Amendment would bar federal funding for abortion under health bill, except in extreme cases

November 7th, 2009 Amendment blocks federal funding for abortionsWASHINGTON — A bipartisan coalition sought to impose stricter abortion limits on insurance sold under a new health care bill Saturday, hoping to leave their imprint on legislation otherwise crafted largely by more liberal lawmakers. Here is how coverage of abortion would work under their proposal, which applies to policies sold in a federally regulated insurance exchange that would be set up in 2013.

AP Interview: Baucus didn’t know for sure Snowe was ‘yes’ on health bill until she cast vote

October 13th, 2009 AP Interview: Baucus unsure how Snowe would voteWASHINGTON — Sen. Max Baucus says he didn’t know for sure that Republican Senator Olympia Snowe would vote in favor of his health care overhaul bill until she actually did so.

Calif. lawmakers lead successful effort in House to create US registry of convicted arsonists

September 30th, 2009 House passes registry for convicted arsonistsWASHINGTON — The House has passed a bill sought by California lawmakers that would create a national registry of convicted arsonists. The House passed a similar bill two years ago, but the effort stalled in the Senate.

Lawmakers negotiating agriculture bill back off proposed ban of Chinese chicken imports

September 25th, 2009 Lawmakers back off proposed ban of Chinese chickenWASHINGTON — Members of Congress negotiating an agriculture spending bill have signaled they will back off a proposed ban on imports of Chinese chicken. Rep. Rosa DeLauro said in a statement Friday that instead of a ban, the bill will call for U.S.

White House calls new Senate Finance health plan a ‘building block’, not the end of debate

September 16th, 2009 White House: Senate health bill a ‘building block’WASHINGTON — The White House says a health care reform bill from a key Senate committee is “an important building block” in getting closer to comprehensive health care reform. Sen. Max Baucus released the long-awaited version of the bill from his Senate Finance committee Wednesday.

Look at what Congress has done so far this year

August 8th, 2009 Look at what Congress has done so far this yearSome of the Democratic-led 111th Congress’ accomplishments in the six months since Democratic President Barack Obama took office:—Passed a $787 billion stimulus package of tax cuts, benefit increases and new spending on road, bridge and other job-producing projects aimed at helping pull the country out of a recession. —Expanded health care subsidies for children of low-income parents to cover an additional 4 million children.

Recession fix lawmakers’ biggest accomplishment, heavier lifting to come

August 7th, 2009 What Congress has, hasn’t done so far this yearSome of the Democratic-led 111th Congress’ accomplishments in the six months since Democratic President Barack Obama took office:— Passed a $787 billion stimulus package of tax cuts, benefit increases and new spending on road, bridge and other job-producing projects aimed at helping pull the country out of a recession. — Expanded health care subsidies for children of low-income parents to cover an additional 4 million children.

Salazar to tour Colorado solar plant, urging Senate to act on climate change bill

August 4th, 2009 Salazar again urges climate action in SenateLONGMONT, Colo. — Standing inside a solar energy plant, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar vowed Tuesday that the health care debate in Washington won’t slow progress on a sweeping climate change bill.

Health overhaul legislation amended to bar requirements for abortion coverage

July 31st, 2009 House lawmakers endorse measure opposing abortionWASHINGTON — Lawmakers have amended a sweeping health overhaul bill to ensure it does not require coverage of abortions. The anti-abortion measure was approved late Thursday in the House Energy and Commerce Committee as conservative Democrats banded with Republicans to support it.

In special session, Texas Senate passes bill to keep key agencies running

July 2nd, 2009 Texas Senate passes bill to keep agencies runningAUSTIN, Texas — In special session, the Texas Senate has passed a bill to keep key state agencies running — a matter shoved aside during partisan bickering in the regular session. The bill the Senate quickly passed after convening Wednesday morning extends the Department of Transportation, the Department of Insurance and three smaller agencies until Sept.

Obama hails House passage of energy bill, a ‘bold and necessary step’

June 27th, 2009 Obama: Energy bill is bold stepWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is calling House passage of an energy bill “a bold and necessary step.’ And he says it holds promise for creating new industries and millions of new jobs. Obama says that the bill will reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and decrease the release of pollutants that lead to global warming.

Ariz. Senate OK completes legislative action on abortion restrictions, including required wait

June 23rd, 2009 Ariz. Legislature approves abortion constraintsPHOENIX — The Arizona Senate on Tuesday narrowly approved a bill to impose an array of new restrictions on abortion, including a mandatory waiting period and a requirement for state-scripted disclosures by doctors. The Senate voted 16-12 to complete legislation action on the measure, which the House approved in March.

Spanish bishops urge Catholic lawmakers to vote against abortion reform bill

June 18th, 2009 Spanish bishops wade into abortion fightMADRID — Spain’s bishops are urging Catholic lawmakers to vote against a bill that would ease the country’s abortion law. The Spanish Bishops Conference complained that legislation sponsored by the Socialist government describes abortion as a right that must be protected by the state.

NH moves a step closer to allowing gay marriage with state Senate vote

April 30th, 2009 NH moves a step closer to allowing gay marriageCONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire is a step closer to allowing gay marriage after a state Senate vote.

Kerry-Lugar bill for Pak aid postponed indefinitely

April 3rd, 2009 WASHINGTON – The hearing on the bipartisan Kerry-Lugar bill, which seeks 1.5 billion dollars of annual assistance to Pakistan for five years, has been postponed indefinitely. The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations had scheduled a full committee hearing on Wednesday, but it had to be postponed for technical reasons.