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Republican senator seeks probe of Trump family business dealings

Republican senator seeks probe of Trump family business dealings

By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - A Republican US senator on Tuesday called for an investigation into whether President Donald Trump's family is profiting from his time in office, saying any perception that members are exploiting their position undermines trust in the government.

Republican senator calls for probe into Trump family's business dealings

Republican senator calls for probe into Trump family's business dealings

By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - A Republican US senator on Tuesday called for an investigation into the ways that President Donald Trump's family is profiting from his time in office, saying the perception that they are exploiting their position is undermining trust in the government

Senate Committee Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act

Senate Committee Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act

The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has unanimously passed the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act (WEPA). This bipartisan legislation, supported by Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), John Curtis (R-UT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Boozman (R-AR), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), aims to streamline states' use of prescribed fires. The bill seeks to prevent wildfire emissions, protect ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and enhance the safety, health, and cleanliness of American forests and communities. Senator Boozman emphasized that empowering states to proactively manage forests will reduce the frequency and devastation of wildfires. Senator Padilla highlighted the urgency of acting proactively to mitigate the wildfire crisis, stating that the bill's advancement will allow for more prescribed fires to be deployed. Senator Capito noted that the unanimous passage represents a key step towards implementing common-sense solutions for wildfire prevention.

GOP Sen. John Curtis calls for probe of Trump Jr. after wedding party bankrolled by Russian oligarch

GOP Sen. John Curtis calls for probe of Trump Jr. after wedding party bankrolled by Russian oligarch

Republican Sen. John Curtis of Utah wants the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate and subpoena Donald Trump Jr. after his wedding party was partially bankrolled by a Russian oligarch

Mon County Lawmaker Expresses Caution on Nuclear Power Pursuit in West Virginia

Mon County Lawmaker Expresses Caution on Nuclear Power Pursuit in West Virginia

Evan Hansen, a Democratic lawmaker representing Monongalia County, West Virginia, has expressed caution regarding the state's pursuit of nuclear power, despite acknowledging its potential for clean energy. While recognizing that nuclear energy produces no carbon emissions and could play a role in the state's electricity generation, Hansen highlighted concerns about safety and the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. His comments come as West Virginia considers a proposed memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy to establish a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a facility that Idaho, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah have also submitted proposals to operate. Hansen noted that modern nuclear reactors are designed with inherent safety features and are often cheaper to build and more reliable than older models, with many tested by the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. However, he emphasized that the issue of nuclear waste and its long-term storage remains ...

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell Introduces Resolution to Preserve Continuous Medicaid Coverage for Cancer Patients

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell Introduces Resolution to Preserve Continuous Medicaid Coverage for Cancer Patients

U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell has introduced a resolution aimed at ensuring continuous Medicaid coverage for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. The resolution addresses concerns that interruptions in coverage create significant risk and hardship for patients. According to the release, over 75% of cancer patients have reportedly delayed or skipped treatment due to administrative issues with third-party systems. Furthermore, some states are said to require repeated verification of a patient's condition, even when Medicaid already possesses the necessary information. Representative Dingell emphasized that patients should not face treatment delays because of 'bureaucratic red tape.' The resolution has received endorsement from Less Cancer, an organization dedicated to cancer prevention and patient advocacy. This legislative effort highlights a critical gap in healthcare access and continuity for vulnerable populations battling cancer.

Man shot by ICE agents in Texas says he is in detention with bullet in back

Man shot by ICE agents in Texas says he is in detention with bullet in back

By Brad Brooks and Kanishka Singh Sept 21 (Reuters) - A man identified as the Venezuelan who was shot and wounded by a federal immigration agent in Texas said on Monday that he was in pain and being held at an ICE detention center with a bullet lodged in his back.

