments capping , compromise bill expected keep cap, also allow continued deduction state local income tax payments mortgage interest caps mortgage interest deduction , home loan value, current million house proposed , cap senate bill left million estate tax roughly doubles exemption federal estate tax inherited assets million, leaves tax place, mirroring senate proposal house bill raised deduction, also entirely phased tax obamacare mandate repeals federal fine imposed americans obamacare obtaining health insurance coverage house bill repeal obamacare individual mandate anwr drilling allows oil drilling alaska arctic national wildlife refuge provision sponsored republican senator lisa murkowski alaska

republicans us congress reached deal final tax legislation wednesday, clearing way final votes next week package that, approved, would sent president donald trump sign law formal language legislation released following known provisions house representatives senate tax writers agreed, based conversations aides lawmakers corporate tax rate falls percent percent house senate bills, well trump, earlier proposed percent going percent gave tax writers federal revenue needed make tax cut immediate us corporations seeking large tax cut like many years pass businesses creates percent business income deduction owners pass businesses, sole proprietorships partnerships house proposed percent tax rate senate, percent deduction corporate minimum repeals corporate alternative minimum tax, set ensure profitable companies pay least federal tax top individual income tax rate falls percent percent house proposed maintaining percent top rate condensing current seven tax brackets four senate proposed cutting top rate percent maintaining seven brackets permanence expectation individual tax rates snap back current levels less years individual tax rates house bill permanent individual tax rates senate bill would expired years state local tax salt house senate proposed scaling back popular individual deduction state local tax payments limiting property tax payments capping , compromise bill expected keep cap, also allow continued deduction state local income tax payments mortgage interest caps mortgage interest deduction , home loan value, current million house proposed , cap senate bill left million estate tax roughly doubles exemption federal estate tax inherited assets million, leaves tax place, mirroring senate proposal house bill raised deduction, also entirely phased tax obamacare mandate repeals federal fine imposed americans obamacare obtaining health insurance coverage house bill repeal obamacare individual mandate anwr drilling allows oil drilling alaska arctic national wildlife refuge provision sponsored republican senator lisa murkowski alaska

minnesota democratic lieutenant governor tina smith appointed us senator wednesday replace al franken, resigned accused sexual harassment smith, , serve one year term concluding january , governor mark dayton said news conference, run special election seat november next year dayton said listened views many minnesotans deciding smith one trust assume responsibilities important office, dayton said know superb senator, representing best interests state citizens smith told reporters news conference fierce advocate behalf state, pushing economic opportunity fairness difficult moment us even filled optimism, said though never anticipated moment, resolved everything move minnesota forward smith became lieutenant governor january previously worked dayton chief staff held positions general mills planned parenthood last week franken, , also democrat, announced resignation seat held since former comedian denied allegations questioned others reuters independently verified accusations wednesday news conference, smith thanked franken service called champion state said respected decision resign sexual harassment disrespectful people tolerated, smith said promise working issues get washington, dc smith excellent senator, franken said record accomplishment lieutenant governor demonstrates effective senator knows work across party lines get things done minnesota, franken said statement wednesday minnesota soon two women senators, smith join fellow democrat amy klobuchar, , became state first female elected senator elected minnesota first female senator, muriel humphrey, appointed fill seat husband, hubert humphrey, following death republican party minnesota said smith entering office called political baggage dayton administration, well well established track record far left policies minnesota republicans look forward electing republican us senate , chairwoman, jennifer carnahan, said statement republican party slim majority us senate affected move replace franken democrats gain seat cut republican majority member senate tuesday night victory doug jones republican candidate roy moore special election alabama

chairman us house appropriations committee wednesday introduced bill fund government jan congress works longer term legislation, panel said statement bill unveiled republican representative rodney frelinghuysen would fully fund national defense programs entire fiscal year includes money children health insurance program, statement said congress must pass funding bill dec prevent partial government shutdown

