Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
New debate: Should Congress use technology to spend less time in D.C.?
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California said Wednesday that Congress should be more forward-thinking and allow lawmakers to do more of their work remotely, rather than crisscrossing the nation every week to get to Capitol Hill. Published April 16, 2014
Americans prefer Democrats’ approach to health care: poll
Americans increasingly think Democrats have a better handle on health care than Republicans, according to a Retuers/Ipsos poll released Wednesday. Published April 16, 2014
Despite Obamacare problems, some Democrats want Sebelius to run for Senate: report
Despite the rocky rollout of HealthCare.gov and her decision to leave President Obama's cabinet next month, Democrats are urging Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to run for a Senate seat in Kansas against her old friend, Republican Sen. Pat Roberts, The New York Times said. Published April 16, 2014
Uninsured rate dropping faster in places that embraced pillars of Obamacare, survey shows
The uninsured rate among American adults 18 and older has declined more significantly this year in states that chose to both expand Medicaid and set up their own Obamacare exchanges than in states that decided not to, Gallup said. Published April 16, 2014
Hawaii, D.C. give residents two more weeks to sign up under Obamacare
Hawaii and Washington, D.C., are giving their residents two more weeks to seek private health coverage under Obamacare, once again extending the deadline for consumers who had a hard time on the state-run insurance portals. Published April 16, 2014
Many states avoiding paying for glitchy health care sites
Glitches in the Obamacare rollout last year weren't limited to the federal government. A number of states whose health care exchanges were riddled with errors now are withholding or trying to claw back more than $100 million from the contractors they blame for the foul-ups. Published April 15, 2014
Joe Biden hails strength of survivors of Boston bombings, says America will never stand down
Vice President Joseph R. Biden on Tuesday hailed Bostonians who helped each other recover from the marathon bombings that rocked their city one year ago, calling them an inspiration to the world and proof that Americans will never back down from adversary. Published April 15, 2014
Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick recalls day of Boston bombing one year ago
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick recalled Tuesday he was on his way home to work in the garden when his daughter called him one year ago with news of a loud "boom" downtown. Published April 15, 2014
Senior House Democrat open to GOP Obamacare fix
Rep. Charlie Rangel, the influential New York Democrat who frequently defends Obamacare from the dais, said he is open to letting Americans shop for insurance across state lines — a key talking point for GOP lawmakers who want to repeal and replace the president's health care law with their own reforms. Published April 15, 2014
No Jolly-Sink rematch in Florida this year: report
Democrat Alex Sink of Florida has decided not to run for Congress this fall, meaning she will not attempt to avenge her special-election loss last month to Republican David Jolly, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Published April 15, 2014
Conservatives mark Tax Day by ripping IRS, say reforms are needed
Conservatives are using the tax filing deadline to take aim at Washington's policy and the IRS, which has been steeped in scandal for nearly a year because of allegations it targeted right-leaning groups seeking favorable tax status. Published April 15, 2014
New campaign ad for Sen. Mary Landrieu touts her work for Louisiana oil and gas workers
Sen. Mary Landrieu, one of several Democrats waging tough re-election bids this year, put out a campaign ad Tuesday that touts her support for Louisiana's oil and gas workers. Published April 15, 2014
One year later, Boston bombing suspect spends days in isolation: report
The surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings that stunned Americans one year ago spends his days in isolation at a federal medical center in Massachusetts. Published April 15, 2014
Middle class takes too hard of a hit on tax day, poll shows
Nearly half of Americans, 49 percent, say middle-income people are forced to pay too much in taxes — a spike from 42 percent one year ago, and the highest proportion since Gallup asked the question in 1999. Published April 15, 2014
VP Joe Biden to cheer on U.S. at the World Cup in Brazil
Vice President Joseph Biden will get a taste of "joga bonito" — the beautiful game — by traveling to Brazil this June to cheer on the U.S. national team in the World Cup, the White House said Monday. Published April 14, 2014
Mother recounts loss of son in Kansas shootings
With remarkable poise, the mother of the 14-year-old boy killed alongside his grandfather near a Jewish community center in Kansas City's suburbs gave a heart-wrenching account Monday of her loss just 24 hours earlier. Published April 14, 2014
Minnesota to residents: April 22 is deadline to pick Obamacare plan
Minnesota on Monday joined the ranks of states that are urging residents to finish up their Obamacare applications before it is too late. Published April 14, 2014
Kansas authorities treating Jewish center shootings as hate crime
Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass confirmed Monday it is investigating the shooting deaths of three people near Jewish centers in the Kansas City suburbs as a hate crime. Published April 14, 2014
Treasury Secretary Lew: U.S. ready to impose more sanctions on Russia
Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said Monday the United States and its allies are "fully prepared" to impose additional sanctions on Russia if it continues to whip up unrest in the eastern part of Ukraine, the new focal point of turmoil after Russian President Vladimir Putin moved quickly to annex the Crimea. Published April 14, 2014
Kevin Yoder: Kansas killings ‘struck all of us personally’
Rep. Kevin Yoder of Kansas said the shooting deaths of three people at Jewish sites Sunday in the Kansas City suburbs appeared to be "driven by hate" and "struck all of us personally." Published April 14, 2014
