13abc Action News - Washington Bureau

One Sweet Republican Meeting: Lawmakers Gather in Hershey, PA

Jacqueline Policastro — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:01:00 EST

HERSHEY, PA - Republicans get together all the time on Capitol Hill, but this week, they're taking their meeting place to one of the sweetest places on Earth. Both House and Senate Republicans are meeting at their annual retreat where they discuss issues that affect each and every one of us – and set the agenda for their party in Congress. Much of the retreat is reserved for closed-door meetings, but some of the most powerful lawmakers are addressing the crowd, explaining their strategy for...

First day of session for Congress

Wed, 7 Jan 2015 09:36:00 EST

Swearing-in day on Capitol Hill is one big photo shoot, with lawmakers and their closest family members taking part in ceremonies to mark the beginning of the 114th Congress. On this day, the most powerful meet the new power players. Re-elected House Speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden welcomed members of the 114thcongress with a handshake and a smile. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work. We are very excited about that and look forward to get it going,” said Michiga...

Constitution changes Congress swear-in date

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:50:00 EST

This New Year brings with it a new Congress. The 114th Congress will be sworn in on January 6. But according to the U.S. Constitution, that's three days late. Lawmakers had to break into the constitution and pass a new law in order to make plans for the ceremony. Here in Washington – sometimes the minutia forces lawmakers to change the rules. In the Constitution, the 20th Amendment states that Congress must be sworn in by January 3rd. But this year – January 3rd lands on a Saturday – when go...

Lawmakers share favorite holiday memories

Thu, 25 Dec 2014 12:10:00 EST

The holidays are a time where people like to share their favorite memories and that's happening on Capitol Hill too. When Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown (D) was a kid, his parents surprised him with a pony. “My dad and mom thought it was a great Christmas surprise to get a little pony, in town, and they put straw in the garage and led us out on Christmas morning to meet our little pony. We called him Brownie; it was really clever, with my last name Brown.”Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly (R) ...

Major political headlines in 2014

Jacqueline Policastro — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:07:00 EST

It's never a dull moment in the world of politics. Throughout 2014, our Washington Bureau was there to cover it all.Inside the United States Capitol, it was a year full of major political headlines, partisan bickering, and some voting on legislation. President Obama kicked off 2014 with his fifth State of the Union address – warning Congress he planned to push his agenda even if it meant he had to do it all by himself. The “go it alone attitude” in Obama's speech dominated this year in Washin...

Thousands join in "Justice for All" march in DC

Lauren Adams — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 11:29:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Their chants are familiar – their outrage sparked by the recent decisions to not indict police officers in the deaths of 2 black civilians: Michael Brown and Eric Garner. “I'm here to make a change,” said 19-year-old Micah Jasmine, who traveled to the rally from Raleigh, North Carolina. Thousands of people marched in solidarity, displaying signs and looking for answers. “In this country, we make changes by doing what we're doing here today,” Jasmine said. “We've passed laws...

As Congress heads out, body cameras still up for debate

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:36:00 EST

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are reviewing President Barack Obama's plan to spend $75 million dollars to get 50,000 more police officers to wear body cameras that record their interactions with civilians. The president's move is spurred by the Ferguson, Missouri shooting of Michael Brown. More body cameras for police is part of a three year, nearly $300 million spending plan the president is pushing, one lawmakers have a lot to say about.“I think it will create better feelings, better communicat...

Immigration debate heats up on Capitol Hill

Lauren Adams — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 11:58:00 EST

This week, President Obama is on a national tour, touting his new plan on immigration. But he isn't the only one talking about it; the plan is getting mixed reactions from lawmakers in Congress. Last month, Obama unveiled a plan to shield law-abiding immigrants from deportation, protect immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children, and increase security at the border. “He did the right thing,” said Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA). “Many will debate the timing of it, but he made the de...

White House honors vets with holiday decorations

Jacqueline Policastro — Wed, 3 Dec 2014 23:12:00 EST

A children's winter wonderland, that's the theme at the White House this year, but it's definitely not just for kids. There are toy trains underneath beautifully decorated trees. A gingerbread house built from 80 pounds of gingerbread dough. And the first dogs, Bo and Sunny, made of more than a mile of black and white satin ribbon. “We are grateful to the volunteers. We are especially grateful to all of our service members, our veterans, their families, we are truly grateful,” said First Lady...