us deputy attorney general rod rosenstein wednesday dismissed republican lawmakers charges government attorneys agents investigating allegations russian interference election biased president donald trump republicans attacked special counsel robert mueller, charged four trump associates investigation, also looking possible collusion trump campaign moscow officials testifying us house representatives judiciary committee wednesday, rosenstein said aware impropriety mueller team committee ranking democrat asked good cause firing mueller, replied russia denies conclusions three us intelligence agencies moscow used hacking disinformation affect election, trump says collusion hearing, republicans committee increased criticism mueller, highlighting text messages two federal bureau investigation employees, including agent investigating team, evidence bias trump far, however, congressional republicans stopped short calling trump fire mueller republicans said reviewed anti trump text messages exchanged last year fbi lawyer lisa page peter strzok, fbi agent worked mueller probe members committee read aloud contents text messages strzok page texts call trump idiot loathsome human, according copies sampling texts reviewed reuters one july exchange poked fun trump campaign republican national convention god, embarrassed like second run stars, page responded strzok wow, donald trump enormous uche texts showed extreme bias president trump, fact would bad enough fact two individuals employed part mueller dream team investigating person showing disdain, said bob goodlatte, republican chairman judiciary committee texts seen reuters, however, strzok seem excited democratic presidential candidate hillary clinton, either describing conservative democrat, one text openly worried getting elected, one point complained certain news media outlets biased downplaying ties oil gas industry clear utter bias media specifically nytimes, wapo, cnn look large donors clinton, wrote rosenstein, appointed mueller, said special counsel properly removed strzok probe justice department inspector general brought texts light, added confident mueller letting political bias color investigation also said thinks mueller ideal choice lead investigation, said person affiliated political party mean biased said discussed issue bias mueller mueller running office appropriately

us senator john mccain undergoing treatment military hospital outside washington side effects cancer therapy, office said tuesday mccain, , diagnosed brain cancer summer, return work soon possible, statement office said senator mccain currently receiving treatment walter reed medical center normal side effects ongoing cancer therapy, statement said senator mccain looks forward returning work soon possible mccain, arizona republican ran unsuccessfully president , found aggressive form brain tumor, glioblastoma, surgery july blood clot left eye receiving chemotherapy radiation treatment washington area continuing work senate missed senate votes week critical vote republican tax overhaul expected senate early next week mccain absence would make difficult, impossible, republicans pass bill mccain elected sixth senate term last year

firm commissioned dossier detailing links presidential candidate donald trump campaign russia said court filing republicans leaked company banking data media partisan political purposes democrats said republicans use leaks undermine investigations trump campaign congress special counsel robert mueller republicans accused democrats leaking information undermine trump administration republican attacks mueller probe us allegations russia interfered election help trump possible collusion moscow officials included efforts discredit dossier kremlin denies allegations meddling trump denies collusion fusion gps, notice federal judge washington late tuesday, said subpoena sent republican led us house representatives intelligence committee chairman, devin nunes, firm bank part ongoing effort discredit fusion retaliation role undertaking research trump election fusion court document said information founder, glenn simpson, provided committee closed door testimony november surfaced media reports nunes representative mike conaway, republican panel member led trump related investigations, immediately respond requests comment information simpson provided committee reported media included simpson meeting bruce ohr, senior justice department official, court document said ohr assigned office deputy attorney general rod rosenstein, prosecutor appointed mueller lead russia probe ohr moved rosenstein office justice department unit dealing drugs organized crime, department said immediately respond request comment ohr meeting simpson fusion also complained fox news report said ohr wife, nellie ohr, worked subcontractor fusion expert russia former soviet union studied harvard stanford universities, dealings fusion confidential simpson told closed committee hearing them, court filing said nellie ohr could immediately reached comment spokeswoman fusion gps said done work firm source familiar fusion work said ohrs experts russian organized crime, came contact simpson christopher steele, former british intelligence officer compiled dossier trump supporters denied dossier contents outlining russian financial personal links trump campaign

