Hoyer: Democratic chairmen trying to bridge divide on surprise medical bills

Hoyer: Democratic chairmen trying to bridge divide on surprise medical bills-thehill: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said that two Democratic committee chairmen are trying to work out their differences over a measure that would protect patients from surprise medical bills. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has been pushing for months to pass legislation protecting patients from getting massive bills when they go to the emergency room and one of their doctors happens to be outside their insurance network.

Democrats top Trump in Michigan matchups: poll

Democrats top Trump in Michigan matchups: poll-thehill: A poll in Michigan finds several 2020 Democratic White House hopefuls leading President Trump in hypothetical matchups in the crucial battleground state, according to the Detroit News. The Glengariff Group poll showed former Vice President Joe Biden with the widest lead, at 50 percent to Trump’s 43 percent, followed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, at 47 percent to 41 percent, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) with a 4-point lead, 49 to 45 percent.

DNC says next debate will be rescheduled if it conflicts with impeachment trial

DNC says next debate will be rescheduled if it conflicts with impeachment trial-politico: The chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tom Perez, said on Tuesday that the party organization would reschedule next week’s presidential primary debate in Iowa if the televised event conflicts with President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial in the Senate.

Congress' health agenda barrels toward 2020 buzz saw

Congress' health agenda barrels toward 2020 buzz saw-politico: Republicans and Democrats have a narrow opening to cut big deals on drug pricing and surprise medical bills and address two key concerns of voters, just in time for 2020 electoral politics to drive them apart. Congressional leaders are feeling renewed urgency to do something about the high-profile issues, but they fear impeachment and escalating tensions with Iran could swamp the legislative agenda. And on drug pricing, both sides are reluctant to let the other claim victory on a pocketbook issue that recent polling shows ranks high among voter concerns.

Biden builds primary strategy around general election

Biden builds primary strategy around general election-thehill: Former Vice President Joe Biden is running a general election campaign during the Democratic primary. While other candidates are running campaigns tailored to the Democratic base, Biden's message, for the most part, is targeting centrists and independents, a move typically reserved for the general election. While the strategy can be risky for primary candidates, Democrats say the strategy works well for Biden. He is currently well ahead of his competitors.

Presidential field narrows again as Castro suspends campaign

Presidential field narrows again as Castro suspends campaign-rollcall: Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro announced Thursday that he is suspending his presidential campaign. But the Democratic primary field remains crowded, with 14 candidates still in the race. “I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together,” Castro said in a tweet Thursday morning. “I’m going to keep fighting for an America where everyone counts, I hope you’ll join me in that fight.”

House retirements already outpace average for past election cycles-

House retirements already outpace average for past election cycles-rollcall: The number of House members deciding to retire has already exceeded the average for recent election cycles, and more could be coming as lawmakers return to the nation’s capital after the holidays.