GOP considers canceling August recess to salvage agenda

Via Billy

Alarmed by the stalemate on healthcare reform, lack of progress on tax reform and appropriations bills that are far behind schedule, Republican lawmakers across Congress are increasingly willing to consider canceling the month-long August recess.

Senate Republican negotiators reported that they are not close to a deal on healthcare reform and that scheduling a vote by July 4, which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has pushed, is likely unrealistic.

That impasse has held up work on a budget resolution, which is necessary to move tax reform and the annual appropriations bills.

More @ The Hill

Marco Rubio Delivers Perfect Response When Asked About Working With Trump After 2016 Primary

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 One minute video @ Young Conservatives

US appears to indicate the U.S. is avoiding the parts of Syria where Russia said U.S. planes would be tracked as potential targets

Via Billy 

 

U.S. pilots over Syria will defend themselves if attacked by Russians, a Pentagon spokesman said
 Monday, following a report that Russia will treat U.S. or coalition aircraft as targets if they fly over areas in western Syria controlled by Russia.

The Russian Defense Ministry made the threat Monday after a U.S. F/A-18E Super Hornet shot down a Syrian Su-22 after that plane bombed U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces that are working with the U.S. to defeat the Islamic State on Sunday.

"Any aircraft, including planes and drones of the international coalition, detected in the operation areas west of the Euphrates River by the Russian air forces will be followed by Russian ground-based air defense and air defense aircraft as air targets," the Defense Ministry said.

More @ Washington Examiner

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 Russia cuts communications with U.S. in Syria

Russia says it will treat US and coalition planes in western Syria as targets, defense ministry says

Via Billy

Russia on Monday said it will treat U.S. or coalition aircraft that fly over any of its operating areas in western Syria as targets, after a U.S. F/A-18 Super Hornet downed a Syrian bomber a day earlier.

"Any aircraft, including planes and drones of the international coalition, detected in the operation areas west of the Euphrates River by the Russian air forces will be followed by Russian ground-based air defense and air defense aircraft as air targets," according to a Russian Defense Ministry statement.

Russia called the downing of a Syrian Air Force Su-22 jet a "cynical violation of Syria' sovereignty."

More @ Washington Examiner