two president donald trump judicial nominees confirmed republican controlled us senate following criticism controversial statements made, white house official said official said wednesday two nominations moving forward us senate one nominees, brett talley, selected district court position alabama, already said would withdraw other, jeff mateer, nominated serve district court judge texas, already hanging thread although officially withdrawn senator chuck grassley, republican chairs influential senate committee overseas judicial nominations, said wednesday anticipate either nominee would confirmed, spokesman said move came day grassley raised concerns statements two nominees made talley reported online magazine slate posted online sympathetic comments early history ku klux klan kkk white supremacist group also failed disclose wife works white house counsel office, overseas judicial nominations mateer run trouble speeches made one, referred transgender children part satan plans, cnn reported trump made significant progress filling vacancies federal courts conservative judges also appointed justice neil gorsuch fill vacancy supreme court

us embassy london moves next month new billion dollar home overlooking river thames us president donald trump actions placed strains special relationship britain united states britain closest ally leave behind imposing stone concrete embassy london upmarket grosvenor square area known little america world war two, square also housed military headquarters general dwight eisenhower old embassy also focus british discontent us policy anti vietnam war protests drew thousand britons, including celebrities day like rolling stones frontman mick jagger new storey building south bank river heart huge regeneration project former industrial zone known nine elms set become urban park, open business jan , hosting staff , visitors day embassy, look windows, reflects global outlook us going forward st century rather looking out, looking in, said woody johnson, trump appointed us ambassador britain us state department ran competition design new building billion construction wholly funded sale properties london glass structure gives form core democratic values transparency, openness equality state department briefing document said inside cube, visitors greeted imposing stone facade featuring bald eagle united states great seal embassy also designed exacting security specifications, set back least feet meters surrounding buildings

native american advocates launched elaborate hoax wednesday, creating authentic looking web pages major media purported report national football league washington redskins changed name redhawks campaign, led group called rising hearts coalition, created web pages appeared strikingly similar real pages washington post, espn, sports illustrated bleacher report, plus one team new redhawks logo native americans consider redskins name highly offensive evocative genocide north american tribes american settlers european descent created action show nfl washington football franchise easy, popular powerful changing name could be, rebecca nagle cherokee nation said news release identified one organizers stunt asking changes four letters four letters certainly harm mascot native americans outweighs very, minor changes franchise would need make, nagle said online pages added disclaimers announcing website parody endorsed affiliated sites imitating washington post spokeswoman provided link newspaper report stunt, declined comment us president donald trump regularly derides mainstream media fake news, raising stakes news organizations might victims hoax redskins long declined change name, saying fans support keeping washington post poll released last year found percent native americans offended name, rival study center indigenous peoples studies california state university, san bernardino found percent native americans considered name racist morning, redskins organization made aware fraudulent websites team name, tony wyllie, team senior vice president communications, said statement name team washington redskins remain future

solidly republican south suddenly looks little less solid tuesday upset win democrat doug jones alabama, coupled last month democratic sweep virginia, given party new optimism prospects south conservative, heavily rural regions republicans dominated decades jones, former federal prosecutor, took advantage controversy sexual misconduct allegations republican opponent roy moore become first democrat elected us senate alabama quarter century jones campaign also offered template democrats win south, strategists said field strong candidate, crank turnout among region sizable bloc african american voters, keep liberal national party brand arm length compete hard every county region add grass roots energy liberal resistance president donald trump, disaffection moderate suburbanites turned trump conservative wing sapped enthusiasm republican infighting, democrats see opportunity brighter future south starting next year midterm elections hear republican wall south cracking doug jones virginia beginning, said phil noble, democratic business technology consultant running governor south carolina republicans convinced, citing years still unrealized democratic predictions demographic changes would turn republican dominated conservative states like georgia texas toss ups democrats still issues brand large swaths country party nancy pelosi, image cemented many voters minds, said brian walsh, former strategist republican party senate campaign committee, referring house representatives democratic leader, liberal san francisco fight control congress next year, wins hostile southern turf could crucial democratic cause senate, republicans already narrow majority shaved jones seated, democrats defend seats, including states trump would need pick two republican held states reclaim control nevada arizona viewed republican held seats vulnerable takeover next year democrats see possibilities tennessee, popular former democratic governor phil bredesen jumped race seat retiring republican bob corker, mississippi, incumbent republican roger wicker could face bruising primary challenge house representatives, democrats need gain seats win majority target list districts includes one alabama, arkansas kentucky, two georgia four north carolina election held today, think could see democrats winning areas country democrats last decade, said zac mccrary, democratic pollster based alabama addition congressional races, governors contests georgia south carolina state legislative races across region give democrats shot compete areas dominated local politics minority party defined liberal views cultural issues abortion gay rights mccrary said jones democrat john bel edwards, louisiana governor office , shown possible build winning coalition south energizing african american voters also appealing white swing voters, soft republicans independents alabama, jones made inroads voters shelby county, republican suburbs state biggest city, birmingham, outpolling results hillary clinton last year presidential election percentage points warning sign republicans trump weak performance wealthier, educated suburban districts democrat jon ossoff strong, though ultimately losing bid special election earlier year congressional seat suburban atlanta district long held republicans, said david hughes, professor auburn university montgomery alabama democrats want get ditch alabama south, suburbs, said hughes, expert southern politics judicial elections nine states form political backbone republican dominated south

