Article snippet: SCOT LEHIGH In the absences of leadership, US senators have to take matters into their own hands. Michael A. Cohen What sets America apart from other countries is how little we value the lives of our fellow citizens. Renée Graham Democrats want diverse and progressive representation, not just the same revolving door of old white guys. The president’s former personal lawyer agreed to testify before the House Oversight Committee next month and give “a full and credible account” of his work for Trump. House Republicans on Thursday criticized a fellow GOP lawmaker for making what they said were “racist” comments. Political Notebook Trump cited what he called the Democrats’ intransigence on his funding request to build a wall along the United States’ southern border. On his way to visit the border, President Trump tried to clarify his past promise that Mexico would pay for the wall: “I never meant they’re going to write out a check.” President Trump edged closer Thursday to declaring a national emergency in an extraordinary end run around Congress to fund his long-promised border wall. Asked about Cohen’s appearance before the House Oversight Committee, Trump said that he’s “not worried about it at all.” The senator told reporters that he thanked the women ‘‘from the bottom of my heart for speaking out’’ and formally apologized to them. Hyde Park resident McCarthy, who represents District 5, says he will serve the remainder of his term. Elizab... Link to the full article to read more