Politics

From the start, Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo) has been critical of the Obama administration’s response to the attack on the U.S. consulate in Libya last September that resulted in the death of an ambassador and three other Americans. And on Thursday, Blunt had the opportunity to question departing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta about the attack.

Panetta testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee in what will likely be his final appearance before Congress.

The recent hostage crisis at a gas plant in Algeria, and Islamist violence in Mali, both illustrate the reach of jihadist movements in Northern Africa.

Legislation that would revive three benevolent tax credits that died last year has been passed by the Missouri House.

During a visit with business and healthcare leaders on the MU campus Thursday. Governor Jay Nixon said expanding Missouri's Medicaid program would bring more federal money to the state and create about 24,000 new jobs in the first year. Nixon called the expansion a smart business decision that would bring Missouri taxpayer money back into the state.

Missouri House Republicans are considering a policy to let lawmakers continue smoking in their offices while encouraging them to be "conscientious" and "respectful."

Smoking is barred in the House chamber and public galleries. House rules require the Republican and Democratic caucuses to establish smoking policies for legislators' private offices.

House Democrats have decided to bar smoking in their own private offices.