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By Jim Forsyth | SAN ANTONIO

SAN ANTONIO Civil rights groups accused Texas Republicans of illegally drawing district maps with the intention of diluting the voting power of minorities at the start of a hearing on Monday on a long-simmering battle over redistricting.

The hearing before a three-judge panel at a U.S. district court in San Antonio could affect U.S. congressional races in the largest Republican-controlled state next year. It comes as the U.S. Supreme Court has been willing to invalidate state electoral maps on the grounds of racial discrimination.

Plaintiffs including voters in contested districts and civil rights groups told the panel that Republicans, who dominate state politics, deliberately drew the lines to undermine the power of groups including Latinos, who make up about 40 percent of the state's population.

Texas did not deny that many districts are serpentine, but its lawyers argued the boundaries were drawn for Republican partisan advantage, which is legal. They dismissed claims the districts were drawn illegally with the intention to disenfranchise racial and ethnic groups, who typically tend to favor Democrats.

The hearing, expected to take a week, is part of a six-year legal battle over the maps. The panel in March dealt a blow to the state when in a 2-1 decision it ruled Texas lawmakers drew up three U.S. congressional districts to undermine the influence of Hispanic voters.

On the national level, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed in June to decide whether the U.S. Constitution limits how far lawmakers can go to redraw voting districts to favor one political party in a case that could have huge consequences for American elections. A decision is likely several months off.

In May, the Supreme Court found that Republican legislators in North Carolina had drawn two electoral districts to diminish the statewide political clout of black voters.

Texas has 36 congressional districts, with Republicans holding 25 seats from the state in the U.S. House of Representatives and Democrats 11. In recent elections, one district has been considered competitive.

"Every district is very Republican or very Democrat.Does that really help the system?" U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat whose district winds more than 150 miles through south Texas into parts of San Antonio, said in an interview.

Republican consultant Matt Mackowiak said in an interview: "The party that is in power always tries to use redistricting to their advantage. We see that in Texas on the Republican side and we see that in California on the Democratic side."

(Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Matthew Lewis)

NEW YORK Commuters were warned to expect hell going to and from New York City, but on the first day of disruptive repairs at the nation's busiest rail hub on Monday many said their rides were no worse than usual for the crowded, delay-prone transit system.

CHICAGO Three current and former Chicago police officers pleaded not guilty on Monday to felony charges of conspiring to cover up the fatal shooting of an African-American teenager by a white officer, a killing that sparked days of protests.

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Civil rights groups battle Texas Republicans in court on redistricting - Reuters

At least two Republicans in the House of Representatives have shown far more of an interest in one particular life that of Charlie Gard than for the millions of other, less well-known lives already in their care.

Reps. Trent Franks of Arizona and Brad Wenstrup of Ohio are both introducing a bill that will allow Gard, an 11-month-old baby on life support in London, to receive permanent residence in the United States, according to a report by AOL News. Already, the predicament of Gard has become an international issue as a recent judicial ruling prevented Gards parents from traveling abroad with their son to seek more advanced treatment than their national health system was able to give the child.

In a joint statement released on Friday, Franks and Wenstrup argued that our bill will support Charlies parents right to choose what is best for their son, by making Charlie a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. in order for him to receive treatments that could save his life.This is a commendable sentiment and a laudable action.

Franks and Wenstrups willingness to extend their compassion and the legal protections afforded by U.S. citizenship stands in contract to their positions on a number of issues that similarly effect the health of millions of children.

Wenstrup faced protests outside of one of his district offices because of his decision to vote for the American Health Care Act, which will undo many of the protections received by the sick and poor by President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act.Franks also voted for the bill, although he initially opposed it because he wanted to make sure itretained anti-abortion provisions and gutted insurance regulations.

A number of studies have found that removing people from their health insurance, as would happen in roughly 22 million cases under the current Republican health care bill, will almost certainly cause a large number of deaths. Both congressmen have, nonetheless, supported repeal.

As well, Wenstrup hasopposed admitting Syrian refugees into the United States, thus taking a position that would preventat-risk children from getting healthcare and, one presumes, return them to a war zone. Franks has similarly supported President Donald Trumps proposal to applyextreme vettingto immigrants coming from nations with Islamist terrorist ties, another move which would, in turn, prevent both adults and children from getting necessary healthcare.

Perhaps most interestingly, Franks was a co-sponsor of 2009s the Birthright Citizenship Act, a bill that would have required at least one parent of any child newly born on U.S. soil to be either a citizen themselves, a legal resident or alien working for the U.S. armed services in order for that child to receive U.S citizenship. It was designed, by its sponsors own admissions, to prevent anchor babies that is, children born to undocumented residents who would give their parents some leverage applying to extend or make permanent their stays in this country. That and a number of bills like it have failed to become law.

