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Moderate Dems Swayed Ahead Of Health Bill Vote

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:29:19 GMT

Suitably opaque, Section 2006 takes up only a few dozen lines in a sweeping health care bill that runs to 2,074 pages and mentions neither Sen. Mary Landrieu nor her state of Louisiana. But the section's purpose is indisputable: to deliver $100 million or more in federal funds to the state. And in the process clear the way for one of three moderate Democratic fence-sitters — Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas are the others — to help propel the legislation past its initial hurdle in a crucial Saturday vote.

Test Vote Set For Senate Health Care Bill

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:11:25 GMT

A wavering centrist Democrat said Friday he'd stand with Senate Democratic leaders on a crucial weekend test vote on their sweeping health care bill amid indications other moderates would fall in line. The announcement from Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., came as Senate leaders pushed ahead toward the make-or-break vote with no margin for rebellion on President Obama's signature issue.

No Punishment For Sen. Burris' False Statements

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:11:57 GMT

The Senate Ethics Committee has concluded that U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., broke no laws, but blasted him for providing "incorrect, inconsistent, misleading or incomplete information to the public" about his appointment to office.

Bacteria Prompts Vicks Nasal Spray Recall

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:21:23 GMT

The Procter & Gamble Co. has recalled some 120,000 bottles of Vicks Sinex nasal spray after the company found bacteria in samples during routine testing.

Sources: Giuliani To Run For Senate, Not Governor

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:20:45 GMT

It looks like former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani will be running after all, but it turns out it won't be for governor, sources told CBS station WCBS-TV on Thursday. Giuliani has set his sights on running for the United States Senate, sources said.

Report: Senate Health Bill To Cost $849B

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:05:54 GMT

The political stakes enormous, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid launched long-awaited health care legislation Wednesday estimated to extend coverage to 94 percent of eligible Americans at a cost of $849 billion. Initial maneuvering on the Senate floor was expected later in the week on the measure, bitterly opposed by Republicans eager to deny President Barack Obama a victory on his top domestic priority.

Byrd Shatters Record For Congressional Service

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:18:32 GMT

Sen. Robert C. Byrd became history's longest-serving member of Congress on Wednesday, earning a formal salute from the Senate and President Barack Obama for his nearly 57 years of service. "I've loved every precious minute of it," the frail West Virginia Democrat, who turns 92 on Friday, said during a day of floor tributes to him, and moments before the Senate passed a resolution marking the milestone.

Confusion Over Site Tracking Stimulus Money

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:01:04 GMT

President Obama promised it would be easy to track how economic stimulus funds – nearly $1 trillion worth – are being spent. To make that happen, the federal government set up the website "recovery.gov." But a quick stop at that website Wednesday morning left Eyewitness News with more questions than answers.

Ethics Panel: S.C. Gov. Should Face Charges

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:04:37 GMT

An ethics panel says South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford should face charges he violated state laws tied to a three-month investigation into his travel and campaign finances. The State Ethics Commission on Wednesday didn't provide details of its decision or the specific charges Sanford would face during a hearing of the panel early next year.

Gates Names Official To Review Fort Hood

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:46:01 GMT

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has tapped a former senior defense official to lead a broad Pentagon review of the circumstances surrounding the Fort Hood shootings, The Associated Press has learned. Gates will announce Thursday that the unified review will involve a number of components, and will call for a quick, short-term report, followed by a longer, more extensive study, according to an administration official.