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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins on Tuesday was recorded making critical comments about the Trump administration's understanding of the legislative process during a Senate subcommittee hearing.

Collins discussed Republican President Donald Trump and the federal budget with Democratic Senator Jack Reed at the end of a Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies subcommittee hearing, according to a tape obtained by the Washington Post.

On the recording, Collins suggests the Office of Management and Budget is being capricious in its approach to reducing spending.

"No thinking about it, no metrics, no nothing. It's just incredibly irresponsible," Collins said, according to a Post report and accompanying audio.

"I think I think he's crazy," Reed replied in an apparent reference to Trump.

"I don't think he knows there is a BCA (Budget Control Act) or anything," Collins later said, apparently referring to the president and a 2011 budget law.

Collins spokeswoman Annie Clark told Reuters that Collins is worried about the elimination of funding for transportation and housing programs in Trump's budget.

Reed spokesman Chip Unruh said the senator was "letting Senator Collins know he's in her corner."

"He has said it publicly and privately: The Trump Administration is behaving erratically and irresponsibly," Unruh said in an email to Reuters.

Later in the recording, Collins also responds to a Republican representative, Blake Farenthold, who said recently that he wished he could to challenge her to a duel over her healthcare bill opposition. Collins was one of just two Senate Republicans on Tuesday who voted against beginning debate on a bill to replace Obamacare.

"Did you see the picture of him in his pajamas next to this Playboy bunny?" Collins asked Reed, saying that Farenthold was "huge," and referencing a 2010 picture of Farenthold that made the rounds on Twitter.

Collins said in a statement that "neither weapons nor inappropriate words" were the right way to resolve legislative disputes.

"I received a handwritten apology from Rep. Farenthold late this morning.I accept his apology, and I offer him mine," she said.

Reporting by Amanda Becker; Editing by Jonathan Oatis

Link:
Republican senator recorded criticizing Trump - Reuters

July 25, 2017, 12:24 p.m.

Sen. Susan Collins is not a big fanof President Trump, but it's doubtful the Maine Republicanwould have said "I'mworried" about his administrationif she had known the comments would be broadcast to theworld.

That's what happened Tuesday when she and Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat, were caught in a candid conversation on a hot microphone, after an appropriations subcommittee session.

The two were overheard expressing concern with Trump's grasp of reality and policy while Collins was heard disparaging the appearance of a Republican House member who had publicly chastised her and other "female senators from the Northeast" who opposed Republican efforts to repeal Obamacare.

The comments were first reported by the Washington Post.

I think hes crazy. I mean, I dont say that lightly and as a kind of a goofy guy, Reedsays at one point, apparently referring to Trump. The remark came after Collins expressed concern that the White House haddrafted a budget that has "no thinking" and is "incredibly irresponsible."

"I'm worried," Collins replied.

The comments from sitting senators from each party are not only embarrassing to Trump, but could also make life difficult for Collins, who is already facing heat for bucking the Republican Party on healthcare.

She's been the most consistent critic of the party's plans to repeal or rewrite Obamacare-- one of two Republicans who voted Tuesday against the motion to begin debate on the healthcare bill.

While many Republican lawmakers express private frustration with Trump, polls show large majoritiesof Republican voters still approve of his performance in office.

Later Tuesday, Collins' office sent a statement fromcommunications director Annie Clark saying that Collins was "worried" about Trump's budget.

"Senator Collins is worried aboutthe elimination of transportation and housing programs in the Presidents budget request that are critically important to local communities across our country," she said, pointing out specific grant programs that Trump has proposed eliminating.

In addition to agreeing with Reed that Trump lacks understanding of the budget process, Collins engages in banter with him aboutTexas GOP Rep.Blake Farenthold. Last week, Farenthold told a radio host that he would love to challenge Collins and other female Republicans who opposed the GOP health bill to a duel.

"If it was a guy from South Texas, I might ask him to step outside and settle this Aaron Burr-style," he said.

On Tuesday, Collins referredto the incident with a laugh.

"Do you know why he challenged you to a duel? Cause you could beat the [expletive] out of him, said Reed.

Hes huge, Collins replies. ...I dont mean to be unkind, but hes so unattractive its unbelievable.