Today, Gards parents provided what a judge called new and powerful medical evidence that, indeed, therapies available only in the U.S. may help the child despite British doctors advice that he be taken off life support.

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Republicans cynically offer Charlie Gard US citizenship to get the health care they won't give to others - Salon

Rep. Mo BrooksMo BrooksGOP Senate candidate: Moderate Republicans are blocking the wall GOP Senate candidate threatens shutdown over border wall Time to pass National Concealed Carry Reciprocity MORE (R-Ala.), a current candidate for the Senate seat left openby Attorney General Jeff SessionsJeff SessionsDem fumes over Team Trump's 'pattern of convenient forgetfulness' GOP Senate candidate: Moderate Republicans are blocking the wall GOP Senate candidate threatens shutdown over border wall MORE, blamed entrenched Washington special interestsMondayfor holding up the construction of President Trump's promised wall on the border with Mexico.

In a fundraising email, Brooks said that moderate Democrats and Republican big business interests outwaiting Trumps time in officewith an eye towards passing immigration amnesty in the future.

The Wall is being held up because of a tacit deal that has existed for years between moderate Republican big business and Democratic Party, the email read.

The fight to stop Amnesty is a fight for the future of America itself, Brooks said in the email.

The pro-Amnesty crowd is so determined to keep President Trump from doing what the American people elected him to do, that they will stop at nothing to defeat the Wall.

Brooks also called Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.), who has beenappointed to fill Sessionss seat until the election, an establishment Republican backed by pro-Amnesty, establishment money.

The fundraising push comes as Brooks and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moorechallenge Strange in the upcoming August primary.

Brooks also released a campaign adMonday in which he threatened to shut down the government to obtain funding for the border wall.

Elect me to the Senate, and Ill fight every spending bill that doesnt fund that wall. And if I have to filibuster on the Senate floor, Ill even read the King James Bible until the wall is funded, he said in the campaign ad.

Were going to build that wall, or youll know the name of every Republican who surrenders to the Democrats to break my filibuster. I give you my word, and I dont give my word lightly, Brooks continued.

Brooks repeatedly attacked Trump during the presidentialprimary, calling him a "serial adulterer." While Brooks has become a strong supporter of the president since his November victory, his previous criticisms of Trump could pose a problem for him in the Alabama race.

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GOP Senate candidate: Moderate Republicans are blocking the wall - The Hill

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: New York City Police vehicles sit parked outside the perimeter of the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, December 20, 2016 in New York City. Following the fatal truck incident at a holiday market in Berlin, New York City Police has increased security at outdoor Christmas markets throughout the city. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 688901921 less NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 20: New York City Police vehicles sit parked outside the perimeter of the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, December 20, 2016 in New York City. Following the fatal truck incident at a ... more Photo: Drew Angerer Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, R-Smithtown, speak with reporters after meeting with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the state Capitol on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) ORG XMIT: NYHP117 less Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, R-Smithtown, speak with reporters after meeting with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the state Capitol on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) ORG ... more Photo: Hans Pennink NEW YORK, NY - JULY 6: A member of the New York City Police Department leaves a candle at a makeshift memorial for fallen NYPD officer Miosotis Familia outside the 46th Police Precinct, July 6, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. NYPD officer Miosotis Familia, 48, was shot and killed as she sat in a command vehicle in the Bronx in what police are calling an 'unprovoked attack'. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775003415 less NEW YORK, NY - JULY 6: A member of the New York City Police Department leaves a candle at a makeshift memorial for fallen NYPD officer Miosotis Familia outside the 46th Police Precinct, July 6, 2017 in the ... more Photo: Drew Angerer

Senate Republicans tout $4M for NYPD vehicle upgrades

ALBANY State Senate Republicans announced Monday they will steer $4 million in government funds to retrofit New York Police Department vehicles with bulletproof windows and door panels in the wake of the fatal shooting of a city police officer.

OfficerMiosotis Familia was shot and killed while sitting in a police vehicle last week in the Bronx. The violence was reminiscent of the 2014 slaying of two NYPD officers who were shot as they sat in their patrol car.

Bulletproof side panels and windows will be installed on 3,800 patrol vehicles and the department's 72 mobile command units, according to the Senate GOP.

The money will come from the State and Municipal Assistance capital program. The state Division of Budget recently approved the use of $4 million in SAM money for the police vehicle upgrades. Sen. Martin Golden, a Brooklyn Republican and former NYPD officer, said the investment "will save lives."

