In brief: McConnell may stall Lynch confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON – Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned Sunday that he won’t hold a confirmation vote for Loretta Lynch as attorney general before the Senate completes work on a bill designed to curb human trafficking.
The Kentucky Republican’s comments prompted immediate protests from Democratic lawmakers who view her confirmation as a top priority.
McConnell had said he would be moving to the Lynch nomination this coming week. But then last week’s debate on a human trafficking bill broke down over a dispute about a provision regarding funding for abortions. Democrats made a late objection to a provision that prohibits money dedicated to a fund for victims from being used to pay for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or if the life of the woman were in jeopardy.
Similar restrictions on the use of federal funds have been in place for three decades. But abortion-rights supporters said the legislation takes the restrictions a step further by applying them to the personal money convicted sex traffickers pay into a government fund.
Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York said Republicans are using any excuse they can to stall the nomination. At a time when terrorist groups are threatening the U.S., the nominee deserves a vote, he said.
N.M. Senate panel tables abortion bills
SANTA FE, N.M. – A New Mexico Senate panel Sunday tabled two bills, one banning late-term abortions and one requiring that parents be notified at least 48 hours before a minor ends a pregnancy.
The Public Affairs Committee’s 5-3 vote along party lines – with Democrats voting in the majority – blocked the bills that have generated hours of intense testimony and debate from moving forward.
The GOP-controlled House of Representatives approved both bills earlier this month, sending them to the Senate, where Democrats still have a majority.
Rep. Yvette Herrell, R-Alamogordo, said she was disappointed that her late-term abortion bill would not advance.
“At the end of the day we’re talking about a viable human being that can live outside the woman’s (womb) with or without life support,” she said.
Her bill prohibited ending a pregnancy after five months’ gestation and if the doctor determines the fetus is viable.
Democrats want CHIP in Medicare bill
WASHINGTON – Democratic senators would oppose a potential House bipartisan deal preventing cuts in physicians’ Medicare payments if it doesn’t finance a children’s health program for four years, senior Senate Democratic aides said Sunday.
The aides issued the threat as House bargainers try preventing a 21 percent reduction in doctors’ Medicare reimbursements scheduled for April 1. Negotiators want to craft an agreement annulling a 1997 formula that annually threatens deep cuts in those payments.
According to lobbyists and congressional aides, bargainers have discussed including money for the Children’s Health Insurance Program for two more years, costing around $5 billion. Its money is due to expire Oct. 1.
It was unclear if the Democratic aides’ comments were a firm line in the sand or negotiating pressure. Either way, they underscored how contentious it will be for the Medicare package to quickly clear Congress.
The children’s program is supported by both parties. Congressional Democrats want its renewal included in the Medicare deal, which is viewed as one of the few health measures that could be enacted this year.
The overall agreement – eliminating the Medicare reimbursement formula, slightly boosting those payments and adding money for children’s health – would cost roughly $200 billion over 10 years, aides and lobbyists say.
Ohio River crests at 18-year high
CINCINNATI – The Ohio River crested Sunday at its highest level in two decades, leaving riverside residents relieved but cautious as forecasters warned that flooding problems will linger much of the week ahead.
The National Weather Service said the river crested at around 6 a.m. at 57.7 feet, or seven feet below the 1997 level that caused severe, widespread flooding in the Cincinnati area and in Kentucky. Forecaster Brian Coniglio said the river will remain above the 52-foot flood stage most of the week.
Melted snow and rainfalls caused flooding that swamped roads, businesses and homes in scattered low-lying areas in the Cincinnati region.
“It’s going to very gradually drop,” Coniglio. “It’s going to take a while.”
The weather service expects a few dry days ahead to help the situation.
“I’d say there’s a collective sigh of relief at this point,” said Greg Roberts, village administrator for New Richmond, on the river some 20 miles southeast of Cincinnati. “The morning fog is rising and the river fortunately is falling.”
He said at least five homes were flooded and many roads in the area had water covering them, making travel difficult.
“It’s still at a precarious level,” he said.