Obama looks at highways, small biz in jobs plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is promoting help for highways and small businesses, bridges and energy-efficient homes in a broad pitch to get Americans back to work and roll back the double-digit unemployment that's approaching a quarter-century high, an administration official said Tuesday. In a speech prepared for delivery Tuesday, Obama plans to talk about what he wants to see in the coming weeks and months — chiefly, more Americans in the workplace and fewer on unemployment, which now stands at 10 percent. The White House worked around the clock in recent days to pull together the president's speech.
Afghan leader: Help needed to pay for larger army
KABUL (AP) — Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Tuesday it will be at least 15 years before his government can bankroll a security force strong enough to protect the country from the threat of insurgency. Speaking at a news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Karzai repeated his claim that Afghan security forces would take the lead in securing the nation within five years. But Gates suggested the U.S. can't wait that long.
Congress wants general to explain war exit plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan goes before two congressional panels Tuesday, certain to face questions about how he will use an emergency infusion of 30,000 U.S. forces and whether those troops will begin to be brought home in 18 months. Gen. Stanley McChrystal is the star witness for a second round of congressional questioning since President Barack Obama announced the Afghanistan war surge last week. McChrystal had warned of failure without an addition of about 40,000 U.S. forces and, like other military leaders, he has made clear that the 18-month timeline is not a firm deadline to close out the war.
Questions and answers about EPA action on warming
A big meeting in Copenhagen. A cap-and-trade bill in Congress. And now, a determination by the Environmental Protection Agency that global warming pollution is a threat to public health — a move that clears the way for the first-ever federal regulations targeting climate-changing emissions. Confused about the EPA's action on greenhouse gases?
Watered-down 'public plan' emerges in Senate
WASHINGTON (AP) — They may still call it a "public plan," but private insurers — not the government — would offer coverage under a compromise Democrats are considering to win Senate passage of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. The latest idea bears little resemblance to the original vision outlined by liberals, and embraced by Obama, during the 2008 presidential campaign. That called for the government to sell insurance to workers and their families in competition with industry giants like UnitedHealthcare.
Court takes on federal anti-fraud law
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is considering whether to rein in federal prosecutors' use of a 28-word fraud law that has become a preferred tool in high-profile corporate crime and public corruption cases — and a favorite target of critics. The court is hearing three cases this term, including two Tuesday, in which defendants are challenging the use of the so-called honest services fraud law against them. The law makes it illegal for officials, executives and others to scheme to deprive those they serve and possibly others of "the intangible right to honest services."
Shoals still in path of Wall Street regulations
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sweeping regulations to tame Wall Street and protect consumers in dealings with lenders are on the verge of passing the House but their fate is hardly sealed. Crucial pieces are still flashpoints, fiercely opposed by various sectors of the financial services industry and likely to be fought on the House floor and beyond.
Feds ask for power to oversee rail transit safety
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration wants Congress to give the federal government power to oversee the safety of subways, light rail and other urban train systems. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is slated to testify Tuesday before a House panel on a plan to give the Federal Transit Administration authority to set standards for and inspect 50 rail transit systems in 27 states.
Groups try simple steps to avoid hospital rebound
WASHINGTON (AP) — Talk about unnecessary misery: One in five Medicare patients winds up back in the hospital within a month — even worse, one in four patients with heart failure. A major push is under way around the country to cut rehospitalizations, in part by arming patients with simple steps to keep their recovery on track — like getting past harried receptionists for quicker follow-up doctor visits, and reducing medication confusion.
House panel to consider subpoenaing Salahis
WASHINGTON (AP) — The couple who crashed President Barack Obama's first state dinner may be subpoenaed to appear before a House committee looking into the security breach. The Homeland Security Committee plans to vote Wednesday on whether to subpoena reality TV hopefuls Michaele and Tareq Salahi to testify.
