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PFAS provisions struck from must-pass defense bill
WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats and environmental advocates suffered a stinging setback with the release of a defense policy bill this week that lacks key provisions to crack down on a widespread class of chemicals linked to serious health problems. The must-pass legislation represented the lawmakers’ best hope this year for enacting a comprehensive set of […]
Democrats, Trump declare victory on massive trade deal
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats have worked out key differences with the Trump administration over a massive trade deal, allowing both sides to declare a legislative victory on the same day the House unveiled articles of impeachment against the president. If ratified, the deal would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which took […]
Trade deal presents political conundrum for Democrats
WASHINGTON — With only a few legislative days left before Congress adjourns for the year, House Democrats are eager to show that they can legislate while also pursuing an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump. A massive trade deal represents their best shot at showing they can do so — but passing it would hand […]
Wis. lawmakers wage multifront war against PFAS
WASHINGTON — Wisconsin lawmakers are fueling a bipartisan campaign to crack down on a widespread class of chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems. Efforts to regulate the chemicals — known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — are backed by Wisconsin Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Black Earth) and Mike Gallagher (R-Green Bay), both of […]
Sen. Johnson leans on conservative talking points to slam DACA
WASHINGTON — Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson on Wednesday assailed an Obama-era program that has allowed hundreds of thousands of young, unauthorized immigrants to remain in the country without immediate fear of deportation. Johnson, the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, opened a committee hearing on migration at the Southern border […]
Is DACA doomed? Supreme Court may side with Trump
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court appears unlikely to salvage an Obama-era program that has allowed hundreds of thousands of young, unauthorized immigrants known as “Dreamers” to remain in the country without immediate fear of deportation. Lawyers defending the program — known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA — argued Tuesday that the […]
DACA case heads to U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday
WASHINGTON — Can President Donald Trump put an end to legal protections for a group of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States years ago as children? The U.S. Supreme Court will consider that question Tuesday — and its answer will determine the fates of hundreds of thousands of young adults across the […]
Sen. Johnson ducks questions about Trump and Ukraine
WASHINGTON — Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson dodged questions this week about President Donald Trump’s actions toward Ukraine, which are the subject of a U.S. House impeachment inquiry. Asked whether he has any concerns about the president’s actions, Johnson told the Wisconsin Examiner: “That’s an impossible question to answer that way.” Asked again if he […]
Ron Kind stockpiles cash ahead of 2020
WASHINGTON — Rep. Ron Kind has built up a massive war chest for his 2020 re-election bid. The 12-term Wisconsin Democrat has raised more than $750,000 so far this election cycle and is sitting on nearly $3 million in campaign funds, according to his latest campaign finance report. He’s got more in the bank than […]
Wisconsin farmers wary as Trump seeks victory on ‘New NAFTA’
WASHINGTON – Prospects for most legislation are dim in the nation’s capital as efforts to impeach the president ramp up and the election year approaches. A possible exception: ratification of a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada, which could have major implications for Wisconsin farmers. President Donald Trump and leaders of Canada and Mexico […]