congress

McConnell suggests new look at Patriot Act

McConnell suggests new look at Patriot Act

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate may re-open debate on National Security Agency wire-tapping authority following the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told The Associated Press on Wednesday, a divisive issue already roiling the GOP presidential field.

The Kentucky Republican said in an interview in his Capitol office that the terror attacks abroad and on U.S. soil have raised questions about Congress' wisdom in limiting the authority earlier this year, something he personally opposed. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida sided with McConnell at the time but Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was on the other side, and the two GOP presidential candidates have been clashing heatedly on the issue, including in Tuesday night's debate.

Led by GOP, House poised to renew over $600B in tax cuts
GOP

Led by GOP, House poised to renew over $600B in tax cuts

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are ready to whip a year-end tax-cut compromise through the House as Congress prepares to finish 2015 in a flurry of accomplishment that belies the partisan collisions sure to dominate the coming election year.

Though House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was leading a Democratic charge against the tax measure, GOP leaders seemed certain to push it through the chamber Thursday. That would set the stage for House passage Friday of a companion bill providing $1.1 trillion to finance government in 2016, leaving only Senate action before the 2,200-page bundle is shipped to President Barack Obama for his promised signature.

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