House Republicans to push $40 billion cut to food stamp program
WASHINGTON - House Republicans plan to propose a $40 billion cut to the nation's food stamp program, the head of the House Agriculture Committee said on Thursday, doubling the number of cuts previously sought by conservatives.
Obama nominates John Koskinen to lead IRS
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama on Thursday nominated John Koskinen, who has held a variety of roles in government, to lead the Internal Revenue Service amid a controversy over the agency's scrutiny of conservative political groups.
Senator urges Obama to recommend moving G20 summit outside Russia
WASHINGTON - Senator Charles Schumer urged President Barack Obama to retaliate against Moscow for granting asylum to accused national security leaker Edward Snowden by recommending that the upcoming G20 economic summit be moved outside of Russia.
U.S. rethinking Putin summit after Snowden move
WASHINGTON - High-level talks between Russia and the United States scheduled for next week in Washington are "up in the air" and a September summit also is in doubt after Russia granted asylum to former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
Senate Republicans block $54 billion transport spending bill
WASHINGTON - Republicans in the U.S. Senate blocked passage of a $54 billion spending bill for transportation and housing projects on Thursday, setting up a major clash on spending levels in September that could risk a government shutdown.
China condemns U.S. Senate over sea dispute resolution
BEIJING - China said on Thursday it had lodged a formal complaint with the United States after the U.S. Senate passed a resolution expressing concern about Chinese actions in the disputed East and South China Seas.
Wed, Jul 31 2013
Pentagon warns of tough trade-offs in face of looming cuts
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Wednesday pledged $40 billion in new Pentagon spending reductions over the next decade, but warned that additional cuts required by law posed stark choices that could bend or break the president's defense strategy.
New Snowden leak upstages U.S. move to declassify documents
WASHINGTON - New revelations from former security contractor Edward Snowden that U.S. intelligence agencies have access to a vast online tracking tool came to light on Wednesday, as lawmakers put the secret surveillance programs under greater scrutiny.
NSA chief defends surveillance programs at hacking conference
LAS VEGAS - National Security Agency Director Keith Alexander jousted with a few hecklers as he defended the U.S. spy agency's surveillance programs at the Black Hat security conference on Wednesday, but largely kept the crowd of cybersecurity experts and hackers on his side.
Obama defends Summers as he mulls Fed pick
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama defended Lawrence Summers on Wednesday in the face of concerns by fellow Democrats that the president may name his former economic adviser as chairman of the Federal Reserve, lawmakers said.
McCain, Biden coming together for Sedona, Arizona forum
These days Washington is not known for bipartisanship, but every now and then a breakthrough is made. It is noteworthy that Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat, and Senator John McCain, a Republican, are appearing together at a forum in Sedona, Arizona on Friday.


