Thursday, October 16, 2014

This Week In Washington DC, October 16, 2014

This Week In Washington DC

Top 5 Stories This Week
1.      Two nurses from Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital contracted Ebola from patient Thomas Duncan, who died at the hospital Oct. 8th, triggering criticism of the institution's protocols and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention response.

Look ahead: In a policy shift, the CDC will send a team of experts within hours to any hospital with a confirmed Ebola case.

2.      Administration officials confirmed President Obama will wait until after the election to nominate a replacement for Attorney General Eric Holder. The president is said to be considering White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler or Solicitor General Donald Verrilli for the post.

Look ahead: Obama's decision to defer the nomination until after the election could frustrate efforts to confirm his nominee before the end of the year.

3.      The Obama administration announced initiatives designed to return the long-term unemployed to the workforce, including $170 million in federal grants for job training and related programs.

Look ahead: Vice President Biden and Labor Secretary Perez met Wednesday with business leaders to discuss measures that could improve the hiring prospects for the long-term jobless. 

4.      Kurdish forces are gaining the upper hand in the battle for Kobani, Syria, aided by the U.S.-led coalition's intensified airstrikes against ISIS militants.

Look ahead: The Obama administration continues to assert the success of Operation Inherent Resolve, even as the president acknowledges setbacks and predicts a "long-term campaign."

5.      Voter-identification laws saw mixed results this week, with the Supreme Court blocking implementation of Wisconsin's law and the Arkansas Supreme Court invalidating its state's law, and a federal appellate panel reinstating Texas's statute.

Look ahead: Opponents of the Texas law have appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court in a last-ditch effort to bar enforcement during the midterms.



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