Senate committee advances ‘threat-sharing’ cybersecurity bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee voted 14-1 on Thursday to approve a bill intended to enhance information sharing between private companies and intelligence agencies about cybersecurity threats.
Obama budget would shrink deficits by $1.2 trillion over 10 years: CBO
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama’s fiscal 2016 budget proposal would shrink U.S. deficits by $1.232 trillion over 10 years compared to those expected under current tax and spending laws, the Congressional Budget Office said on Thursday.
Republicans stand by Iran letter, despite furor
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator John McCain said on Thursday that Republicans stood behind a letter to Iran’s leaders threatening to undo any nuclear deal despite an outpouring of criticism from the White House, U.S. allies and Democrats.
Obama has full confidence in Secret Service Director Clancy: White House
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) – President Barack Obama has full confidence in Secret Service Director Joe Clancy to pursue reforms needed at the agency in the wake of several scandals, White House spokesman Eric Schultz said on Thursday.
Obama spoke with Afghan leaders on Thursday: White House
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan on Thursday to urge faster progress toward an “inclusive national unity government” there, the White House said.
Senate Democrats oppose ‘blank check’ for Islamic State fight
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Democrats made clear on Wednesday they have serious concerns about President Barack Obama’s war authorization request for his Islamic State campaign, although they hoped lawmakers could pass a compromise measure.
Kerry tells Republicans: you cannot modify Iran-U.S. nuclear deal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told Republicans who control Congress on Wednesday they would not be able to modify any nuclear agreement struck between the United States and Iran.
Republican high hopes for balanced budget face Senate battle
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A major goal of the new Republican-led U.S. Congress, passing a balanced budget, could be in jeopardy amid disagreements within the party over easing constraints on defense spending.
Mind your manners, Venezuela tells U.S. official Jacobson
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s top diplomat called a senior U.S. official “petulant” and ill-mannered on Wednesday in response to her contention that sanctions were intended to change the government, not topple it.
Reported atrocities by Iraqi forces could risk aid under U.S. law
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Reported atrocities by Iraqi soldiers could risk some U.S. aid under a law forbidding assistance to those responsible for human rights abuses if they are confirmed, a key senator cautioned on Wednesday.
