2019 December

House passes defense bill to establish Space Force, paid family leave for federal workers

The House on Wednesday easily passed the compromise defense policy bill that would grant federal workers 12 weeks of paid parental leave and create a new branch of the military dedicated to space. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in a 377-48 vote, with many “no” votes coming from progressive Democrats upset after several of their […]

Read More

Bird rescue group trying to track down cowboy hat-wearing pigeons from viral video

A bird rescue organization in Las Vegas is looking for answers after videos went viral over the past week showing pigeons walking around in the city wearing cowboy hats. In a video that has racked up more than 2 million views on Twitter since Saturday, a pair of pigeons can be seen wearing cowboy hats while […]

Read More

Tech legal shield included in USMCA despite late Pelosi push

Legal protections for technology companies are still in the free-trade deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada that was endorsed by Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTrump trade deal likely to sow division in Democratic presidential field Trump supporters at Pa. rally ‘upset’ after Democrats introduce impeachment articles California GOP candidate arrested on stalking charges MORE […]

Read More

Pompeo: 'No mistake' Trump warned Russian diplomat about election tampering

Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoPompeo: ‘No mistake’ Trump warned Russian diplomat about election tampering Trump admin hits Iranian shipping network, airline with new sanctions The Hill’s Morning Report – Sponsored by AdvaMed – An unusual day: Impeachment plus a trade deal MORE on Wednesday insisted that President TrumpDonald John TrumpThe Hill’s Morning […]

Read More

Legislation to protect electric grid from cyberattacks added to massive defense bill

Legislation to protect the nation’s electric grid against cyberattacks has been added to the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is slated for a House vote Wednesday evening. The Securing Energy Infrastructure Act, which was included in 2020 NDAA, would help eliminate vulnerabilities in the electric grid by establishing a two-year pilot program within […]

Read More

Government watchdog to probe movement of land management bureau out of DC

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), will probe the Trump administration’s decision to relocate Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff from Washington, D.C., to Colorado, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) announced Wednesday. Grijalva described the plan to relocate the BLM’s headquarters as an attempt to “undermine” the agency’s mission and said it is […]

Read More

Finland to inaugurate world's youngest sitting prime minister

Finland’s transportation minister, Sanna Marin, will become the world’s youngest sitting prime minister when she’s sworn in this week.  Marin, 34, was chosen by her Social Democratic Party after its leader, Antii Rinne, quit as prime minister, the BBC reported.  Finland’s coalition government is made up of five parties, all led by women. Four of them […]

Read More

Overnight Defense: House passes compromise defense bill | Turkey sanctions advance in Senate over Trump objections | Top general says military won't be 'raping, burning and pillaging' after Trump pardons

Happy Wednesday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I’m Rebecca Kheel, and here’s your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the newsletter.   THE TOPLINE: The annual defense policy bill is close to the finish line after the House easily passed the bill Wednesday. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed […]

Read More

House Democrats to vote on flavored e-cigarettes ban next year

A bill aimed at curbing youth vaping rates by banning flavored e-cigarettes will not get a vote in the House until next year, one of the measure’s co-sponsors said. Rep. Donna ShalalaDonna Edna ShalalaOvernight Health Care — Presented by That’s Medicaid — House panel unveils rival fix for surprise medical bills | Democrats punt vote […]

Read More

Watchdog: Steele dossier 'had no impact' on opening of 2016 probe

Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General (IG) Michael Horowitz said during a Wednesday hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee that the dossier prepared by former British spy Christopher Steele did not prompt the original DOJ investigation into members of the Trump campaign. Horowitz appeared to discuss his report, released Monday, which found that the FBI’s decision […]

Read More