Jun 13, 2017

Mitch McConnell dodges questions on ACA repeal

Shane Savitsky

J. Scott Applewhite / AP

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continued to dodge questions on the timeline for — and even the existence of — the Senate's bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act at the GOP's weekly press conference this afternoon.

  • When the bill will be passed: "Well, you know, I'm not going to answer that with specificity. Our goal is to move forward quickly. The status quo is unsustainable. Something has to be done. Something has to be done soon."
  • When the public can see the bill: "We'll let you see the bill when we finally release it."
  • The bill's existence: "Look, we've been dealing with this issue for 7 years. It's not a new thing. We've spent a lot of time on it…Nobody's hiding the ball here, you're free to ask anyone anything."

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Rebecca Falconer

In photos: Trump visits Taj Mahal after massive rally in India

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the Taj Mahal. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

President Trump visited India's Taj Mahal on Monday, hours after telling a massive crowd at a rally in Ahmedabad that he hopes to reach a trade deal with his "true friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to the country.

Why it matters: The countries are forging deeper ties as India’s location, size and economic growth make it the "obvious counterweight to China" for American policymakers.

Go deeperArrowUpdated 1 min ago - World
Caitlin Owens

Coronavirus stress tests drug industry's dependence on China

A Hong Kong commuter wears a face mask. Photo: Miguel Candela/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

It's unclear whether the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus will actually result in prescription drug shortages, but it has undoubtedly highlighted the potential vulnerabilities of having the supply chain for American drugs so dependent on China.

Driving the news: About 150 prescription drugs — including antibiotics, generics and some branded drugs without alternatives — are at risk of shortage if the coronavirus outbreak in China worsens, per two sources familiar with a list of at-risk drugs compiled by the Food and Drug Administration.

Go deeperArrow59 mins ago - Health
Jim VandeHei

Bernie's path to the presidency

Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks yesterday during a rally at Houston University. Photo: Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images

Lots of Democrats are in full panic that Bernie Sanders will win the nomination and get clobbered in the general election — and bring the party down, too. But the evidence, particularly the polling, doesn't back those doomsday warnings.

Why it matters: Virtually every national and swing state poll shows Sanders tied with or beating President Trump.  And, unlike every rival, he has a huge base of fervent, unshakable supporters he can only grow.

Go deeperArrow1 hour ago - Politics & Policy