senate democratic leader chuck schumer wednesday called republicans delay vote pending tax overhaul legislation new us senator alabama, democrat, seated schumer wants slow legislation

republican us senator bob corker wednesday said still undecided whether support party tax legislation even congressional republicans announced deal final plan corker, whose party slim majority senate afford lose two votes, told reporters deficit concerns alleviated, like many tough votes around here, got make decision

virginia officials started recounts wednesday first four state house delegates races, process could lead democratic takeover chamber party historic election gains last month republicans narrow majority house democrats erased two one advantage november, part party first big wave victories since republican donald trump white house last year four legislative races close enough lead recounts democrats gain one seat house, chamber would tied tiebreaking mechanism governor elect ralph northam democrat, republicans hold edge state senate first recount scheduled wednesday thursday suburban washington district , republican incumbent tim hugo narrowly election votes democrat donte tanner others planned next week, including one republican leads votes recount set dec northern virginia district , democrat joshua cole trails republican robert thomas votes state elections board said least voters assigned wrong district, voters filed federal lawsuit hold new election andrea gaines, state elections spokeswoman, said email information results recounts would announced

president donald trump said wednesday would accept corporate tax rate percent would sign bill number white house previously said preferred percent tax rate corporations, percent current levels got would thrilled, said set final figure yet

us senate finance committee chairman orrin hatch said wednesday republicans senate house representatives reached deal tax reform legislation asked reporters, agreement reached negotiations hammer differences two competing tax bills, hatch said think deal hatch said agreement principle

top republican us house representatives said wednesday congress working package reforms would prohibit using taxpayer money settlements sexual harassment claims lodged lawmakers offices among things working right now, house speaker paul ryan said interview wisconsin radio station wisn week three lawmakers said stepping sexual harassment misconduct claimsa wave sexual misconduct allegations emerged recent weeks high profile figures journalism, entertainment politics democratic representative john conyers resigned reports used public funds settle woman claim conyers acknowledged office settled former staffer harassment allegations, denied wrongdoing congressional office handles employment disputes also said paid settlements two claims involving sex discrimination allegations one sexual harassment accusation since politico reported sexual harassment settlement, amounted , , made behalf texas republican representative blake farenthold statement reached settlement agreement , farenthold denied engaging wrongdoing

republican leaders us senate house representatives reached agreement principle tax reform legislation, associated press reported twitter wednesday, citing unnamed sources ap gave details reuters immediately able confirm report

omarosa manigault newman, former reality television star turned political aide us president donald trump, resigned white house pursue opportunities, trump spokeswoman sarah sanders said wednesday newman served assistant president director communications white house office public liaison former star trump tv show apprentice, newman worked director african american outreach trump presidential campaign sanders said newman departure would take effect jan , newman sometimes appeared ambiguous role white house orbit new york times reported september chief staff john kelly put fly list aides consider fit attend serious meetings sources ties white house said expect wave departures administration trump completed first year office

