‘Visa waiver’ travelers would be fingerprinted under Senate bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Travelers to the United States from “visa waiver” nations would have to provide fingerprints and photos under a U.S. Senate bill to intensify scrutiny of foreigners, one of several border-tightening measures offered since the Par…
U.S. top court gives Texas more time in immigration case
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday gave Texas more time to file court papers in its legal dispute with the federal government over President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration in a move that would still allow the justi…
House-Senate negotiators agree on U.S. highway bill, revive Ex-Im Bank
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S House and Senate lawmakers reached agreement on Tuesday on a $305 billion, five-year transportation bill that would revive the politically embattled Export-Import Bank while funding roads, bridges and mass transit.
U.S. nominee to be Myanmar envoy does not see big sanctions changes
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama’s nominee to be ambassador to Myanmar said on Tuesday he does not anticipate major changes in U.S. sanctions in the wake of the country’s historic election last month.
Syrian refugee issue to be ‘dealt with’ in U.S. funding bill: McConnell
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Tuesday the Syrian refugee issue will likely be addressed in a must-pass government funding bill this month.
U.S. defense leaders back congressional war authorization vote
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter and the top U.S. military officer, Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, said on Tuesday Congress should debate and vote on a formal authorization to use military force against Islamic State.
House unlikely to override Obama veto of refugee bill, says Hoyer
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Representative Steny Hoyer, the number two Democrat in the House, said on Tuesday there would not be enough votes in the chamber to override President Barack Obama’s promised veto of a bill tightening the clearance process for re…
Illinois to make full December pension payment
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Illinois will make the full $560 million December contribution to its retirement systems after the November pension payment was delayed by the state’s ongoing budget impasse, a spokesman for the state comptroller said on Tuesday.
Powerful New York legislator Silver convicted in bribery case
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Sheldon Silver, one of New York state’s most powerful politicians for two decades, was convicted on Monday of abusing his office to collect as much as $4 million in illegal bribes and kickbacks.
Puerto Rico has begun to default, governor says; status of payment unclear
NEW YORK/SAN JUAN (Reuters) – Puerto Rico has begun to default on its debt in order to pay top-priority borrowings backed by its constitution and protect the commonwealth’s people, Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla said on Tuesday, but the status of a …
