Military Sexual Assault Bill Would Reassign Authority
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wants to give independent military prosecutors, rather than commanders, the power to decide which cases should be tried in military court.
Politics
World's Biggest Virus May Have Ancient Roots
The Pandoravirus is so big you can see it in an ordinary microscope. Scientists say its size may have helped fool amoebas and other potential hosts into eating it. But this virus doesn't pose a threat to humans. It's more of a Trojan virus than a surprise from Pandora's Box.
White House Muddles Obamacare Messaging — Again
This summer was supposed to be a time for the Obama administration to reintroduce the public to the Affordable Care Act and teach people how to sign up for benefits this fall. But despite another White House speech, that's not happening. And an expert in political messaging thinks he knows why.
Senators Express Concerns About Smithfield Foods Merger
Smithfield CEO Larry Pope tried to reassure lawmakers that the sale of his Virginia based company will not mean a transfer of jobs to China or a reduction in food safety. He appeared before lawmakers on the Senate Agriculture Committee on Wednesday.
Congress Takes Renewed Aim At Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
Risky bets by the mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac helped to trigger the financial crisis. After being bailed out by taxpayers and put under government conservatorship, there's new momentum in Washington to dismantle the mortgage giants.
'We're Here To Stay' Says Newly Confirmed Consumer Watchdog
After two years of political bickering, Richard Cordray has been confirmed as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He thinks that, in the end, his agency has won bipartisan support for the work it will do.
Congress Debates Taking A Step Back From The Mortgage Market
Lawmakers are trying to figure out how to scale back the outsize role that mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play in the housing market. A bipartisan Senate proposal would replace Fannie and Freddie with a scaled-down program, while a Republican House proposal would go even further.
EPA Building Named For Bill Clinton; He Says That's Fitting
The building housing the Environmental Protection Agency got a new name on Wednesday: it's now the William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building. The former president tallied his administration's accomplishments at a renaming ceremony.
Paul, Cruz Back Bill Changing Military Sexual Assault System
Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is winning more support for her effort to put serious military criminal cases in the hands of prosecutors. Commanders currently decide whether to try a case. On Tuesday, two Republican senators, and possible 2016 presidential hopefuls, added their names: Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.
Investigation Reveals A Military Payroll Rife With Glitches
A new investigative report from Reuters special enterprise correspondent Scot Paltrow details how the antiquated and error-ridden payroll system for the U.S. military is erroneously cutting soldiers' paychecks and causing terrible hardship.