Portman's not running for president, Brown responds

Jacqueline Policastro — Tue, 2 Dec 2014 18:21:00 EST

Senator Rob Portman (R) announced today he isn't running for president in 2016, but the senator says he is going to campaign for the Senate again. Portman says he's ready to break the gridlock here in Washington and actually get things done to help people in Ohio and across the country, telling us he thinks he can do that best right here in Congress – not in the White House. A couple months ago, Portman told us, “I will make that decision after these elections coming up in November.” Those el...

Artist hopes new pictures could help find Skelton Brothers

Lauren Adams — Tue, 2 Dec 2014 17:05:00 EST

WASHINGTON – Andrew, Alexander and Tanner Skelton haven't been seen since they disappeared from Morenci, Michigan in November 2010. But here at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, workers are trying to change that. “I was looking through my cases and saw 3 brothers, missing around the same time, various ages, so it did stick out to me,” said Colin McNally, a Forensic Imaging Specialist at the Center. McNally created the boys' age-progression photos - a process that usually...

NW Ohio turkeys travel to DC for presidential pardon

Lauren Adams — Tue, 2 Dec 2014 16:39:00 EST

Historically, Thanksgiving is not a good time for ordinary turkeys but these are not ordinary turkeys. These turkeys will be saved from ending up on a Thanksgiving table, with an official pardon by the president during this year's annual turkey pardon ceremony. “They're happy, they're healthy, they look good,” said Cole Cooper, who raised the turkeys on his family's NW Ohio farm. When the turkeys were introduced on Tuesday, they didn't have names, but they got the celebrity treatment in thei...

Ohio EPA testifies in front of Congress about water quality

Lauren Adams — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:47:00 EST

The conversation about Toledo's drinking water took a big step forward on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, with Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and the subcommittee on Environment and Economy, holding a hearing to talk about the developments since this summer's crisis. “What happened in August, we don't ever want to have that happen again,” Latta said. Latta and his colleagues heard testimony from the U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA about what they've done since harmful algal blooms left 500,000 people without saf...

Senate rejects Keystone XL Pipeline construction

Lauren Adams — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 13:09:00 EST

The politics of the pipeline continue in Washington. In a close vote on Tuesday, the Senate blocked a bill approving construction of the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline. The final vote was 59 to 41, but the bill needed 60 senators on board to pass. The vote comes on the heels of House of Representatives overwhelming decision to green-light the project last week. The $7 billion proposed pipeline would carry oil from tar sands in western Canada to refineries along the Texas Gulf Coast. ...

After G20 summit, Obama heads back to Washington

Jacqueline Policastro — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 12:05:00 EST

President Obama said it was a good week for American leadership and workers.The president highlighted new global efforts to create more jobs by building infrastructure, an effort to bring more women into the workforce, strengthen banks,and close tax loopholes for multinational companies. While the summit was as international as it gets, the president spoke most about something that's local and very close to home.“The United States is in the longest stretch of uninterrupted job growth in its h...

President Obama addresses students at University of Queensland

Jacqueline Policastro — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 21:59:00 EST

President Obama made his first public appearance at the G20 Summit in Brisbane Australia Saturday, with a speech to college students at the University of Queensland. The President talked about the ‘US pivot to Asia' telling the crowd, “We will continue to deepen our engagement using every element of our power—diplomacy, military, economic, development and the power of our values." Obama also discussed international trade, an issue that local manufacturers say is essential to their growth. ...

Local company has stake in G20 summit

Jacqueline Policastro — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 16:29:00 EST

The Daavlin Company is located in Bryan, Ohio, but talks happening at the G20 summit across the world in Brisbane have a big impact on the company's success. Workers at Daavlin manufacture and sell ultraviolet light equipment for the treatment of psoriasis and other skin disorders, and business is up 20 percent. “A long time ago, somebody told me that if 30-35% of your business is international business, you'll never have a recession,” said David Swanson, President of Daavlin Company. “So, we...