In the same email that clarified her "worried" comments, Collins' office tried to make peace with Farenthold, with a statement from Collins.

"Neither weapons nor inappropriate words are the right way to resolve legislative disputes," she said."I received a handwritten apology from Rep. Farenthold late this morning.I accept his apology, and I offer him mine."

Go here to read the rest:
GOP senator says 'I'm worried' about Donald Trump, calls Republican congressman 'so unattractive' - Los Angeles Times

The Senate on Tuesday night voted against a version of the Republican health care overhaul plan, called the Better Care Reconciliation Act. The procedural vote was technically on whether the amendment complies with the budget act, but practically means that the BCRA can't become law without being substantially rewritten.

This week senators will debate and vote on several more amendments to a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

A vote on a final bill is expected later this week. We are tracking these votes live as they happen.

2. Better Care Reconciliation Act

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Read more from the original source:
How Each Senator Voted on Full Obamacare Repeal-and-Replace - New York Times

Miami Herald

Perez wins Republican primary in special Miami House election Miami Herald Daniel Perez won a special Republican primary in a GOP-leaning Miami state House district Tuesday meaning the attorney and political newcomer is now the heavy favorite to head to Tallahassee in a few months. Perez defeated brewery owner Jose ... and more »

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Perez wins Republican primary in special Miami House election - Miami Herald

Long an outcast in their own party, Log Cabin Republicans, the nation's leading center-right LGBT advocacy group, is being welcomed by Team Trump, and Republicans as a result.

And with the bulk of bigger, better financed but liberal LGBT groups being held at arm's length because of their attacks on President Trump and Republicans, Log Cabin has suddenly become a main driver of key gay and transgender civil rights in Washington.

"It really does hold Log Cabin to be that choice for the entire LGBT community," said newly installed Chairman Sarah Longwell. "We're the only ones who are going to be making sure that Republicans get better every day on our issues," she added.

In just the past two months, Log Cabin officials have met with White House, Education Department, Pentagon, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officials to discuss civil rights issues, said Gregory T. Angelo, president of the group that turns 40 this year.

It is celebrating its anniversary with annual bash at the Trump International Hotel in Washington in September. Last year, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was a headliner.

Recognizing its new influence, Log Cabin has added several political veterans to its board to expand its reach on Capitol Hill and the administration.

Angelo said the Trump Hotel fundraising dinner and expansion of GOP heavy hitters is "a way to show that we are more relevant than ever."

While liberal LGBT groups have been warning of coming a Trump anti-gay crackdown, Log Cabin has seen the opposite from the president, the first Republican ever to mention gay rights at his national nominating convention.

"At best, Trump is a quiet ally," Angelo said. "He's certainly a do no harm' guy," he added of Trump, the first ever Republican presidential nominee to promote gay rights at his nominating convention.

In his first few months, liberal LGBT advocacy groups gave Trump an 'F,' angered with some of his moves, such as withdrawing legal guidance for transgender students that was already tied up in courts. They also slammed some of his appointments and raised questions about immigration policies.

But the White House pleased some with his decision, urged by Log Cabin, to keep in place an executive order from former President Obama barring federal contractors from workplace discrimination. And new White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci is an outspoken LGTB and gay marriage advocate.

Angelo described several positive interactions with the administration and key agencies.

For example, Angelo said that the White House has been responsive to his calls and meeting requests. "It's night and day, no meeting has been denied," he said.

His group has also had meetings with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Longwell called the controversial secretary "incredibly open." Angelo has also met with U.S. officials at the United Nations and the Department of Health and Human Services. And even the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has reached out to Log Cabin.

The group meanwhile has moved to expand its reach and influence by installing connected Republicans on its board and boosting the number of women executives, including Rachel Hoff, who was the first openly gay delegate to serve on the Republican Platform Committee.

In announcing new members, Angelo said, "Fully 40 years since our founding and Log Cabin Republicans continues its growth and influence advocating for a stronger, more inclusive GOP. Our five newest Board members are no strangers to the fight for LGBT rights, and it is with great honor that our National Board of Directors welcomes them into the fold. We are thrilled to bring their many talents to bear as Log Cabin Republicans looks toward its next 40 years." They include:

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com

Original post:
Trump welcomes in Republican LGBT advocates - Washington Examiner