democrat doug jones bitter fight us senate seat deeply conservative alabama tuesday, dealing political blow president donald trump race marked sexual misconduct accusations republican candidate roy moore key points stunning upset makes jones first democrat elected us senate alabama quarter century trim republicans already narrow senate majority , opening door democrats possibly retake chamber next year congressional elections peter cardillo, chief market economist first standard financial new york anything prompts congress get tax bill signed year end another week problem perspective yesterday defeat good news terms tax legislation going risk tax reform election defeat actually positive president sign legislation year end major problem would speed process correction would affect economy, reverse economic growth , perhaps defeat republican party mr trump also motivates republicans get act together get bill signed keith lerner, chief market strategist, suntrust advisory services atlanta, ga tax reform still likely go happened overnight may present obstacle gop agenda , arguably less important tax reform perhaps obstacles infrastructure, entitlement reform market perspective, high probability anyway high probability tax gets republicans tried fast track jones gets seated, unlikely victory change short term setback tax bill pass , may cap upside market since companies getting earnings boost pullback, think percent range, opposed bear market still early, looks certainly big changes midterm makeup house senate long economy sound footing, gridlock washington necessarily bad thing necessarily preferable, majority slim is, question, economy chug along economy continues move forward, less important gennadiy goldberg, interest rates strategist, td securities, new york think one possible biggest impact deficit jones win, makes difficult pass tax cut bill puts pressure republicans pass tax cuts year end question going see special provisions deals get done think get done mentality not, bleed early lowers odds getting anything done l thomas block, fundstrat global advisors, washington policy strategy research note bottom line alabama senate race change basic washington dc headlines, first tax bill pass christmas, tough negotiations ahead solve budget issues avoid government shutdown marc chandler, global head currency strategy, brown brothers harriman research note dollar slip low week yen, became clear republicans going lose senate seat alabama reduced republican majority one senate owing fissures party, putting risk parts trump agenda, treasury secretary mnuchin acknowledged earlier week necessary achieve kind growth levels tax bill assumes us stock futures dollar dipped wednesday, although equities turned around open p index last percent

top democrat us senate said bipartisan negotiations protect undocumented people immigrated united states children making good progress, hoped bill could clear congress year end good negotiations going democrats republicans, senate democratic leader chuck schumer told reporters hopeful bipartisan support get daca done end year, added, referring legislation replace deferred action childhood arrivals program president donald trump terminating

us senator kirsten gillibrand fired back president donald trump tuesday said would silenced attacked twitter calling investigation accusations sexual harassment misconduct six us senators, including gillibrand, said trump resign trump lambasted gillibrand twitter tuesday writing, lightweight senator kirsten gillibrand, total flunky chuck schumer someone would come office begging campaign contributions long ago would anything , ring fighting trump schumer senate democratic leader gillibrand, whose name floated possible democratic presidential candidate , said would back sexist smear attempting silence voice, silenced issue, told reporters news conference trump answer reporter question white house event later tuesday asked meant tweet white house spokeswoman sarah sanders, told people thought trump tweet contained sexual innuendo, said, mind gutter would read way obviously talking political partisan games people often play broken system sanders told regular white house briefing trump used similar language previously refer men major parties democratic lawmakers rallied behind gillibrand, including us senator elizabeth warren, another possible presidential candidate tweet directed trump, warren wrote tuesday, really trying bully, intimidate slut shame sengillibrand know picking fight good luck that, realdonaldtrump nevertheless, shepersisted us senate democratic leader chuck schumer said trump attack gillibrand nasty, unbecoming president, join call trump resign presidency sexual misconduct accusations dozen women accused trump, new york based real estate developer former reality television star, making unwanted sexual advances years entered politics trump, republican, denied allegations reuters independently verified accusations trump interest accusations sexual harassment misconduct came fore monday three women previously accused trump misconduct called us congress investigate behavior tuesday, fourth woman also previously made similar accusations backed call investigation interview nbc nearly female democratic us lawmakers called investigation letter monday tuesday, group said many male colleagues also joined on, bringing number lawmakers us house representatives representative trey gowdy, republican chairman house oversight committee, responded group letter tuesday said, specific allegations set forth letter constitute crimes, federal state gowdy noted congressional panels cannot prosecute crimes forwarding group letter justice department added charges alleging crimes go house judiciary committee, jurisdiction allegations related fitness office non criminal matters trump called accusations fabricated stories said know accusers monday, gillibrand called allegations credible called trump resign attention sexual harassment accusations trump comes amid wave similar accusations prominent men hollywood, media politics recent months federal election commission records showed trump gave , gillibrand senate campaign , donated , member house representatives concerns sexual impropriety become political issue united states, leading resignations two democratic one republican lawmaker reuters independently verified accusations issue sexual harassment also become central tuesday us senate election alabama accusations misconduct made republican candidate roy moore white house said monday women accusations trump false totally disputed cases eyewitness accounts later promised provide list accounts reporters tuesday, white house sent list three media reports, including new york post interview british man disputed one accusers accounts alleged groping said never saw happen also included new york daily news cnn reports two former pageant participants supporting trump