Washington Bureau heads to G20 Summit

Jacqueline Policastro — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:17:00 EST

The G20 summit is on the other side of the globe, but it's not just another big fancy meeting with world leaders; what happens at that summit hits close to home when it comes to our economy and jobs. It's where presidents, monarchs and prime ministers get together to take on the world's biggest economic challenges. The G20 summit started during the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. World leaders are still working to stop the fall-out, and each year they tell us they make progress. “We have...

G20 conversation starts on Capitol Hill

Jacqueline Policastro — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 19:15:00 EST

Congress is about to switch hands and become Republican-controlled. Some lawmakers think that could open the way to major trade deals with China, Japan and Europe. The effects of global trade are seen around the world; everywhere goods are sold. That's exactly why leaders of the world's largest economies are getting together to talk trade at the G20 Summit. But they aren't the only ones talking, our local lawmakers have a lot to say too. “We saw between 2000-2010, 5 million manufacturing jobs...

Retiring Senator Levin looks back on his career

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:14:00 EDT

After nearly four decades as a United States Senator, Carl Levin (D-MI) is set to retire - but not before looking back on his career.His office walls are lined with letters written by former President Harry Truman, and Levin has a book of Truman's letters, too.“He was a real role model, a gutsy guy,” Levin said of the former Commander-In-Chief.Levin has shown he's gutsy, too. Especially during the investigation surrounding the 2008 financial crisis.Levin's retirement has some people in corpor...

Portman for president? Not quite

Thu, 2 Oct 2014 14:43:00 EDT

“I will make that decision after these elections coming up in November.” Ohio Senator Rob Portman (R) says he's not ready to make up his mind about a possible run for president just yet.He said he wants to see how the November midterm elections play out for his fellow Republican colleagues ahead of any possible announcement – saying he hopes the GOP takes back control of Congress.“I think this place is dysfunctional, it's broken, not working,” he said.That's why Portman says he's motivated to...

Couple visits WWII memorial after 62 years together

Lauren Adams — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 13:21:00 EDT

WASHINGTON - John and Suzanne Roth take pictures together at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. They've been together for 62 years, but seeing the memorial was a new experience for them. “The way that people have come out and supported, not just us, but all the veterans on this tour, it's just great, it's awesome,” said Suzanne Roth, a Korean War Veteran. The Roths came to DC as part of an Honor Flight from Northwest Ohio. They joined dozens of other veterans visiting the sites around the ...

RAMI bill passes House, stalls in Senate

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 12:50:00 EDT

President Obama made American manufacturing a big priority in his State of the Union address eight months ago, and now Congress is one step closer to passing legislation aimed at improving manufacturing. The House of Representatives recently passe the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, or RAMI. It is a bill that would train the work force, and put more focus and funding into manufacturers in America. “It's about putting manufacturing first on the priority of America so we c...

Former FBI agents want creds, liability insurance to help save lives

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:51:00 EDT

Retirement: the action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work. That's what two former special agents with the Toledo Federal Bureau of Investigation are trying to work around, as they continue their fight for credentials. But Bill Radcliffe and Bill Roccia aren't looking to work as full-time agents – they say they don't want their jobs back. They want to help save the lives of missing and sexually trafficked children across the country as retired agents. “There are a thousand kids e...

Sex trafficking as a family business

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 18:09:00 EDT

In recent years, the Toledo Federal Bureau of Investigation has uncovered a new link that makes solving sex trafficking even more difficult: selling sex is often a family business.“Pimps, when they were arrested and we would interview them, we would find out by looking at their history that their dad was a pimp, or their grandfather, or their uncle were pimps. The girls, often times, mom was a prostitute,” said David Dustin, supervisory agent with the Toledo FBI. Tracing the family tree is pa...

Going undercover to find sex trafficking victims

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:06:00 EDT

On some nights, more than 80 sex acts are performed at various truck stops across the state. Many of those sex acts are performed by children, the victims of sex trafficking.Sheriff Sam Crish of the Lima Police Department and his team travel to these truck stops on a weekly basis to help save trafficking victims from their terrible fate – and also capture the johns who control them.Sitting in the back of a truck, undercover with the sheriff and his team, the radio chatter overheard is disturb...

