Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Two-thirds of Obamacare customers had to pay back subsidy amount to IRS, study shows
Nearly two-thirds of tax filers who received government help to buy Obamacare coverage had to pay back some of their subsidy to the IRS, according to an H&R Block study that says the average repayment totaled $729. Published April 27, 2015
Supreme Court tells another court to reconsider HHS’ Obamacare mandate for religious groups
The Supreme Court on Monday told yet another lower court to reconsider cases from Catholic groups who object to the part of Obamacare that requires employers to insure birth control as part of their health plans. Published April 27, 2015
House Republicans start 2016 budgets, too early for Democrats
The House will take up 2016 spending bills this week even as Republican negotiators finalize a budget framework and the White House warns Republicans not to forge ahead without lifting mandatory spending caps the parties agreed to years ago. Published April 26, 2015
CDC: Time for all EMS staff to employ overdose-reversal drug
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday urged emergency response agencies to make sure all of their staff members know how to use an overdose-reversal treatment that can prevent deaths from prescription opioid or heroin use. Published April 24, 2015
David Vitter’s Obamacare subpoena bid doomed by five GOP defections
Five Senate Republicans voted with Democrats Thursday to reject Sen. David Vitter's attempt to subpoena the D.C. health exchange, dealing a blow to his one-man probe into why Congress is allowed to use the city's small-business health program although it employs thousands. Published April 23, 2015
Senate passes anti-trafficking bill, clears way for Loretta Lynch vote
The Senate unanimously passed a bill against human trafficking Wednesday, clearing the way for votes to confirm attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch after a five-month delay. Published April 22, 2015
Rand Paul: People like John McCain, Lindsey Graham ‘essentially the lapdogs’ for Obama
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said people like Sens. John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina are "essentially the lapdogs" for President Obama's foreign policy endeavors. Published April 22, 2015
David Vitter presses GOP colleagues ahead of vote to subpoena Obamacare records
Republican Sen. David Vitter pressed colleagues Tuesday to back his bid to subpoena the D.C. health exchange for records that could shed light on how the city agreed to link Congress with Obamacare plans. Published April 21, 2015
Senate trafficking deal clears way for vote on Loretta Lynch A.G. nomination
Attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch could finally earn a confirmation vote in the Senate this week after Democrats and Republicans struck a deal Tuesday on an unrelated bill against human trafficking, clearing a legislative logjam after more than a month. Published April 21, 2015
Opinion on Obamacare remains divided; positive views now trump negative
Public opinion on President Obama's health care law remains divided, according to a new poll that found 43 percent of people view Obamacare favorably compared to 42 percent with a negative view. Published April 21, 2015
House, Senate closer to smoothing budget differences
The House and Senate began to smooth out their differences Monday over federal spending in 2016 and beyond, paving the way for showdowns between majority Republicans and President Obama over Obamacare, whether to slash health and welfare programs instead of raising taxes, and how to bolster the Pentagon without running afoul of spending caps the lawmakers agreed to years ago. Published April 20, 2015
Presidential candidate announcements pressure lesser-known contenders
Heavy hitters from both parties leapt into the presidential pool last week, putting pressure on lesser-known contenders on both sides to quit testing the waters and make their intentions known. Published April 19, 2015
Marco Rubio ramps up Iran rhetoric as Congress acts for say in deal
Sen. Marco Rubio polished off his first week as a 2016 candidate Sunday by saying Iran could face war unless it abandons all hope of developing a nuclear bomb, offering a dose of tough talk days after congressional Democrats struck a deal with Republicans to give Congress a say over an emerging deal between the Islamic Republic and the White House. Published April 19, 2015
Ben Cardin: Deal with GOP on Iran nuke agreement didn’t undermine Obama
Sen. Ben Cardin says he didn't undermine President Obama on the Iran nuclear deal. Published April 19, 2015
Sen. Marco Rubio: I can lead U.S. into the 21st century
Sen. Marco Rubio touted his presidential candidacy amid a crowded GOP field and jabs over his push for immigration reform. Published April 19, 2015
Michael McCaul: D.C. airspace vulnerable to small aircraft, drones
Rep. Michael McCaul says last week's gyrocopter incident at the U.S. Capitol exposed a security threat. Published April 19, 2015
Bernie Sanders says he would seek victory, not just soap box, in presidential run
Sen. Bernie Sanders says he would run to win the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, and not just aim to orate about income inequality. Published April 19, 2015
Lindsey Graham readying for presidential run as a problem solver
Sen. Lindsey Graham says there's a "91 percent" chance he will seek the Republican nomination in 2016. Published April 19, 2015
David Vitter wants to subpoena D.C. exchange; Move ratchets up Obamacare fight
Republican Sen. David Vitter will ask his Senate committee next week to authorize a subpoena against the D.C. health exchange, turning up the heat in his lengthy quest to find out who allowed Congress to use the city's small-business Obamacare portal. Published April 17, 2015
Rick Scott: Obama administration acting like ‘Sopranos’ mobsters over health care
Florida Gov. Rick Scott has compared the Obama administration to HBO's "Sopranos" mob family, saying he's being strong-armed into expanding Medicaid under Obamacare because the feds want to phase out the low-income health program that he prefers. Published April 17, 2015
