U.S. lawmakers hope for vote on compromise defense bill this year
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Armed Services committees agreed on a slimmed-down defense authorization bill and want a final vote on the measure before Congress leaves for the year, committee leaders sai…
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to hike mortgage guarantee fees
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Government-run Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will raise the fees they charge mortgage lenders for guaranteeing new loans in March to encourage private firms to wade back into the housing finance market.
Obama, Bush fly together to memorial for Mandela
ON BOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) – President Barack Obama brought former President George W. Bush with him to Africa on Monday to attend a memorial for Nelson Mandela in a high-profile show of American respect for the man who vanquished white-minority …
U.S. Congress budget talks could produce Tuesday deal, aides say
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A budget deal aimed at avoiding a U.S. government shutdown on January 15 and relieving federal agencies of some indiscriminate spending cuts that are set to begin with the new year could emerge in Congress on Tuesday, congression…
With IRS under fire, Obama’s tax man choice faces Congress
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama’s choice for U.S. tax commissioner, a multimillionaire with a reputation for troubleshooting, appears headed for confirmation, but on Tuesday will first face some tough questioning in Congress.
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac to hike mortgage guarantee fees
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will raise certain fees they charge mortgage lenders, their regulator said on Monday, a step designed to encourage private firms to wade back into the housing finance market.
U.S. lawmakers hope for vote on compromise defense bill this week
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Armed Services committees have agreed on a slimmed-down defense authorization bill and want the House to vote on the measure before it leaves on its year-end holiday recess …
Former San Diego mayor sentenced to home confinement
SAN DIEGO (Reuters) – Former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner, who resigned his post after a string of sexual harassment allegations, was sentenced on Monday to probation and three months of home confinement on false imprisonment and battery charges involvin…
U.S. senators prepare legislation to pressure Iran
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two U.S. senators are preparing legislation to impose new sanctions on Iran in six months if an interim deal on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program goes nowhere, penalties that Iran’s foreign minister has said would kill the a…
U.S. Supreme Court extends labor board argument, gives Republicans time
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday extended the time it will take to hear a case challenging White House recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board and granted the Senate’s top Republican 15 minutes during the Januar…