Conversation continues about EPA, Toledo water crisis

Sun, 21 Sep 2014 11:55:00 EDT

Washington Correspondent Lauren Adams talks about the EPA and what's being done in Washington to prevent another water crisis in Toledo.

EPA silent on toxic water issue

Jacqueline Policastro — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:14:00 EDT

After weeks of repeated attempts, workers at the Environmental Protection Agency say there's not a single federal employee at the EPA who is qualified and available to speak on camera about the quality of Toledo's water.“Unfortunately, an on-camera interview won't be possible at this time,” an EPA spokesperson said in an e-mail. Radio silence, from the government officials paid by American tax dollars, responsible for making up the safety standards of drinking water. “It would be easier to de...

Senators push for protection of students against predators

Tue, 9 Sep 2014 17:15:00 EDT

Since the beginning of this year, more than 325 teachers and other school employees across the country have been arrested for sexual misconduct with children. That's a statistic that does not sit well with some senators, so they are getting serious about cracking down on the problem. “Every single day,” said Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), “some teacher is being arrested somewhere in America for sexual misconduct with students.” Toomey is pushing bipartisan legislation that would require schools to ...

MI Senate Candidate Gary Peters Campaigns on Primary Day

Tue, 5 Aug 2014 23:12:00 EDT

BLOOMFIELD TWP, MI . - Dozens of supporters gather in a small room in Royal Oak Michigan to make phone calls, relay information and support Gary Peters - the man they want to see in the United States Senate. The election is still more than 90 days away, but for these supporters, every day counts. “This is really where the rubber hits the road,” said Gary Peters, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senator. “It's about the get-out-the-vote effort, which is critical.” Campaign ground work is nothing ...

Ohio businessman discusses future of retail in D.C.

Lauren Adams — Tue, 5 Aug 2014 19:33:00 EDT

The future of retail. That is what brought business owner Jeffrey Erb to Washington D.C. At the end of July. He met with more than 100 other business owners during the Retail Advocates Summit.“Everybody's here from retail, so there's tons of networking opportunities, lots and lots and lots of things to learn,” Erb said.The retailers use the summit as a chance to hear from other business owners, learn about current legislation and its effects on small businesses, and find out how their small b...

Without Congress, Pres. Obama may act alone

Mariam Khan — Fri, 1 Aug 2014 12:55:00 EDT

The U.S. House of Representatives was supposed to begin its August recess Friday, however, many lawmakers are still working to pass a border security bill that provides funding to deal with the recent surge of undocumented immigrants in the country. The Senate, adjourned for the month of August, failed to pass a similar measure Thursday night, leaving the field wide open when it comes to the future of immigration in the U.S. The biggest challenge for Congress - overcoming a deep divide bet...

Lawmakers talk immigration, yet again

Mariam Khan — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 19:01:00 EDT

Nearly 60,000 South American children are still stuck at our nation’s southern border, and now, they’re stuck in the middle of a political battle. Members of Congress are trying to come up with a plan to deal with the influx of unaccompanied children who have traveled thousands of miles - turning themselves in to U.S. authorities to escape from desperate situations in countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. But still –there’s no compromise in sight. “For those that are not leg...

Skies still safe following MH17 disaster, lawmakers say

Mariam Khan — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:00:00 EDT

On Tuesday, the Federal Aviation Administration canceled flights to Tel Aviv, Israel after a rocket landed too close to the airport. This latest news comes off the heels of downed Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. Now lawmakers are saying passenger safety is the number one priority in the skies. “There are enough things to be fearful of in this world without starting to think if 'I get on this plane is it going to be shot down.' It isn’t so, so unusual,” Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) said. Brown sa...

Toledo mail processing center back on chopping block

Mariam Khan — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 16:05:00 EDT

The Toledo mail processing center is still on the chopping block, leaving hundreds of workers at the center in limbo. This comes after some of the processing at the center was moved to Columbus, Ohio and Pontiac, Michigan last year. The closure is slated for January 2015. The United States Postal Service claims there won’t be any firings, just retirements and relocations. "There are hundreds of jobs at stake in our region,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). Kaptur helped delay full closure fo...

