House passes defense bill
The Republican-led House overwhelmingly backed a $611 billion defense policy bill that rejects a number of President Barack Obama’s key proposals for managing the nation’s vast military enterprise. It was passed 375-34. The bill now goes to the Senate.
Trump backs disputed pipeline
President-elect Donald Trump supports completion of the Dakota Access oil pipeline in the Midwest, a policy that spokesman Bryan Lanza says is not related to Trump’s investments in a partnership building the $3.8 billion pipeline.
Health care tab hits $3.2 trillion
The nation’s health care tab grew at the fastest rate in eight years in 2015, driven by the coverage expansion in President Barack Obama’s law and by costly prescription drugs, the government said Friday. The growth of 5.8 percent in 2015 boosted total health care spending to $3.2 trillion.
Howard Dean drops out of race
Howard Dean vows to support whoever is elected as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He said the race could become contentious.