Dec 9, 2019

Former White House doctor Ronny Jackson running for Congress

Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

Former White House chief physician Ronny Jackson, who was once nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, has filed to run for Congress in Texas' 13th Congressional District, the Texas Tribune reports.

The big picture: Jackson withdrew his name from consideration for VA secretary last April after allegations surfaced that he fostered a "hostile work environment" by being intoxicated at work and abusive toward his colleagues. Jackson denied the allegations, calling them "completely false and fabricated." He will run to replace retiring GOP Rep. Mac Thornberry.

Go deeper: Texas Republicans admit there's a problem

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Jacob Knutson

The members of Congress departing in 2020

Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images

More Republicans than Democrats are exiting Congress in the lead up to the 2020 elections. Twenty-six GOP representatives and four senators are retiring without bids for higher office, compared to five Democratic representatives and one senator.

Driving the news: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) submitted his letter of resignation, effective Jan. 13, after pleading guilty last month to misusing campaign funds.

Go deeperUpdated Jan 8, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Marisa Fernandez

Maternity care is really bad in Texas

A report from ProPublica, the Texas Tribune and Vox sheds some light on the terrible state of maternity care in Texas.

The big picture: The state "prioritize[s] babies over mothers, thwarts women at every turn, frustrates doctors and midwives, and incentivizes substandard care," the report states, citing gross medical errors, racial disparities and structural deficiencies.

Go deeperDec 9, 2019

Fadel Allassan

Tulsi Gabbard to introduce measure to censure Trump

Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) is expected to introduce a measure to censure President Trump, as the full House prepares a Wednesday vote on the articles of impeachment, ABC reports.

Why it matters: Gabbard has criticized the Democratic-led impeachment process as "partisan." She is among few House Democrats who are publicly undecided on impeachment.

Go deeperDec 17, 2019