Immigration crisis heats up, lawmakers respond

Mariam Khan — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:20:00 EDT

The future is uncertain for nearly 60,000 Central American children. It’s a crisis impossible to ignore and it’s shifting the immigration debate on Capitol Hill, leaving lawmakers with only three weeks to reach an agreement with the White House before summer recess. “These are children of parents who thought it was safer to send their child north into an unknown future, than stay in Guatemala and probably face death,” said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The first round of deportations ...

Great financial boost for the Great Lakes

Lauren Adams — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:18:00 EDT

They hold one fifth of the world's fresh water and pull more than 30 billion dollars into the nation's economy every year. Now, Congress is making sure the Great Lakes stay in tip-top shape. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-authored an amendment, requiring that a portion of federal funds, already allocated for harbor maintenance funding, go toward the Great Lakes Navigation System. “We're talking about dredging, we're talking about jetties, we're talking about the locks, we're talking about doing th...

Portman on presidential shortlist following RNC announcement

Mariam Khan — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 14:33:00 EDT

Sen. Rob Portman’s (R-OH) name is back on the shortlist for a potential nomination as president in 2016, on the heels of the Republican National Committee’s selection of Cleveland as the hosting city of the GOP convention. Portman told 13ABC that he’s considering a run for the White House, but that he’ll make his final decision after this November’s primary election. For now, his plans are to keep his current seat as senator. “I'm planning to run for the Senate in Ohio and hoping I'll have ...

Lawmakers' days numbered; legislative agenda awaits

Mariam Khan — Tue, 8 Jul 2014 16:39:00 EDT

As tourists take selfies in front of the United States Capitol, members of Congress are taking a break, too. 43 days – that’s how many days remain on the legislative schedule for the U.S. House of Representatives. “I have to go to work every day and I have to work about 10 hours a day, and I commute about three hours a day. And so 43 days, I'm sure they're not working all day, is definitely not enough,” said Mary Ann McCandless, a tourist from Missouri. And U.S. Senators only have 98 more d...

Sen. Sherrod Brown reacts to Cleveland GOP pick

Mariam Khan — Tue, 8 Jul 2014 13:53:00 EDT

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) talks to Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro about the legislative schedule for the remainder of the year, and about today's announcement by the Republican National Committee, that named Cleveland as the home of the 2016 Republican Convention.

Iraq: Members of Congress weigh in

Mariam Khan — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:30:00 EDT

President Barack Obama announced Thursday that the United States is prepared to send up to 300 military advisers to Iraq, and that the U.S. will not be returning to a combat role there. “Ultimately this is something that is going to have to be solved by the Iraqis,” Obama said. Obama is facing pressure to help the Iraqi government fight an advance toward Baghdad by Sunni fighters of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, also referred to as ISIS. Following a meeting with his national security ...

Veterans meet with students during Honor Flight

Lauren Adams — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 14:41:00 EDT

The sun beat down on the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., but the crowds came anyway. A particularly noticeable group, all wearing orange t-shirts, took in the magnificent memorial, and the sights of the city. They're members of the Honor Flight that came from Northwest Ohio. “You hear about it, and you read about it, but you would never think that it would be this great,” said WWII veteran Charles Williams, who traveled with the group. “This is a wonderful monument.” 91-year-old Williams h...

Senator calls overseas safety regulations into question

Jacqueline Policastro — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 20:45:00 EDT

It is unwelcome news for pet owners: The Food and Drug Administration said more than 1,000 dogs died after eating pet treats from China. And, the Chinese jerky treats are linked to illnesses in thousands more. On Tuesday afternoon, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) chaired a Congressional hearing on tainted pet treats and processed chicken from China. He questioned the effectiveness of China’s food safety regulations, and grilled witnesses about the topic. Those witnesses, though, from the Departm...

Toledo Locals Honored in DC

Lauren Adams — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 14:33:00 EDT

Standing in the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in the heart of the city, stands a group of people who love to give back. One of those people is Toledo native Jay Mirrow. “We have a mentoring program called 'Mentors in Toledo Schools,'” Mirrow said. “We have 103 mentors and we mentor over 200 students.” Mirrow represented those mentors at the Jefferson Awards for Public Service on Monday night. And he was in good company. Two local high schools were represented as well, for their service...

