Congressional Democrats warm to Iran nuclear deal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrats in Congress said on Wednesday they were warming to the nuclear agreement with Iran, and Vice President Joe Biden, sent to Capitol Hill to pitch the deal, said he was optimistic it would not be blocked by the majority Re…
Obama launches project for more broadband in public housing
WASHINGTON/DURANT, Okla. (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama announced a pilot project on Wednesday aimed at expanding broadband access for people who live in public housing, part of an effort to close what Obama called the “digital divide” between…
Senate Republicans rebuff Democrats over transportation safety
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Senate Republicans on Wednesday gave oversight approval to a measure intended to facilitate multi-year highway funding efforts in Congress but came under fire from Democrats who said the measure rolled back key rail and highway s…
Congress to probe Planned Parenthood use of aborted fetus tissue
(Reuters) – Republican U.S. congressional leaders on Wednesday launched an investigation of Planned Parenthood after a video implying it sells the organs of aborted fetuses was released on the Internet. The reproductive health group said the video is f…
Exclusive: Carter to travel to Saudi Arabia to discuss Iran, says Rice
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter will travel to Saudi Arabia as part of the Obama administration’s efforts to convince skeptical allies in the region about the benefits of the Iran nuclear deal, National Security Adviser Susan R…
U.S. official hopeful that cash-strapped Haiti can hold elections
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – There is a “fairly good chance” legislative elections in Haiti will happen as scheduled in August, a U.S. State Department official said on Wednesday, adding that the United States will provide more funds to assure polling goes s…
Alaska governor pushes to expand Medicaid program for the poor
JUNEAU, Alaska (Reuters) – Alaska Governor Bill Walker is set to announce on Thursday plans to expand the Medicaid health program for the poor, which would bring coverage to more than 40,000 uninsured residents.
Obama: Iran deal is only alternative to more Mideast war
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama, seeking to sell the Iran nuclear deal to skeptical U.S. lawmakers and nervous allies, insisted on Wednesday the landmark agreement was the only alternative to a nuclear arms race and more war in the Middle…
Lockheed wins U.S. approval to upgrade fighter jets for South Korea
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. government on Wednesday said it had approved Lockheed Martin Corp to upgrade 134 U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters for South Korea with new mission computers, radars and other equipment in a deal worth an estimated $2.5 billio…
McCain raises concerns about possible China bid for Micron Tech
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican U.S. Senator John McCain on Wednesday raised concerns about the potential national security implications of a proposed bid by China’s Tsinghua Unigroup Ltd’s [TSHUAA.UL] to acquire U.S. chip maker Micron Technology Inc…