Here is what is trending in politics around Georgia and across the nation on Wednesday
1. Report: Justice Department to investigate, sue colleges over affirmative action
The Justice Department will investigate and sue colleges and universities over affirmative action admission policies that put some white student applicants at a disadvantage, The New York Times reported Tuesday. An internal Justice Department document said the agency would be litigating cases "related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions."
2. Graves says tax plan depends on health care reform
U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, (R-Georgia, 14), said the House plans to begin hearings on tax reform when members return after the August recess. Graves, who visited with constituents in the Rome area on Tuesday, said much of the tax reform plan depends on the Senate passing some version of health care reform, the Rome News Tribune reported.
3. Fox sued for over Seth Rich story
A private investigator is suing Fox News Channel, claiming the network quoted him as saying things he did not say about the unsolved killing of Seth Rich, a former Democratic Committee staffer. According to The Associated Press, Rod Wheeler, a paid commentator for the news network and a private investigator, claimed in the suit that Fox made up quotes attributed to him that suggested Rich had given DNC material to WikiLeaks.
4. Wray confirmed as new FBI head
Christopher Wray was confirmed as the new head of the FBI on Tuesday by a 92-5 vote in the Senate. The Atlanta attorney had served as assistant attorney general in charge of the Criminal Division in President George W. Bush's administration.
5. Funding for VA program championed by Isakson wins Senate approval
The Senate passed two bills Tuesday, one advancing a $3.9 billion emergency spending package and the other cutting the time it takes for the VA to handle appeals over disputed disability payouts, the Washington Post reported. Georgia Sen. Johnny Isakson, (R), head of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, worked on the deal that provides $2.1 billion to continue funding the Veterans Choice Program. Under the program, the federal government pays for private medical care for veterans if they must wait more than 30 days for an appointment at a VA facility.
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