backing roy moore alabama us senate race even though candidate faced allegations sexual misconduct teenage girls, president donald trump made risky bet

senior fbi officials helped probe donald trump presidential campaign told colleague democratic presidential candidate hillary clinton win race white house, new york times reported tuesday peter strzok, senior fbi agent, said clinton win text sent fbi lawyer lisa page, times reported messages showed concern strzok page trump presidency could politicize fbi, report said, citing texts turned congress obtained newspaper nytims aohylp justice department inspector general michael horowitz investigating texts probe fbi handling investigation clinton use private email server official correspondence secretary state former president barack obama, report added strzok removed working russia probe media reports earlier month suggested exchanged text messages disparaged trump supported clinton strzok involved clinton email russia investigations republicans, including trump, recent weeks ramped attacks fbi questioned integrity special counsel robert mueller congressional committees investigating possible links donald trump campaign russia russia denies meddling us elections fbi, democratic national committee white house respond request comment outside regular business hours reuters unable contact peter strzok lisa page comment

us president donald trump congratulated democrat doug jones tuesday winning bitter us senate race alabama republican candidate president backed tweet, trump congratulated doug jones, former us attorney, beat republican roy moore, former alabama supreme court chief justice, dogged allegations sexual misconduct teenagers republicans another shot seat short period time never ends trump tweeted

us senate race rocked allegations sexual misconduct republican candidate roy moore, women hometown said sticking embattled nominee others said prayer would guide votes tuesday caroll norman, retired middle school teacher gadsden, said know would vote democrat first time life write another name ballot perusing candle shop downtown monday evening, trump supporter said even president vocal backing embattled republican nominee swayed pray make decision morning, year old republican said reuters spoke dozen women religious, working class city , people hour birmingham gadsden landed unwelcome spotlight multiple women came forward last month accuse moore pursuing teenagers local prosecutors one accuser said tried initiate sexual contact moore denounced allegations political attacks refused heed national republicans calls leave race reuters independently confirmed accusations norman said inconsistencies women stories, well moore responses nearby bus stop downtown, christmas music played speakers light poles, republican sara teet, , said also remained conflicted know believe, said know gadsden mall, republican debbie handy said voting judge, many locals refer moore, former alabama supreme court chief justice known long time never anything women, handy, , said man integrity strong christian handy said also liked moore supports trump, last year percent presidential vote etowah county, gadsden county seat trump moore bring america back be, said robin gibson, , store clerk self described liberal democrat, said knew one moore accusers believed allegations vote tuesday democrat doug jones would nothing thwarting trump trying erode slim margin republicans hold senate, said race trump plans country represents state, gibson said around town, noticeably campaign signs either candidate, many voters echoed sentiments pat miller final hours race cnn washington post fellas new york city place, said miller, , walked gadsden variety caf bowl hot chili say wait

democrat doug jones alabama election us senate tuesday, scoring upset victory deeply conservative state republican candidate backed president donald trump, us media said jones, , former federal prosecutor, prevailed roy moore, whose campaign dogged allegations sexual misconduct toward teenagers republicans maintain control houses congress, jones victory reduce majority us senate , possibly making harder trump advance policy agenda

