WASHINGTON — Under pressure from President Donald Trump and many of his Republican colleagues, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that he will bring legislation to the floor to overhaul the nation's sentencing laws. McConnell's decision comes after more than three years of overtures from a large, bipartisan group...
Trump Prods McConnell on Sentencing Bill: 'Go for It Mitch!'
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's reluctance to hold a vote on a popular criminal justice bill has angered top Republican senators and created an unusual rift with a longtime GOP ally, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa. And on Friday, it also brought on a tweet from President Donald...
Trump Wants Prison Reform. Can Sen. McConnell Deliver Votes?
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is supporting the first major rewrite of the nation's criminal justice sentencing laws in a generation, but it remains to be seen whether the proposal can pass Congress. Trump said earlier this month that the bill "will make our communities safer and give former inmates...
Senate Panel Advances Kavanaugh to Full Senate
WASHINGTON — After a flurry of last-minute negotiations, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Brett Kavanaugh's nomination for the Supreme Court after agreeing to a late call from Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona for a one-week investigation into sexual assault allegations against the high court nominee. However, it's unclear if...
De León Criticizes Feinstein Over Confidential Letter
SACRAMENTO — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, and Kevin de León, a Democrat in the California state Senate, rarely have much in common. But they're united in their condemnation this week of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Feinstein is playing...
Justice Kennedy's Exit Triggers Epic Supreme Court Clash
WASHINGTON — Justice Anthony Kennedy's retirement is setting off a momentous confirmation battle for President Donald Trump's next Supreme Court nominee that is certain to consume the Senate, inflame partisan tensions and shape the outcome of the midterm elections. All sides quickly mobilized Wednesday after Kennedy — a singular voice...
McConnell Eyes Farm Bill as Path To Legal Hemp
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants something to replace the faltering cash crop of tobacco in his home state of Kentucky. It's clear that he has found it: hemp. Sen. McConnell wants the federal government to take hemp off its list of Schedule I controlled substances, making it legal for farmers...