May 14 Trump meets with interim Syrian president, a first between the nations' leaders in 25 years By Zeke Miller, Jon Gambrell, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press The meeting, on the sidelines of Trump's get-together with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, marks a major turn of events for a Syria still adjusting to life after the over 50-year, iron-gripped rule of the Assad family, and for… Continue reading
May 14 WATCH: Zeldin testifies on budget request as EPA announces it plans to weaken limits on some PFAS chemicals By Michael Phillis, Associated Press The Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it plans to weaken limits on some so-called forever chemicals in drinking water that were finalized last year, while maintaining standards for two common ones. Continue reading
May 14 WATCH: FAA official confirms hotline between military, air traffic controllers in Washington hasn't worked for more than 3 years By Josh Funk, Associated Press The Federal Aviation Administration official in charge of air traffic controllers, Frank McIntosh, confirmed the agency didn't even know the hotline hadn't been working since March 2022 until after the latest near miss. Continue reading
May 14 What to expect when RFK Jr. testifies in Senate hearing on health budget By Amanda Seitz, Associated Press Secretary Kennedy will speak about the agency’s budget request for the year, which includes a $500 million boost for his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative to promote nutrition and healthier lifestyles. The proposed budget also makes deep cuts, including to… Continue reading
May 13 WATCH: Secretary RFK Jr. testifies on staffing cuts, funding freezes and HHS policy changes By Amanda Seitz, Associated Press Kennedy described his downsizing of the sprawling $1.7 trillion-a-year agency — from 82,000 workers to 62,000 — as necessary cost-cutting measures that have reduced redundancies. Continue reading
May 13 India disputes Trump's claim that U.S. trade incentives led to ceasefire with Pakistan By Rajesh Roy, Associated Press The spokesman for India’s foreign ministry said top leaders in New Delhi and Washington were in touch last week following the Indian military’s intense standoff with Pakistan, but that there was no conversation on trade. Continue reading
May 13 Marathon hearings begin as House Republicans push ahead with Trump's big bill By Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking, Associated Press Republicans are working to push President Donald Trump's signature legislative package through a gauntlet of committee hearings over mounting opposition from Democrats, advocacy groups and even some wary Republicans themselves. Continue reading
May 13 Will the new Air Force One be secure? Qatar's gift to Trump raises questions By Chris Megerian, Zeke Miller, Bernard Condon, Associated Press Security is the primary concern when it comes to presidential travel. Continue reading
May 13 WATCH: Schumer vows to hold up DOJ nominees for answers about Qatar's jet gift to Trump By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Sen. Chuck Schumer says he will hold up all Department of Justice nominations on the Senate floor until he gets more answers about the free Air Force One replacement that President Donald Trump says would be donated by Qatar. Continue reading
May 13 WATCH: Jeffries holds briefing as House committees discuss budget bill plans By Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking, Associated Press House Republicans proposed sweeping tax breaks Monday in President Donald Trump's big priority bill, tallying at least $4.9 trillion in costs so far, partly paid for with cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and green energy programs used by millions of… Continue reading