Clinton meets with NATO amid talk of new momentum
BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joined a NATO foreign ministers meeting Friday to sell the new U.S. war plan for Afghanistan to wary allies, and the top NATO official predicted a "new momentum" in the war effort in 2010. Clinton told reporters traveling with her from Washington that she was encouraged by an expected series of announcements by allied nations of additional military, civilian and financial support in Afghanistan.
Dems seeking compromise on public insurance option
WASHINGTON (AP) — On the Senate floor, Democrats are debating Republicans on health care. Behind the scenes, they're debating each other. Those closed-door discussions may be less predictable — and more consequential — as majority Democrats struggle to settle controversies within the party that are standing in the way of passage of President Barack Obama's sweeping health care overhaul. The most contentious of these is a proposal for the government to sell insurance in competition with private companies, an approach supported by liberals but opposed by most Democratic moderates and conservatives.
Obama, lawmakers target bailout fund for jobs bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's options for spurring job growth may be limited by out-of-control budget deficits, but he is warming to moves by his congressional allies for a jobs-boosting bill. Taking his defense of the economy on the road, the president scheduled appearances Friday in Pennsylvania to showcase innovative businesses following Thursday's White House jobs forum. That event combined cheerleading and brainstorming as Obama exhorted more than 100 CEOs, academics, small business and union leaders and local officials to focus on new ways to get businesses hiring again.
Few concerns as US-Russian nuclear treaty expires
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Cold War-era nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia expires Friday, but its key provisions are likely to remain in effect while negotiators work out the final details of a replacement treaty. Neither the U.S. nor Russia anticipates security problems after expiration of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Negotiators had given up hope months ago of having a new deal ratified and in place before the expiration at midnight Greenwich Mean Time, which is 7 p.m. EST.
Sarah Palin's fans push for 2012 presidential run
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Lynn Giese calls Sarah Palin the best thing that's happened to the U.S. in a long time, and the 57-year-old housewife says she'd work tirelessly for the former Alaska governor were she to run for president in 2012. "I'd do anything, go anywhere," said Giese, of Bokoshe, Okla., while waiting in line at a Sam's Club in Arkansas where Palin signed copies of "Going Rogue," her best-selling memoir.
Secret Service benches 3 over gatecrashing
WASHINGTON (AP) — Three Secret Service officers have been put on administrative leave after the security breach at last week's White House dinner, an episode President Barack Obama said hasn't shaken his confidence in his protectors. The president nevertheless acknowledged Thursday that the "the system didn't work the way it was supposed to."
House votes to extend tax on wealthy estates
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Thursday to indefinitely extend a 45 percent inheritance tax on estates larger than $3.5 million, canceling a one-year repeal of the tax set to begin next month. A similar effort is afoot in the Senate, but the health care debate there could preclude action on the estate tax before Congress breaks later this month for holidays. There are also disagreements among senators over the tax rate and the size of estates that should be exempt, further clouding the bill's prospects.
Congress worries about Obama's plan for Pakistan
WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing the prospect of more American deaths in Afghanistan as the war escalates, lawmakers lashed out at neighboring Pakistan on Thursday as an unreliable ally that could spare the U.S. its bruising fight with al-Qaida if it wanted. "They don't seem to want a strategic relationship," New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez said of the government in Islamabad. "They want the money. They want the equipment. But at the end of the day, they don't want a relationship that costs them too much."
Obama family lights National Christmas Tree
WASHINGTON (AP) — Surrounded by celebrity performers and characters from the North Pole, the Obama family on Thursday led a countdown and lighted the National Christmas Tree. First lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha helped President Barack Obama press a button to light the tree, an annual tradition since the 1920s. "I'm technologically challenged and I might not get this right," the president joked. "Everybody has got to help me out here."
Pelosi: Bailout money to fund jobs initiative
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats are looking to tap as much as $70 billion in unused funds from the Wall Street bailout to pay for new spending on roads and bridges and to save the jobs of firefighters, teachers and other public employees, officials said Thursday. After talks with the administration officials such as Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Democratic lawmakers are eyeing what remains from last year's $700 billion financial rescue package as a way to finance job-related legislation. Two House Democratic aides said the figure could be as high as $70 billion.