Congressman Hoyer Co-Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize AbilityOne Program

Congressman Hoyer Co-Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Modernize AbilityOne Program

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), alongside Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17), has introduced H.R. 10443, the American Procurement Improvement Act (APIA). This bipartisan legislation aims to update the statutory framework governing the AbilityOne program, which has not seen substantial revisions in over 50 years. The core mission of AbilityOne is to provide federal contracting employment opportunities for over 41,000 Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities. The APIA seeks to modernize procurement procedures, revise definitions, tighten procurement list processes, and introduce requirements for employee professional development. Additionally, the bill mandates annual public reporting on the extent to which agencies procure through the program. The legislation has garnered endorsement from a coalition of 50 organizations, including disability stakeholders, unions, and advocacy groups, highlighting a broad consensus on the need for these updates.

Utah Lawmakers Eye New Regulations for Flock Cameras Amid Misuse Concerns

Utah Lawmakers Eye New Regulations for Flock Cameras Amid Misuse Concerns

Utah lawmakers are preparing new regulations for automated license plate readers, commonly known as Flock cameras, in response to growing concerns over privacy and misuse. Governor Spencer Cox expressed deep concern after an investigation by the Utah Civic Compact revealed that nearly 97% of searches in Weber County's Flock database originated from law enforcement agencies outside of Utah. Current Utah law restricts searches of these databases to active criminal investigations, outstanding warrants, or to locate missing persons or stolen vehicles. However, reports from other states indicate instances where police officers have allegedly used Flock camera data for personal reasons, not official duties. Senator Calvin Musselman, chair of the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee, acknowledged the technology's value for law enforcement but also recognized legitimate privacy concerns. The proposed bill aims to implement additional regulations for various technologies used by law enforcement, i...

Senator Maggie Hassan and Senator Tim Scott Introduce Addiction Grants Modernization Act to Streamline Federal Funding

Senator Maggie Hassan and Senator Tim Scott Introduce Addiction Grants Modernization Act to Streamline Federal Funding

U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) have introduced the Addiction Grants Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to simplify the process for substance abuse recovery organizations to apply for federal grants. The proposed act seeks to establish a centralized website and application system, replacing the current fragmented approach where various federal programs and funding sources are scattered across different government departments. The goal is to reduce administrative 'red tape,' allowing these organizations to dedicate more time and resources to their primary mission of combating drug addiction and saving lives. Senator Hassan emphasized that local leaders and advocates in New Hampshire are actively working to support recovery efforts, and this bill will facilitate their access to necessary funding.

Representative David Valadao Co-Leads Bipartisan Legislation for Essential Health System Designation

Representative David Valadao Co-Leads Bipartisan Legislation for Essential Health System Designation

Representative David Valadao (R-Calif.) is co-leading bipartisan legislation, H.R. 7145, aimed at establishing a federal definition for 'essential health systems.' This bill, reintroduced in January, seeks to provide Congress with a mechanism to direct support towards foundational members of the nation's healthcare safety net. The legislation is gaining traction in the House, attracting several new cosponsors from both Democratic and Republican parties. The initiative comes as Congress returns to Capitol Hill with a busy agenda, including addressing legislative and policy priorities before the end of the year, and amid a political environment increasingly shaped by upcoming elections. The bill's progress is part of broader efforts to advance essential hospitals' priority advocacy issues.

Senator Klobuchar Advances Bipartisan AI Safety Bill to Mitigate Catastrophic Risks

Senator Klobuchar Advances Bipartisan AI Safety Bill to Mitigate Catastrophic Risks

Senator Amy Klobuchar is actively collaborating with Republican senators on a bipartisan legislative initiative focused on artificial intelligence (AI) safety. This proposed bill aims to address and reduce the potentially catastrophic risks associated with advanced AI models. The legislation, currently under negotiation and not yet formally introduced, would mandate that developers of powerful AI models conduct assessments and report on serious risks. Furthermore, it would require these developers to implement measures to prevent potential harm. A key aspect of the proposal is the potential expansion of federal government authority, allowing it to test AI models and intervene if significant safety concerns are identified and not adequately addressed by developers. This collaborative effort underscores a growing recognition among lawmakers of the need for regulatory frameworks to manage the rapid advancements and inherent risks of AI technology.