"Every day we cherish and thank the proud men and women of the NYPD for putting their lives on the line to protect New York's largest city," Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, R-Long Island, said in a statement. "It's only appropriate that we do everything possible to help defend those who defend us."

mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10

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Senate Republicans tout $4M for NYPD vehicle upgrades - Albany Times Union

Senate Republicans returned to Washington from a holiday recess with new and deepening disagreements about their health-care bill, with key Republicans differing Sunday not merely on how to amend the bill, but also on whether a bill could pass at all.

I would probably put that as 50-50, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said in a Fox News Sunday interview.

They will get a repeal and replace bill done, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said on the same show.

My view is its probably going to be dead, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said on CBSs Face the Nation.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells decision to push debate on the Better Care Reconciliation Act past the Independence Day recess was supposed to create space for dealmaking. Legislation of this complexity almost always takes longer than anybody else would hope, McConnell (Ky.) said at a June 27 news conference announcing the delay.

Instead, Republicans have run in different directions, proposing everything from a bipartisan deal to pay for insurance subsidies to a repeal and delay plan that would give them a few years before the Affordable Care Act would be fully gutted.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), the author of a Consumer Freedom Option amendment designed to bring conservatives on board with the bill, spent part of Sunday insisting that its critics were wrong. His amendment, also supported by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), would allow insurers to once again offer cheaper plans that did not include the Affordable Care Acts essential health benefits.

You have millions of people who are winners straight off: young people, said Cruz in a Face the Nation interview. Young people get hammered by Obamacare. Millions of young people suddenly have much lower premiums.

Over the recess, however, key Republicans told local media outlets that the amendment weakened protections that the party had promised to keep in place.

I think that reopens an issue that I cant support, that it would make it too difficult for people with preexisting conditions to get coverage, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) told the Charleston Gazette-Mail on Friday.

Theres a real feeling that thats subterfuge to get around preexisting conditions, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) told Iowa Public Radio on Wednesday. If it is, in fact, subterfuge, and it has the effect of annihilating the preexisting conditions requirement that we have in the existing bill, then obviously I would object to that.

On ABCs This Week, Cruz said that colleagues such as Grassley were simply being misled. Whats being repeated there is what [Senate Minority Leader Charles E.] Schumer said this week, which is that he called it a hoax, he said. Chuck Schumer and Barack Obama know a lot about health-care hoaxes.

Schumers Democrats, meanwhile, have continued campaigning against the BCRA, saying that they will come to the table on health care only if Republicans give up on repeal. Throughout the recess, progressive activists, urged on by Democrats, protested and occupied the offices of Republican senators. On Friday, 16 protesters were arrested at the Columbus office of Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), joining dozens arrested in civil disobedience around the country.

We arent going to allow a handful of Socialists, many of whom are from New York, to disrupt our ability to serve the needs of the Ohio constituents who contact us in need of vital services every day, Portmans office said in a statement.

Still, opponents of the health-care bill were far more visible than its supporters. The pro-Trump organization America First Policies floated then abandoned a plan to organize pro-BCRA rallies. While no prominent Senate Democrats appeared on Sundays talk shows, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) spent the day rallying voters in West Virginia and Kentucky against the bill.

Mitch McConnell is now trying to make side deals in order to win votes, Sanders said in West Virginia. I say to Senator Capito: Please do not fall for that old trick. This legislation is fatally flawed, and no small tweak here or there will undo the massive damage that it will cause to West Virginia and the entire country.

Republicans, meanwhile, were openly talking about next steps if they could not amend the BCRA to win 50 votes. (Vice President Pence, who has signaled that the White House would sign off on any repeal bill, would cast the tiebreaking vote.) On Fox News Sunday, Cassidy suggested that his own bipartisan legislation to continue much of the Affordable Care Act could get a second look, and that in the meantime, Republicans could work with Democrats to provide more subsidies for private plans.

I do think we have to do something for market stabilization, said Cassidy. Otherwise, people who are paying premiums of $20,000, $30,000 and $40,000 will pay even that much more.

Other Republicans, including McConnell, had warned that the BCRAs failure would lead to a deal on subsidies. Yet conservatives, not ruling out the bills passage, spent the weekend talking up another backup plan. At a Republican fundraising dinner in Iowa, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) suggested that Republicans could repeal most of the ACA, forcing Democrats to the table to work on a replacement.

If we cant replace and repeal at the same time, then repeal the law and stay and work on replace full time, said Sasse.

On Fox, Cassidy one of the Senates few physicians said the repeal-and-delay plan was a fantasy.

It gives all the power to people who actually dont believe in President Trumps campaign pledges, who actually dont want to continue to cover and care for preexisting conditions and to lower premiums, Cassidy said. It gives them the stronger hand. I think its wrong.

Read more at PowerPost

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Senate Republicans head back to work with no health-care deal - Washington Post