In the News

By Hannah HessWith their Reagan-era radios now retired, the Capitol Police have begun communicating over a modernized, encrypted digital radio system.The long-delayed upgrade means better signal strength, less static and the end of the “dead zones” that once hindered communication in the Capitol’s thick-walled tunnels and parking garages. It will also prevent outsiders… Read more »

By: Kevin DerbyThe Florida delegation split along party lines, as the U.S. House voted Tuesday night to raise the federal debt ceiling with no conditions until March 2015. The measure passed 221-201, with 28 Republicans sticking with U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to support it. Only two Democrats joined 199 Republicans in opposing the measure.Boehner announced to the House… Read more »

By Nikki SchwabRep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., was the first Muslim elected to Congress and it's not always been an easy ride. Monday, on book tour duty for his new tome, “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” he spoke at the Center for American Progress about being a member of a religion that's often treated as the "scapegoat du jour." For instance, even before… Read more »

By Emily ShireA group of Waco-based anti-abortion activists have launched a boycott of Girl Scout cookies—and all because the Girl Scouts of America tweeted a Huff Po list featuring Wendy Davis.The new gluten-free shortbread cookies should have been the most controversial part of the 2014 Girl Scout cookie campaign.Instead, pro-life groups across the country have banded together to… Read more »

By William E. GibsonTo the dismay of Florida Democrats and Gov. Rick Scott, the U.S. House voted 225 to 193 on Tuesday to reject an attempt to delay most rate hikes in flood insurance for four years.  “Today I spoke with House Speaker John Boehner and encouraged him to take up legislation to fix the unfair national flood insurance rate hikes,” Scott said. “For too… Read more »

By Ted ScoutenSome drivers say it’s a never-ending line of traffic on Interstate 95.   Even at off-peak hours, the interstate has been known to be packed, frustrating drivers to no end.  ”It’s a catastrophe!” said driver Deborah Brown. “It’s the worst experience I ever had!” exclaimed another I-95 driver.The construction on the… Read more »

By Michele GillenMIAMI (CBSMiami) — Flying in from Washington DC and an experience of a lifetime on Capital Hill, Brandon Burke  arrived at the CBS 5  Super Kid reunion  all smiles and wearing  success well.From the moment he  first met with CBS 4 Chief Investigator Michele Gillen, Brandon shared  his  hope to someday run for US Congress and devote… Read more »

By Rep. Debbie Wasserman SchultzA raise of the federal minimum wage is one of those common-sense proposals that is both good for the economy and good for the country. Considering there has not been an increase since July 2009, workers who depend on these wages have been losing income to inflation for over four years. A raise is long overdue.This isn't just a proposal supported by… Read more »

By DONNA CASSATAThe House voted Tuesday to bar federal subsidies to Americans signing up for health insurance plans that cover abortion, as Republicans issued a fresh warning about the impact of President Barack Obama's health care law.Ignoring a White House veto threat, majority Republicans led the House in voting 227-188 for the measure that they insisted was necessary to… Read more »

By William E. Gibson, Washington BureauA Republican businessman from Davie eagerly applauded from the House gallery Tuesday night when President Barack Obama touted the Affordable Care Act during his State of the Union address.Martin West was an enthusiastic guest because he and his wife, Melinda, say they saved a bundle on health insurance despite her history of non-Hodgkin's… Read more »