despite thousands hours wasted many millions dollars spent, democrats unable show collusion russia

crucial details republican tax plan, including proposed corporate rate, flux late tuesday negotiators us congress rushed finalize plan ahead self imposed wednesday deadline republican tax writers tinkering best reconcile differences bills passed house representatives senate, without exacerbating deficit impact legislation could add much trillion national debt next decade, according independent estimates meeting official bipartisan negotiating committee scheduled wednesday, republicans still weighing best scale back popular individual deductions mortgage interest local tax payments, whether proposed corporate rate percent bills may rise percent still talking, senate republican john cornyn said possible percent corporate rate senate house bills proposed reducing corporate tax rate percent current percent, eliminating scaling back taxes paid rich americans offering mixed bag cuts individuals families, would short term republican senator orrin hatch, head senate tax writing committee one negotiators, told reporters reference corporate tax rate, hesitate give figure point still debated analysts said percentage point change corporate rate equals billion revenue decade shifting even slightly could help negotiators attempting keep bill within preset budget parameters congressional researchers estimated tax plans, written, would add trillion trillion national debt years, projected positive effects economy, trillion effects president donald trump wants sign tax bill year end, potentially marking republicans first major legislative victory since trump victory gave party control white house well chambers congress trump scheduled host republican tax negotiators white house lunch wednesday deliver speech laying closing argument legislation alongside five middle class families would benefit, senior administration officials told reporters tuesday trump expected counter claims tax plan largely benefits corporations wealthy highlighting would also cut rates lower middle income taxpayers, could see additional benefits higher wages following corporate rate cut, officials said independent government analyses nonpartisan joint committee taxation, assists congressional tax writers, congressional budget office, examines budget impact legislation, concluded wealthier taxpayers would disproportionately benefit republican proposals asked stands benefit republican tax legislation, half american adults selected either wealthy large us corporations, according reuters ipsos poll released monday senator susan collins, key moderate republican whose support critical passage senate bill said need review final package casting another vote, critical tuesday talks cut top individual tax rate lot discussion lowering top individual rate percent, corporate rate low, collins said house tax plan would maintain top individual tax rate paid wealthy percent senate plan would cut percent think lowering top rate good idea, collins told reporters

rex tillerson, dogged media speculation long last us secretary state, tried tuesday ease skepticism among staff leadership planned state department reorganization tillerson alienated staff relying narrow group aides nudging department senior foreign service officials, making erroneous statements top echelon us diplomats recent appearance town hall meeting state department, chief us diplomat laid steps merging agency email lists, allowing telecommuting employees partially easing hiring freeze part effort win workers unhappy previously announced plans reduce staff carry white house proposed percent budget cuts tillerson break new ground speech policy challenges north korean iranian nuclear programs, syria civil war russia occupation crimea among organizational steps laid moving cloud based systems email collaboration integrating state department us agency international development email address lists ending hiring freeze eligible family members employees many state department officials frustrated hiring freeze family members means spouses often unable work us embassies state department said wider hiring freeze would remain tillerson also announced plans allow workers abroad evacuated medical reasons telecommute streamline process obtaining security clearances, including allowing interns work interim clearances simplify department computer system interfaces tillerson aides said need make stronger case reorganization initiatives announced drew applause, five six state department officials interviewed remarks said think town hall would much ease skepticism tillerson reorganization plans little late, said one official spoke condition anonymity president donald trump undercut tillerson issues north korea, president said secretary state wasting time pursuing diplomacy tillerson inaccurate statements title ages state department recently retired top officials rankled staff suggested grasp agency inner workings limited one many things show administration whole fundamentally understand diplomacy works, richard boucher, former assistant secretary south central asia, said monday

president donald trump wednesday host congressional negotiators lunch discuss progress toward tax cut legislation, white house said lunch take place ahead speech tax cuts trump deliver tomorrow afternoon president host house senate conferees tax cuts jobs act lunch white house discuss progress made towards delivering historic tax reform american people, said white house spokeswoman lindsay walters

