Russia orders embassy to cut staff, seizes two properties in retaliation against US sanctions

Russia orders embassy to cut staff, seizes two properties in retaliation against US sanctions

Russia is demanding the US to reduce its diplomatic staff inside Russia, and says it would seize 2 U.S. diplomatic properties. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the punishment, in response to the financial sanction bills against Russia awaiting President Trumps signature. The reduction in staff will apply on Sept. 1, and includes the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok, The number limit is 455, in parity with the number of Russian diplomats in the U.S. Jul 29, 2017
Republican bill to repeal Obamacare fails in US senate

Republican bill to repeal Obamacare fails in US senate

In a stinging blow to President Donald Trump, US Senate Republicans failed on Friday (28 July) to dismantle Obamacare, falling short on a major campaign promise and perhaps ending a seven-year quest by their party to gut the healthcare law. Voting in the early hours, three Republican senators, John McCain, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, crossed party lines to join Democrats in a dramatic 49-to-51 vote to reject a skinny repeal bill that would have killed some parts of Obamacare. The setback leaves Trump without a major legislative win after more than six months in power, despite Republicans controlling the White House, Senate and House. It will also be a let-down for financial markets, which expected Trump to make rapid changes to healthcare, taxes and infrastructure spending. Jul 28, 2017