Congressman introduces Internet Freedom Act

Mariam Khan — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 11:29:00 EDT

Net neutrality: an equal and open internet. Some people support it, others don’t. Right now net neutrality is a hot button issue on Capitol Hill, as the Federal Communications Commission weighs ideas on how to regulate internet service providers. “I think its draconian, its backward, its old thinking, it’s not forward thinking,” said Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH). Latta is talking about a recent FCC proposal to reclassify broadband as a common-carrier utility, such as a land line phone. To combat th...

Senators travel to France on D-Day anniversary

Mariam Khan — Fri, 6 Jun 2014 11:58:00 EDT

Seventy years ago, the Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France to take on a fierce enemy. Thousands of lives were lost on that day, and now, the world’s leaders are gathering to commemorate and honor their legacy. President Obama and a delegation of senators are in Europe this week to pay their respects, including Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey (D). “It’s hard to encapsulate what was done on [D-Day] and what was done on World War II,” he said. “But I think whenever we have a m...

Veterans should sue inadequate VA employees, senator says

Mariam Khan — Thu, 5 Jun 2014 16:38:00 EDT

It’s all about holding people accountable. That’s what one senator says, as he plans to bring in a judge and jury fix the broken system at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey (R) said he’s working on legislation that would allow veterans to sue VA workers that provide inadequate care. “People who willfully misrepresent, lied about veterans’ health status or put them falsely on a list for the sake of their own bonus, and delaying care that resulted in some ca...

Congress calls for "transparency" after VA Hospital scandal

Jacqueline Policastro — Tue, 3 Jun 2014 15:05:00 EDT

Transparency. That is what U.S. Senators are calling for, in the wake of the VA Hospital Scandal. And now, there are at least four plans floating around Capitol Hill to reach that goal. “It's unacceptable how long the wait times are,” said Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH). Outrageous that they are actually hiding it which is fraud.” Senate Republicans, like Portman, are pushing for the a reform plan called the VA Management Accountability Act. “It simply allows the secretary and his top management to ...

Obama press secretary Carney resigns

Fri, 30 May 2014 15:43:00 EDT

White House press secretary Jay Carney became the news instead of just delivering it Friday, when President Barack Obama unexpectedly interrupted the daily media briefing to announce Carney's resignation after three and a half years as his primary spokesman.

Shinseki resigns amid veterans' health care issues

Rebecca Regnier — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:47:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned Friday after publicly apologizing for systemic problems plaguing the agency's health care system. President Barack Obama said he accepted the retired four-star general's resignation "with considerable regret" during an Oval Office meeting. Shinseki had been facing mounting calls to step down from lawmakers in both parties since a scathing internal report out Wednesday found broad and deep-seated problems in the sprawling hea...

As nation remembers fallen, VA scandal still lingers

Mariam Khan — Mon, 26 May 2014 19:50:00 EDT

It is a day to remember those who died serving. But across the nation, there is uproar over the alleged cover-up at the Department of Veterans Affairs. “It is dishonorable. It is disgraceful. And I will not tolerate it, period,” said President Barrack Obama last week during a press conference. Employees of more than two dozen veterans hospitals across the country are accused of “cooking the books” by manipulating records to hide long delays in treating injured veterans. Pennsylvania Congr...

WWII Memorial celebrates 10 year anniversary

Lauren Adams — Fri, 23 May 2014 15:49:00 EDT

Thirty years ago it was just an idea, then ground broke, and now the WWII memorial in Washington, DC is celebrating its tenth anniversary. “You have to spend your energy on what counts, this counts,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH). In the lalate 1980'sKaptur authored a bill to create the memorial, to celebrate veterans and their families. “The World War Two generations, unselfishly, gave our future to us,” Kaptur said. “So we owe them everything!” Over the past decade, the memorial has drawn m...

Toledo officers remember fallen comrades

Wed, 14 May 2014 15:42:00 EDT

Standing in front of the U.S. Capitol, five Toledo police officers remember their fallen comrades. They came to Washington, D.C. with each other, and thousands of other officers from around the world. “That’s really what it is all about,” said Steven Zarecki of the Toledo Police Department, “coming down here and not forgetting those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.” That ultimate sacrifice is on display with events throughout the week, where officers gather together and bond over brot...

