5 things you need to know Thursday

New health care bill makes its way to the House

In a huge political test for Republicans and President Trump, the House is scheduled to vote Thursday on the Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The GOP's American Health Care Act retains some parts of Obamacare, prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage to sick people. But it would no longer penalize people who don't buy insurance and would phase out the ACA's expansion of Medicaid to poor Americans. The GOP bill faces solid opposition by Democrats and some conservative Republicans, who claim they have enough "no" votes to stop it after frenzied last-minute meetings.  Even if the bill passes the House, it will likely be amended in the Senate, where Republicans hold a mere 52-48 majority.

After terror attack, U.K. Parliament reopens

Parliament was resuming normal operations Thursday, one day after a terror attack struck London. The attack, which took place near the United Kingdom's Parliament, left at least four dead and 40 more injured after an unidentified lone attacker mowed down several people on Westminster Bridge and stabbed a police officer before being shot dead by law enforcement. Prime Minister Theresa May, who confirmed she was in Parliament at the time, called the incident a "sick and depraved terrorist attack." Authorities said additional armed forces will patrol the streets following the first serious terrorist incident in Britain since 2013.

Gorsuch makes his final plea to the Senate Judiciary Committee

Neil Gorsuch, President Trump’s pick for the Supreme Court, faces his final stretch of Senate hearings Thursday. Gorsuch, who has been probed all week by the Senate Judiciary Committee, seems headed for confirmation to the nation’s highest court after Wednesday's hearing. Whereas the past week primarily featured Gorsuch responding to questions and thoughts from senators, Thursday will give outside voices a chance to give their opinions on Trump’s nominee.

It's time for the Sweet 16! 

Just 16 teams remain standing after the dust settled from the first and second round of the NCAA tournament. Action starts up again Thursday, with a berth in the Final Four just two victories away. There's also some coaching bonuses on the line. The Midwest Region in Kansas City, Mo., will see local favorite Kansas with a decided home-crowd advantage when the No. 1 seed meets Purdue. In the other game, Michigan, which hasn’t lost since its plane crashed during takeoff prior to the Big Ten tournament, tangles with Oregon. Meanwhile, in the West Region, Gonzaga will be tested by the press of West Virginia, followed by a clash between Arizona and Xavier. The Musketeers, who were previously led by Wildcats coach Sean Miller, are the lone double-digit seed left in the field. Who will make the difference in the Sweet 16? Here are eight candidates.

At long last, Agriculture secretary nominee faces Senate

Seventy-three days after he was picked by then-president-elect Trump to be Agriculture secretary, Sonny Perdue will finally appear for his Senate confirmation hearing. The long delay was due to the former Georgia governor's decision to take steps to avoid conflicts of interest. Perdue, 70, agreed to have his family wealth preservation trust restructured so that he will have no say in its investments. Perdue and Alexander Acosta, Trump’s second choice for Labor secretary after the first candidate withdrew, are the last Cabinet picks awaiting confirmation.

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