Latest Richard Blumenthal News

US senators grill airline officials about fees for seats and checked bags

Dec. 04, 2024 18:23 PM EST

Members of a U.S. Senate subcommittee took aim at airline executives Wednesday for using an expanding menu of fees to charge customers for early boarding, better seats and other comforts that used to be part of the ticket price. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he thinks the...

Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certain

Dec. 03, 2024 17:20 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats reelected Chuck Schumer as party leader on Tuesday as the party moves into a deeply uncertain time, with no real consensus on a strategy as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office. Schumer faced no opposition in the party leadership...

College sports reform could advance in GOP-controlled Congress, with Sen. Ted Cruz as NCAA ally

Nov. 29, 2024 08:12 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The NCAA's yearslong efforts to get lawmakers to address myriad problems in college sports could finally pay off in the new, Republican-controlled Congress. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican who is set to take over as chair of the powerful Commerce Committee, said...

Thanksgiving Travel Latest: TSA braces for ‘busiest ever’ holiday

Nov. 26, 2024 16:11 PM EST

The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million people in the U.S. will venture at least 50 miles (80 kilometers) from home between Tuesday and next Monday. Another round of wintry weather could complicate travel, though....

Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees?

Nov. 21, 2024 18:57 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he's tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he's daring Congress to oppose...

Boar's Head listeria outbreak is over with 10 dead and dozens sickened by tainted deli meat

Nov. 21, 2024 18:15 PM EST

A deadly outbreak of listeria food poisoning tied to a massive recall of popular Boar's Head deli meats is over, federal health officials said Thursday. Ten people died and 61 were sickened in 19 states after eating listeria-contaminated Boar's Head products, including liverwurst....

What to know about Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for Education secretary

Nov. 19, 2024 22:06 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — Linda McMahon has been a constant presence in Donald Trump's tumultuous orbit, serving in his first administration and supporting his presidential campaigns. Now he's chosen her to serve as Education secretary. Here's a look at McMahon's background, from business...

USDA launches an internal investigation into the deadly Boar's Head outbreak

Oct. 15, 2024 11:21 AM EDT

U.S. Agriculture Department officials have launched an internal investigation into how the agency handled reports of serious problems at a Boar's Head deli meat plant tied to a deadly listeria outbreak, a lawmaker said Tuesday. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said that USDA Inspector...

Senators ask Justice Department to take tougher action against Boeing executives over safety issues

Oct. 03, 2024 21:06 PM EDT

Two U.S. senators have asked the Department of Justice to take tougher action against Boeing executives by holding them criminally accountable for safety issues that have impacted its airplanes. In a letter dated Wednesday and sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Democratic...

Bill would ban sports betting ads during games and forbid bets on college athletes

Sep. 13, 2024 13:07 PM EDT

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The federal government would ban in-game advertising and bets on college athletes under a sports betting regulation bill proposed by two northeastern legislators. Rep. Paul Tonko of New York and Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut introduced the bill...