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July 25, 2017, 12:24 p.m.

Sen. Susan Collins is not a big fanof President Trump, but it's doubtful the Maine Republicanwould have said "I'mworried" about his administrationif she had known the comments would be broadcast to theworld.

That's what happened Tuesday when she and Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, were caught in a candid conversation on a hot microphone, after an appropriations subcommittee session.

The two were overheard expressing concern with Trump's grasp of reality and policy while Collins was heard disparaging the appearance of a Republican House member who had publicly chastised her and other "female senators from the Northeast" who opposed Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare.

The comments were first reported by the Washington Post.

I think hes crazy. I mean, I dont say that lightly and as a kind of a goofy guy, Reedsays at one point, apparently referring to Trump. The remark came after Collins expressed concern that the White House haddrafted a budget that has "no thinking" and is "incredibly irresponsible."

"I'm worried," Collins replied.

The comments from sitting senators from each party are not only embarrassing to Trump, but could also make life difficult for Collins, who is already facing heat for bucking the Republican Party on healthcare.

She's been the most consistent critic of the party's plans to repeal or rewrite Obamacare-- one of two Republicans who voted Tuesday against the motion to begin debate on the healthcare bill.

While many Republican lawmakers express private frustration with Trump, polls show large majoritiesof Republican voters still approve of his performance in office.

Later Tuesday, Collins' office sent a statement fromcommunications director Annie Clark saying that Collins was "worried" about Trump's budget.

"Senator Collins is worried aboutthe elimination of transportation and housing programs in the Presidents budget request that are critically important to local communities across our country," she said, pointing out specific grant programs that Trump has proposed eliminating.

In addition to agreeing with Reed that Trump lacks understanding of the budget process, Collins engages in banter with him aboutTexas GOP Rep.Blake Farenthold. Last week, Farenthold told a radio host that he would love to challenge Collins and other female Republicans who opposed the GOP health bill to a duel.

"If it was a guy from South Texas, I might ask him to step outside and settle this Aaron Burr-style," he said.

On Tuesday, Collins referredto the incident with a laugh.

"Do you know why he challenged you to a duel? Cause you could beat the [expletive] out of him, said Reed.

Hes huge, Collins replies. ...I dont mean to be unkind, but hes so unattractive its unbelievable.

In the same email that clarified her "worried" comments, Collins' office tried to make peace with Farenthold, with a statement from Collins.

"Neither weapons nor inappropriate words are the right way to resolve legislative disputes," she said."I received a handwritten apology from Rep. Farenthold late this morning.I accept his apology, and I offer him mine."

Go here to read the rest:
GOP senator says 'I'm worried' about Donald Trump, calls Republican congressman 'so unattractive' - Los Angeles Times

The Senate on Tuesday night voted against a version of the Republican health care overhaul plan, called the Better Care Reconciliation Act. The procedural vote was technically on whether the amendment complies with the budget act, but practically means that the BCRA can't become law without being substantially rewritten.

This week senators will debate and vote on several more amendments to a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

A vote on a final bill is expected later this week. We are tracking these votes live as they happen.

2. Better Care Reconciliation Act

Needed 60 votes to pass

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Read more from the original source:
How Each Senator Voted on Full Obamacare Repeal-and-Replace - New York Times

Miami Herald

Perez wins Republican primary in special Miami House election Miami Herald Daniel Perez won a special Republican primary in a GOP-leaning Miami state House district Tuesday meaning the attorney and political newcomer is now the heavy favorite to head to Tallahassee in a few months. Perez defeated brewery owner Jose ... and more »

Go here to see the original:
Perez wins Republican primary in special Miami House election - Miami Herald

Long an outcast in their own party, Log Cabin Republicans, the nation's leading center-right LGBT advocacy group, is being welcomed by Team Trump, and Republicans as a result.

And with the bulk of bigger, better financed but liberal LGBT groups being held at arm's length because of their attacks on President Trump and Republicans, Log Cabin has suddenly become a main driver of key gay and transgender civil rights in Washington.

"It really does hold Log Cabin to be that choice for the entire LGBT community," said newly installed Chairman Sarah Longwell. "We're the only ones who are going to be making sure that Republicans get better every day on our issues," she added.

In just the past two months, Log Cabin officials have met with White House, Education Department, Pentagon, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officials to discuss civil rights issues, said Gregory T. Angelo, president of the group that turns 40 this year.

It is celebrating its anniversary with annual bash at the Trump International Hotel in Washington in September. Last year, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was a headliner.

Recognizing its new influence, Log Cabin has added several political veterans to its board to expand its reach on Capitol Hill and the administration.

Angelo said the Trump Hotel fundraising dinner and expansion of GOP heavy hitters is "a way to show that we are more relevant than ever."

While liberal LGBT groups have been warning of coming a Trump anti-gay crackdown, Log Cabin has seen the opposite from the president, the first Republican ever to mention gay rights at his national nominating convention.

"At best, Trump is a quiet ally," Angelo said. "He's certainly a do no harm' guy," he added of Trump, the first ever Republican presidential nominee to promote gay rights at his nominating convention.