Nigeria kidnappings bring awareness to domestic trafficking problems

Fri, 9 May 2014 14:58:00 EDT

With the release of a chilling video made by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria, the response from Washington, Hollywood, and the online world has been enormous. #BringBackOurGirls – it’s not just a mission aimed at what’s happening abroad. The horror of the Nigerian kidnappings has placed even more focus on those who force young girls here in the United States into sex slavery. With an estimated 100,000 trafficked children in the U.S. every year, the largest group of trafficking victims are yo...

Senator Brown wants more funding for roads, bridges

Wed, 7 May 2014 17:58:00 EDT

Congress is facing a fast-approaching deadline, with funding for highways set to expire soon. That could mean the 2,200 structurally deficient bridges across Ohio, may not be fixed. “It means we need to invest and Congress has got to do it now,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). Brown wants his colleagues to re-authorize the Highway Trust Fund, which provides funding for structural improvements and upgrades to roads and bridges across the country. Brown says, passing it, will help the local eco...

Camp determined to win tax reform battle

Wed, 7 May 2014 17:47:00 EDT

Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI) might be retiring but he said his work in Congress is not over yet. Camp said tax reform is all about the American dream. Now, he’s on a public relations campaign with pamphlets, trying to convince other members of Congress that his ideas need to become law. “Do we want to have a growing economy, do we want to have more jobs, do we want to have higher wages? Tax reform is one of the things we can do to get us there,” Camp said. It’s a tough sell, so Camp said ...

Worker rights for pregnant women

Wed, 7 May 2014 14:47:00 EDT

Moms, moms-to-be and lawmakers gathered at the Capitol on Tuesday, to fight for pregnant women’s rights in the workplace. Emily Martin, Vice President of the National Women’s Law Center, led the meeting that included activists, Senators and members of Congress. Martin said pregnant women deserve accommodations at work. “If you need a temporary accommodation at work because of pregnancy, whether because you need to stay healthy, or because you have a complication,” she said, “you have a right ...

As Ukraine conflict continues, Kaptur demands more sanctions

Lauren Adams — Fri, 2 May 2014 14:40:00 EDT

Just this week, the Obama Administration imposed additional sanctions on allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin for their involvement in the conflict with Ukraine. But Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) says more needs to be done. “I would support further sanctions,” Kaptur said. Kaptur is a strong supporter of Ukraine and its people since the conflicts began. She and her congressional colleagues already created an aid package for the country, providing financial support and additional as...

Hillary for president, Stabenow says

Mariam Khan — Thu, 1 May 2014 17:50:00 EDT

There is serious girl power happening in the United States Senate right now and it could lead straight to the White House. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) is making it clear: she wants former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to lead the nation. “People are so excited and so enthused. We’re chomping at the bit to get involved to support her,” Stabenow said. Stabenow said the Democratic women of the Senate support Clinton, not just because she is a woman, but because they think she is the bes...

Honor Flight braves torrential downpour to visit WWII Memorial

Mariam Khan — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:33:00 EDT

It was an emotional day for many veterans who braved the wind and the rain to visit the World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital. “It means a lot, it means a lot,” said Paul Stowell, a veteran who traveled from Toledo with the Northwest Ohio Honor Flight. “I'm glad to be here,” Stowell said. “I'm proud to have served, I did my part.” Nearly 60 veterans made the trip to see the memorial. They took pictures, they learned about the memorial, and they proudly displayed their branch of serv...

Federal minimum wage hike tops national agenda

Mariam Khan — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 10:51:00 EDT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lawmakers are expected to vote on Wednesday on whether or not to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour. It has support from many Americans, many Congressional Democrats and President Obama, but still, it's a long-shot effort to get it through Congress. “There is a moral issue here in addition to a very practical economic societal interest,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). The fight is taking shape again during a political year, with one-third of t...

