WASHINGTON – As the public demand for new museums increases, the Smithsonian Institution’s chief says his top priority is getting on top of a huge maintenance backlog at the world’s largest museum and research complex before he considers expanding. Smithsonian…
After Trump hotel subpoena, House panel OKs bill seeking audits of federal property
WASHINGTON – Following a House subpoena last month for documents regarding President Donald Trump’s lease for his Washington hotel, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would require the General Services Administration to audit all federal…
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau holds stance against added payday borrower protections
WASHINGTON – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has not budged on its June decision cutting additional protections. “There was insufficient evidence and legal support for these requirements,” CFPB Director Kathleen Kraninger wrote in a Sep. 23 letter to Rep. Maxine…
National Institutes of Health Bethesda facility needs $1.5 billion for repairs
WASHINGTON – The National Institutes of Health has a repair backlog of $1.5 billion at its Bethesda facility, and some help may be coming from Congress, where Maryland lawmakers have urged increased spending for the agency. An Aug. 26 study…
Senators criticize recent Central American agreements to address border crisis
WASHINGTON – Several Democratic senators sparred with representatives of the Trump administration Wednesday over recent agreements to divert asylum seekers to Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. The senators objected in a foreign relations committee meeting that the administration has not…