CBO: health Care bill expands coverage to 94 percent of eligible coverageWASHINGTON — Health care legislation drafted by a key Senate committee would expand coverage to 94 percent of all eligible Americans at a 10-year cost of $829 billion, congressional budget experts said Wednesday, a preliminary estimate likely to power the measure past a major hurdle within days. Senate health care bill estimated to cost $829 billion, cover 94 percent of AmericansWASHINGTON — Health care legislation drafted by a key Senate committee would expand coverage to 94 percent of the eligible population at a 10-year cost of $829 billion, congressional budget experts said Wednesday in a preliminary estimate. Senate approves apology to American Indians for history of violence against tribesWASHINGTON — The Senate has approved a resolution apologizing to American Indians for years of “ill-conceived policies” and acts of violence by U.S. citizens. Quieter than health overhaul foes, grass-roots supporters are working hard, Obama camp saysNEW YORK — Fired up? Ready to go? You might not know it from the way President Barack Obama’s grass-roots supporters have been largely drowned out in the raucous debate over his health care plan. Regulators warn 10 mining companies about potential health, safety violationsWASHINGTON — Federal safety regulators on Wednesday warned 10 mining companies that their operations have a potential pattern of health or safety violations. Divided Senate panel approves labor nominee despite GOP concerns about inaccurate testimonyWASHINGTON — A sharply divided Senate panel on Wednesday approved New York state’s labor commissioner for the No. 3 post at the Labor Department, despite GOP claims that she gave lawmakers inaccurate testimony. Regulators ask Congress to revamp proposal and tighten oversight of derivativesWASHINGTON — Federal regulators on Wednesday asked a House panel to strengthen proposed legislation that would impose new oversight on derivatives, complex financial instruments blamed by regulators for hastening the financial crisis. Republican lawmakers contend the measure already could eliminate jobs and stifle companies’ ability to manage risks. Federal judge sets deadline for amended deal in Google’s battle over digital book rightsNEW YORK — A federal judge set a Nov. 9 deadline Wednesday for submission of a revised agreement in the battle over Google Inc.’s effort to get digital rights to millions of out-of-print books. Then the debate over the fairness of the plan will resume. Texas activists sue state over lack of greenhouse gas restrictions for new power plantsDALLAS — Environmental activists sued the Texas environmental agency Tuesday in an effort to force the state to regulate greenhouse gases, asking that coal-fired power plant projects be halted until that happens. Bank of America vows not to change credit card rates before FebruaryNEW YORK — Bank of America Corp. on Tuesday pledged not to hike credit card interest rates or fees before a new law intended to reform industry practices takes effect in February. Say one thing, do another: Investors focus on past fund returns, even when they get cost dataBOSTON — A study by university researchers suggests the adage about horses not drinking even if you lead them to water is also true of mutual fund investors. US trade officials to begin investigation over claim that Toyota violated hybrid patentsNEW YORK — Trade regulators are launching an investigation into whether Toyota violated patents held by a Florida-based hybrid technology company. EPA issues final rule for testing, disinfection of onboard airline water to eliminate bacteriaWASHINGTON — Federal regulators are issuing final rules requiring airlines to test and disinfect the water served to passengers and used in plane lavatories. Lawmakers split on proposals to revamp financial rules affecting investorsWASHINGTON — Regulators and investor advocates voiced support Tuesday for a proposal that addresses consumer protection and would bring investment funds under government supervision as part of Congress’ efforts to revamp the U.S. financial rule book. Administration officials say Iran will be punished if it doesn’t cooperateWASHINGTON — Administration officials told impatient lawmakers Tuesday that they are ready to take swift and substantial action against Iran if it disregards current diplomatic efforts to stop its alleged nuclear weapons program. GOP backing off scolding Democrat over ‘die quickly’ remark, says matter best left to votersWASHINGTON — House Republicans are backing off an effort to reprimand a Florida congressman for saying the GOP’s health care plans amount to wanting sick people to “die quickly.” House panel puts financial overhaul focus on investor protection, supervising investment fundsWASHINGTON — House lawmakers crafting legislation to overhaul the system of financial regulation are focusing on the key elements of investor protection and bringing investment funds under government supervision as they hear the views of regulators, industry officials and investor advocates. Agriculture secretary: Struggling US dairy industry must be restructured to stabilize pricesBATH, S.D. — The struggling U.S. dairy industry must be restructured to avoid cycles of boom and bust, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday, less than a week after Congress announced a $350 million dairy bailout. Honduran interim goverment restores civil liberties ahead of new talks to end standoff
AP Interview: White House budget chief says battered economy yet to prove it’s self-sustainingWASHINGTON — While the economy is beginning to come out of recession, it has yet to show evidence that it can grow without the help of the government’s $787 billion infusion of taxpayer money, President Barack Obama’s top budget adviser said Monday. Health insurers lobbying against softening of requirement for Americans to obtain coverage
Black, Latino groups target moderate Democratic senators on health care overhaulWASHINGTON — African-American, Latino and civil rights groups have launched an ad campaign aimed at pressuring moderate Democratic senators to support health care legislation that allows the government to sell insurance in competition with private industry. High court rejects case Obama administration says is worth billions in energy royaltiesWASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has left in place a court ruling that the Obama administration says will cost taxpayers at least $19 billion in royalties on energy leases in the Gulf of Mexico. Farmers push demands for more EU support over milk; 20 nations call for more protectionsBRUSSELS — Hundreds of dairy farmers drove their tractors into Belgium’s capital, pelted police and snarled traffic Monday but left without any new short-term commitment from EU farm ministers to ease the financial pressure caused by plummeting milk prices. Emirates leader signs law clearing way for nuclear power plant to be built with US helpDUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The president of the energy-hungry United Arab Emirates has signed a law regulating the development of a civilian nuclear program, clearing the way for construction of a nuclear power plant with help from the United States. Senate Democratic leader has tough task ahead in finalizing health care legislationWASHINGTON — Forget mission accomplished. Try mission seemingly impossible. Talks with Iran draw optimism from White House as lawmakers endorse tougher sanctionsWASHINGTON — The White House said Sunday it sees signs of progress in confronting Iran’s nuclear program while members of Congress endorsed authorizing tougher U.S. economic penalties against the Tehran government. Even with health overhaul, insurance premiums could be a stretch for middle-class AmericansWASHINGTON — Many middle-class Americans would still struggle to pay for health insurance despite efforts by President Barack Obama and Democrats to make coverage more affordable. Congress prepares tough penalties against Iran if diplomacy fails to curtail nuclear programWASHINGTON — Congress is poised to act swiftly on new penalties against Iran if international talks on Tehran’s nuclear program show signs of faltering. And this time lawmakers are talking about trying to block gas and refined petroleum exports to Iran, possibly causing serious disruptions in the lives of ordinary Iranians. Congress ready to impose tough sanctions on Iran if diplomacy fails to curtail weapons programWASHINGTON — Congress is poised to act swiftly to impose tough new sanctions on Iran if international talks on Tehran’s nuclear program show signs of faltering. Already, some lawmakers are demanding that the United States strike immediately with new penalties rather than wait for an uncertain multinational consensus. |