Ralliers demand increase to wages

Mariam Khan — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:40:00 EDT

WASHINGTON – “No to poverty wages and no to corporate tax giveaways!” The chants could be heard all over the Capitol grounds. Hundreds of people from all over the country gathered Monday afternoon to share their frustrations with income inequality and corporate tax breaks.Democrats in Congress, as well as the Obama Administration, are listening, and are calling for a raise to the federal minimum wage.“We need a strong voice and there is power in numbers,” said Steven Walls, who traveled from ...

Oak Harbor marathon runner returns to Boston 1 year after bombing

Jacqueline Policastro — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 15:11:00 EDT

Apling was in Boston at the time of the bombings last year. He witnessed the explosion just over an hour after he finished the race. He said it sounded like a cannon was being shot.

OH Senator wants to help students in debt

Lauren Adams — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:43:00 EDT

One Ohio Senator is working on legislation to help students *before they borrow loans, and help students who are facing thousands of dollars of debt.

Sex trafficking survivor speaks out on Capitol Hill

Jacqueline Policastro — Mon, 7 Apr 2014 16:55:00 EDT

She goes by the nickname "T." Lawmakers call her one of the most courageous congressional witnesses they have ever met.

Senate to vote on unemployment insurance

Mariam Khan — Mon, 7 Apr 2014 12:56:00 EDT

The Senate is almost at an agreement but the compromise is not a done deal yet.

GM CEO continues testimony on Capitol Hill

Lauren Adams — Thu, 3 Apr 2014 13:34:00 EDT

GM CEO Mary Barra continued her testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. This time, she testified in front of a Senate committee.

Grieving families demand answers

Lauren Adams — Thu, 3 Apr 2014 11:45:00 EDT

General Motors is in the hot seat on Capitol Hill this week, after allegations that the company knew of defects in some car models 10 years ago.

Rep. Dave Camp calls it quits

Wed, 2 Apr 2014 11:23:00 EDT

Even though he holds one of the most powerful positions in Congress, the Ways and Means Chairman is walking into the unknown.

Some lawmakers want delay in individual mandate

Lauren Adams — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 17:04:00 EDT

Some lawmakers, including Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) want to see a one-year delay in the implementation of the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act.

Lawmakers and activists: search for missing kids will help end trafficking

Jacqueline Policastro — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:57:00 EDT

Lawmakers and activists: search for missing kids will help end trafficking

U Toledo professor pushes for prosecution of men who buy sex

Jacqueline Policastro — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:25:00 EDT

U Toledo professor pushes for prosecution of men who buy sex

"We're bound by red tape." Former FBI agents speak out

Jacqueline Policastro — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 16:28:00 EDT

Bill Roccia and Bill Radcliffe spent 15 years working together as agents for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Toledo, but now they are in a new fight.

Toledo community leaders combat sex trafficking

Jacqueline Policastro — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:49:00 EDT

In a packed room at the United Way in Toledo, community members discuss the very real problem of sex trafficking.

Toledo sex trafficking victims speak out

Jacqueline Policastro — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 16:12:00 EDT

Toledo sex trafficking victims speak out

Midterm Election battle heats up

Mariam Khan — Fri, 7 Mar 2014 13:25:00 EST

The biggest conservative political heavyweights are spending time with their biggest fans this weekend at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, MD.

Lawmakers weigh in on proposed military budget cuts

Lauren Adams — Tue, 4 Mar 2014 18:19:00 EST

Could the US Military soon downsize to its smallest numbers since before World War 2? Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel recently proposed billions of dollars in military budget cuts.

OH AG responds to "pay-to-play" accusations

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 17:16:00 EST

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is in Washington and he responds to accusations about an alleged pay-to-play operation.

Keystone pipeline project up in the air

Mariam Khan — Fri, 7 Feb 2014 12:36:00 EST

It's been a controversial idea since it was introduced five years ago, but now the debate is heating up over the possible Keystone XL Pipeline project.

Jacqueline Policastro Bio

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 11:05:00 EST

I'm the 13abc Washington Bureau Chief. I'm based in Washington, DC and I cover Congress and the White House for WJRT-TV Flint, MI; WTVG-TV Toledo, OH; WENY-TV Elmira, NY; and WICU/WSEE Erie, PA. I also cover the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. I created the Washington Bureau along with Lilly Broadcasting back in 2007.