"The time is now:" GOP pushes health bill through panels in marathon sessions

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Determined House Republicans won early victories Thursday, March 9th on divisive legislation to undo former President Barack Obama's health care law, winning approval in key committees after marathon all-night sessions despite Democratic protests and intense opposition from doctors and consumer groups.The GOP scored triumphs in the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce panels after lengthy debate, as the committees approved legislation to reshape the way millions of Americans pay for medical care, including abolishing the tax penalty Obama's statute imposes on people who don't purchase insurance.As his committees wrapped up work on the legislation favored by President Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan tried to close the deal with his party divided and some conservative in open revolt."This is the closest we will ever get to repealing and replacing Obamacare," Ryan declared at a press briefing where he appeared in shirt sleeves to walk reporters through a detailed presentation on the GOP legislation. "The time is here.

Speaker Paul Ryan defends GOP health care bill in face of opposition

WASHINGTON — Speaker Paul Ryan staunchly defended the House Republican health care plan Wednesday as the only alternative to the current Obama-era law, as he confronted forceful opposition from conservatives, medical professionals and others."This is the choice we face.

Congress returns, with health care, Supreme Court on agenda

WASHINGTON — Congress returns to Washington this week to confront dramatic decisions on health care and the Supreme Court that may help determine the course of Donald Trump's presidency.First, the president will have his say, in his maiden speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.

House speaker gets firsthand look at US-Mexico border

MCALLEN, Texas — U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday, February 22nd, visited the Rio Grande valley for a firsthand look at the U.S.-Mexico border as President Donald Trump's administration steps up immigration enforcement and prepares to ask Congress to pay for a border wall.It was the first time the Wisconsin Republican has visited the border, and protests were announced to meet his arrival in McAllen, Texas, on Wednesday.

New Orleans police chief to meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison will meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan on Monday, January 16th about new approaches police departments are taking on police training regarding de-escalation, decision-making and use of force tactics.Harrison's office, in a news release, said the meeting will take place in Janesville, Wisconsin and focus on the Police Executive Research Forum's new Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics training guide.