us house republicans proposed tuesday delay suspend several taxes former president barack obama healthcare law, including tax medical devices called cadillac tax generous health insurance plans move represents new republican attempt roll back provisions affordable care act widely known obamacare, repeated failures congress majority party year repeal law republicans house senate also final stages reconciling tax overhaul legislation, including proposal scrap obamacare individual mandate, imposes tax penalty americans obtain health insurance spokeswoman house ways means committee said additional proposed healthcare tax rollbacks would part broader tax overhaul bill republicans could try merge healthcare tax proposals must pass government funding bill expected passed dec , current funding runs succeed, republicans senate, hold slim majority seats, would need assist democrats get past procedural hurdles statement, house ways means chairman kevin brady announced five new republican sponsored bills provide targeted relief obamacare taxes, saying looked forward advancing legislation weeks ahead one proposed bill would retroactively eliminate obamacare penalties employers offer health insurance employees last three years, well next year bill would also delay one year cadillac tax high cost employer sponsored insurance, otherwise scheduled go effect labor unions oppose tax members often receive generous healthcare plans, fear would increase costs another bill would suspend five years tax medical devices, pacemakers artificial hips first imposed january funding mechanism obamacare, law brought medical coverage millions previously uninsured americans medical device tax powerful opponents parties manufacturers lobbied heavily proposals package would suspend tax health insurers two years, provide two years relief tax counter medications

president donald trump signed law tuesday legislation bans use kaspersky lab within us government, capping months long effort purge moscow based antivirus firm federal agencies amid concerns vulnerable kremlin influence ban, included part broader defense policy spending bill trump signed, reinforces directive issued trump administration september civilian agencies remove kaspersky lab software within days law applies civilian military networks case kaspersky well documented deeply concerning law long overdue, said democratic senator jeanne shaheen, led calls congress scrub software government computers added company software represented grave risk us national security kaspersky lab repeatedly denied ties government said would help government cyber espionage attempt address suspicions, company said october would submit source code software future updates inspection independent parties us officials said step, welcomed, would sufficient statement tuesday, kaspersky lab said continued serious concerns law due geographic specific approach cybersecurity added company assessing options would continue protect customers cyber threats collaborating globally security community fight cybercrime tuesday, christopher krebs, senior cyber security official department homeland security, told reporters nearly government agencies fully removed kaspersky products networks compliance september order kaspersky official response ban appear contain information would change administration assessment kaspersky lab, krebs said

republican chairman us senate committee handles judicial nominations tuesday raised concerns two president donald trump picks lower court positions, citing controversial statements made senator chuck grassley, chairs influential judiciary committee, comments first reported cnn cast doubt whether republican controlled us senate vote confirm two nominees grassley told cnn white house reconsider nomination jeff mateer district judgeship texas proceed nomination brett talley district court vacancy alabama chairman grassley concerned statements made nominees mateer talley, conveyed concerns white house, say taylor foy, grassley spokesman grassley specify statements referring talley reported online magazine slate posted online sympathetic comments early history white supremacist group ku klux klan, often known kkk also failed disclose wife works white house counsel office, overseas judicial nominations mateer run trouble speeches made one, referred transgender children part satan plans, cnn reported talley nomination already approved committee, foy said statements troubled grassley became public vote nov action taken mateer nomination, senate scheduled vote talley trump made significant progress filling vacancies federal courts conservative judges far senate confirmed nominees district appeals courts well appointee supreme court, neil gorsuch white house spokesman immediately respond request seeking comment

us district court judge ordered special counsel robert mueller tuesday turn potential evidence could material sentences president donald trump former national security adviser, michael flynn flynn pleaded guilty earlier month lying federal bureau investigation interview mueller probe russian meddling presidential election whether trump campaign colluded russia flynn agreed cooperate mueller investigation moscow denied interfering election trump denied collusion us district judge emmet sullivan told government filing turn exculpatory evidence, known brady material, could potentially help flynn defense information material either defendant guilt punishment order judge considered routine, government law required turn information defense exists sentencing date set, status report ahead sentencing due feb