Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she uses Chinese-owned TikTok but securely
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she is active on Chinese-owned TikTok because it remains a vital communication tool despite widespread concerns over privacy and national security that have prompted some governors to ban the app on state devices. Published February 13, 2023
FBI completes search of Pence’s home, removes one document with classified markings and other papers
The FBI conducted a consensual search of former Vice President Mike Pence's home in Indiana on Friday and retrieved one document with classified markings and other materials. Published February 10, 2023
FBI shows up at Pence’s home for agreed-upon search for classified docs
The FBI reportedly showed up on Friday at former Vice President Mike Pence's home in Indiana as part of an agreed-upon look for sensitive government documents. Published February 10, 2023
China blasts proposed state bans aimed to stop it from buying property in the U.S.
Beijing says proposals in some U.S. states to ban Chinese citizens from buying property within their borders would violate the principles of market economics. Published February 10, 2023
Mitch McConnell distances GOP from Rick Scott’s ‘sunset’ plan in continuing friction
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is putting plenty of distance between his GOP caucus and a plan from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida that would allow all federal programs to sunset after five years. Published February 10, 2023
Sen. Rubio says deadly fentanyl dealing must be considered felony murder
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida says anyone who causes someone's death by distributing fentanyl should face felony murder charges requiring a minimum term of life in prison. Published February 10, 2023
Biden casts GOP as a threat to seniors’ benefits in stump-style speech
President Biden, speaking in Tampa, leaned into his attacks on Sen. Rick Scott, Florida Republican, for proposing to let all federal programs sunset after five years. The president said the entitlement benefits would likely survive but might be trimmed back in a recurring review period. Published February 9, 2023
WHO: Risk of avian flu in humans is low — but might not stay that way
The World Health Organization says it is closely monitoring a strain of avian flu that spilled into mammal populations and could potentially lead to a new pandemic in humans. Published February 9, 2023
Speaker Kevin McCarthy hauls in $12M for GOP at D.C. fundraiser
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy raised a record $12 million for Republicans in a large D.C. fundraiser Wednesday as he seeks to preserve and expand the GOP majority. Published February 9, 2023
Top White House drug-fighter sees progress on fentanyl overdoses, but warns of new threats
The White House drug czar sounded the alarm Wednesday over "tranq," a veterinary drug that is fueling horrific ulcers, amputations and deaths in opioid users, and urged Congress to "stop playing politics" and to help tackle the overdose crisis by permanently banning fentanyl. Published February 8, 2023
TikTok is dominant app for young Americans, besting YouTube, study finds
TikTok is the most popular social media app for young Americans, according to a survey that finds its lead over YouTube has only widened since it took over as the top app in 2020. Published February 8, 2023
Colorado River caucus forms to address water crisis in basin states
A group of U.S. senators has formed the Colorado River caucus to discuss how Washington can help states grapple with dwindling water supplies from the critical artery out West. Published February 8, 2023
S.D. Gov. Kristi Noem to deliver trifecta of D.C. speeches on China, COVID policies
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is set to deliver three speeches in Washington this month to highlight the threat posed by China and the efforts she took to keep her state open during the COVID-19 crisis. Published February 8, 2023
Pelosi says GOP heckling of Biden amounted to ‘showbiz’
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said GOP heckling of President Biden during his State of the Union address amounted to "showbiz," but she added that her political rivals were relatively well-behaved compared to a typical week. Published February 8, 2023
Republicans shout ‘border!’ when Biden talks tough on fentanyl
President Biden on Tuesday called for stepped-up enforcement and stiff penalties to tackle the fentanyl crisis that is killing tens of thousands of Americans per year, vowing to root the drug out of commercial parcels entering the U.S. Published February 7, 2023
Biden: COVID-19 not gone but no longer has ‘grip’ on America
President Biden took a victory lap over his handling of the COVID-19 crisis Tuesday, characterizing it as a manageable disease even as House Republicans push him to move faster in unwinding emergency powers and leftover vaccine rules. Published February 7, 2023
Biden reprises bid to cap insulin at $35 a month for everyone
President Biden pushed Congress to "finish the job" and cap the cost of insulin at $35 for anyone who needs it, saying his signature tax-and-climate legislation set a limit on older Americans' costs last year but others need relief. Published February 7, 2023
Schumer: Implementing Biden wins will be the priority over the next two years
Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer on Tuesday said implementation of major legislation will be his focus as Democrats contend with a House GOP majority that will serve as a check on liberal policies and the Biden White House. Published February 7, 2023
Kaine, Warner urge Virginia to repeal state constitution ban on same-sex marriage
Virginia's U.S. senators are pressing the commonwealth to get rid of a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage because they are worried the U.S. Supreme Court might revisit the landmark 2015 decision that established the national right for gay couples to marry. Published February 7, 2023
McCarthy, Scalise freezing out Chamber of Commerce after Dem endorsements
Top House Republicans say they have no plans to meet with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce after the lobbying group endorsed some Democrats in recent cycles. Published February 7, 2023