In his first few months, liberal LGBT advocacy groups gave Trump an 'F,' angered with some of his moves, such as withdrawing legal guidance for transgender students that was already tied up in courts. They also slammed some of his appointments and raised questions about immigration policies.

But the White House pleased some with his decision, urged by Log Cabin, to keep in place an executive order from former President Obama barring federal contractors from workplace discrimination. And new White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci is an outspoken LGTB and gay marriage advocate.

Angelo described several positive interactions with the administration and key agencies.

For example, Angelo said that the White House has been responsive to his calls and meeting requests. "It's night and day, no meeting has been denied," he said.

His group has also had meetings with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Longwell called the controversial secretary "incredibly open." Angelo has also met with U.S. officials at the United Nations and the Department of Health and Human Services. And even the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has reached out to Log Cabin.

The group meanwhile has moved to expand its reach and influence by installing connected Republicans on its board and boosting the number of women executives, including Rachel Hoff, who was the first openly gay delegate to serve on the Republican Platform Committee.

In announcing new members, Angelo said, "Fully 40 years since our founding and Log Cabin Republicans continues its growth and influence advocating for a stronger, more inclusive GOP. Our five newest Board members are no strangers to the fight for LGBT rights, and it is with great honor that our National Board of Directors welcomes them into the fold. We are thrilled to bring their many talents to bear as Log Cabin Republicans looks toward its next 40 years." They include:

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com

Original post:
Trump welcomes in Republican LGBT advocates - Washington Examiner

Thomson Reuters

Jul 25th 2017 11:31PM

WASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - A plan to repeal and replace Obamacare that Senate Republicans have been working on for months failed to get the 60 votes needed for approval Tuesday night.

The vote was 43 in favor and 57 against. Nine Republicans voted against the measure.

The plan would have made deep cuts to Medicaid, the health insurance program for the poor, and reduced Obamacare subsidies to lower-income people to help them defray the cost of health insurance.

It was the first of many expected votes this week on repealing or replacing elements of President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law.

(Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Leslie Adler)

14 PHOTOS

Protests for and against Obamacare

See Gallery

Tea Party Patriots supporters hold signs protesting the Affordable Care Act in front of the Supreme Court as the court hears arguments on the health care reform bill on Tuesday, March 27, 2012.

(Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Affordable Care Act supporters wave signs outside the Supreme Court after the court upheld court's Obamacare on Thursday, June 25, 2015.

(Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

A man holds signs during a protest on the second day of oral arguments for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on March 27, 2012 in Washington, DC. Today is the second of three days the high court has set aside to hear six hours of arguments over the constitutionality President Barack Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Sister Caroline attends a rally with other supporters of religious freedom to praise the Supreme Court's decision in the Hobby Lobby, contraception coverage requirement case on June 30, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby, which operates a chain of arts-and-craft stores, challenged the provision and the high court ruled 5-4 that requiring family-owned corporations to pay for insurance coverage for contraception under the Affordable Care Act violated a federal law protecting religious freedom.

(Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

An Obamacare supporter counter protests a Tea Party rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in the morning hours of March 27, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court continued to hear oral arguments on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Affordable Care Act supporters hold up signs outside the Supreme Court as they wait for the court's decision on Obamacare on Thursday, June 25, 2015.

(Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Ron Kirby holds a sign while marching in protest of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on March 26, 2012 in Washington, DC. Today the high court, which has set aside six hours over three days, will hear arguments over the constitutionality President Barack Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

A protester waves his bible in the air as he overpowered by cheers from supporters of the Affordable Care Act as they celebrate the opinion for health care outside of the Supreme Court in Washington,Thursday June 25, 2015. The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the nationwide tax subsidies under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, in a ruling that preserves health insurance for millions of Americans.

(Photo By Al Drago/CQ Roll Call)

Nuns, who are opposed to the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate, and other supporters rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. On Wednesday morning, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Zubik v. Burwell, a consolidated case brought by religious groups challenging a process for opting out of the Affordable Care Act's contraception mandate.

(Drew Angerer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Supporters of contraception rally before Zubik v. Burwell, an appeal brought by Christian groups demanding full exemption from the requirement to provide insurance covering contraception under the Affordable Care Act, is heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington March 23, 2016.

(REUTERS/Joshua Roberts)

Protestors hold placards challenging 'Obamacare' outside of the US Supreme Court on March 4, 2015 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court heard a second challenge to US President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. The US Supreme Court faces a momentous case Wednesday on the sweeping health insurance reform law that President Barack Obama wants to leave as part of his legacy. The question before the court is whether the seven million people or more who subscribed via the government's website can obtain tax subsidies that make the coverage affordable. A ruling is expected in June.

(MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Linda Door (L) protests against President Obama's health care plan in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Building on March 26, 2012 in Washington, DC. Today the high court, which has set aside six hours over three days, will hear arguments over the constitutionality President Barack Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

(Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Supporters of the Affordable Care Act celebrate after the Supreme Court up held the law in the 6-3 vote at the Supreme Court in Washington June 25, 2015. The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the nationwide availability of tax subsidies that are crucial to the implementation of President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law, handing a major victory to the president.

(REUTERS/Joshua Roberts)

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Excerpt from:
Senate Republican plan to repeal, replace Obamacare fails - AOL