Topic: Kirsten Gillibrand

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What happens next in Libya? America's five greatest concerns.

The push toward a post-Qaddafi regime in Libya is raising questions in Washington about how far a US commitment extends to ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy. The rationale for US and NATO engagement in Libya was to avoid a massacre of civilians in March. Now, as the civil war moves toward a resolution, the Obama administration and Congress appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach. But with an eye to lessons from regime change in Iraq, some lawmakers are urging steps now to help shape the transition in Libya, including some moves that put them at odds with the Obama administration. Here are five.
08/26/2011 10:00 am

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Pentagon girds for Senate fight over sexual assault bill

A bill to strip commanders of their authority in sexual assault cases has bipartisan support in the Senate. But Pentagon officials say it would make a bad situation worse.
Military brass, senators united against sexual assault but at odds on remedy (+video)

Top military leaders received a dressing down from lawmakers Tuesday for failing to curb sexual assault within the ranks. The brass, however, opposed changes to the military justice system.
Obama pledges to halt military sexual abuse

On Thursday, Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno acknowledged the military is failing to stop sexual assaults. President Barack Obama vowed to leave no stone unturned to halt the abuse.
Military sex-abuse crisis hits new low in Fort Hood investigation (+video)

For the second time in two weeks, a military official tasked with combating sex assault has been accused of sexual assault. All military sex assault counselors must now undergo retraining.
Gun trafficking bill passes Senate panel. Is that it for Obama gun agenda?

A gun-trafficking bill picked up important Republican support Thursday, improving its chances for passing the full Senate. But other parts of President Obama's gun-control agenda are in limbo.
Obama's quiet ally: Who's behind gun control bill no one is talking about

As President Obama comes to Chicago to talk gun control, Illinois' Republican senator, Mark Kirk, is pushing a bill to target gun trafficking. It's under the radar, but could have a greater impact than other bills.
Gun debate 101: Doesn't US already have laws against gun trafficking?

Congress is considering legislation to crack down on gun traffickers and so-called straw buyers. But the NRA says the Obama administration just needs to enforce laws already on the books. Here's what the record shows.
Gun control: inklings of a compromise in the Great Gun Debate (+video)

Amid a largely partisan standoff on gun control, there are signs of bipartisan support on issues such as gun trafficking and expanding background checks for gun sales.
Congress will vote on Sandy aid this week, says Boehner (+video)

House Speaker John Boehner rescheduled a vote on Sandy relief funding for Friday at the urging of lawmakers from the storm's hardest hit regions. The funding is slated to go toward immediate relief for victims as well as rebuilding efforts.
Obama: Sandy recovery 'not going to be easy' (+video)

More than two weeks after Sandy struck, many are still struggling. On Thursday, President Obama visited New York to survey the damage and comfort some of those devastated by the storm.
9-11 memorial: Priceless at any cost? (+video)

The September 11 memorial and museum will require a $60 million-a-year operating budget. Some argue the federal government can't afford such a hefty price tag, while others say the meaning behind the memorial is worth any cost.
Why Claire McCaskill wants Todd Akin to stay in Missouri race

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) spent $2 million on ads in the GOP primary and got what she wanted: conservative Rep. Todd Akin as her opponent. Now that he's damaged goods, so much the better.
The Circle Bastiat For shame: Who is really to blame in USOC uniforms spat?

In the face of political pressure regarding the use of Chinese manufacturers for Olympic uniforms, the USOC capitulated. But perhaps the more important question is, why is it so much more expensive to manufacture clothing domestically.
Congress fumes over US Olympic uniforms 'Made in China'

Ralph Lauren, an American company, designed US Olympic uniforms. But members of Congress are angry that the US Olympic uniforms were made in China.
Rep. Charles Rangel defies demographics, censure to win tough primary

Rep. Charles Rangel, an icon in Harlem, called on more than 40 years of a storied history – including bringing home the bacon as former chairman of a powerful House committee – to win a Democratic primary that all but assures victory in November.
Obama supports gay marriage: Historic switch carries risks (+video)

Obama supports gay marriage in an interview with ABC News, ending a period in which he said his views were 'evolving.' The move was instantly hailed and denounced by the opposing sides on the issue.
Nuclear talks with Iran? Senators implore Obama to draw line in the sand.

The senators are urging Obama to demand that Iran suspend all of its uranium enrichment during any negotiations over its nuclear program, a position that could scuttle chances for the talks.
Catholic furor over birth control rule turns Democrats on one another

The Catholic Church's anger over a proposed federal rule to force church-affiliated organizations to offer health plans covering birth control has provided Republicans with an opportunity – and Democrats with a problem.
Monitor Breakfast Joe Lieberman contradicts Sarah Palin: Where's evidence of insider trading? (VIDEO)

In a USA Today op-ed Tuesday, Sarah Palin charged that Congress is guilty of insider trading. Sen. Joseph Lieberman told reporters at a Monitor breakfast he's seen no evidence.
12/13/2011 02:16 pm
What happens next in Libya? America's five greatest concerns.

The push toward a post-Qaddafi regime in Libya is raising questions in Washington about how far a US commitment extends to ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy. The rationale for US and NATO engagement in Libya was to avoid a massacre of civilians in March. Now, as the civil war moves toward a resolution, the Obama administration and Congress appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach. But with an eye to lessons from regime change in Iraq, some lawmakers are urging steps now to help shape the transition in Libya, including some moves that put them at odds with the Obama administration. Here are five.
08/26/2011 10:00 am
Tough words, tighter sanctions for Syria, but no end to state-led violence

At least 50 more Syrians were killed Thursday in state-ordered violence. Deaths surpass 2,000 since political protests broke out in Syria five months ago, says Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
08/04/2011 07:59 pm
Gabrielle Giffords appears for debt deal vote (VIDEO)

Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head in January, surprised many when she appeared for the historic House vote on the debt deal, Monday.
08/02/2011 01:31 am
Congress approves $4.2 billion in new aid for Sept. 11 responders

The bulk of the money will go to the first responders who worked on and after Sept. 11, 2001, at ground zero. President Obama has said he will sign the legislation.
12/22/2010 07:51 pm
Obama tax deal gets nod from Senate. Will House risk making changes?

Senators vote to end debate on GOP-Obama tax deal, clearing the way for its passage. Attention now shifts to the House, where liberal Democrats are expected to discuss revisions.
12/13/2010 09:15 pm
The Vote Harry Reid's 10 biggest gaffes: Will his reelection bid suffer?

Nevada Sen. Harry Reid is fighting for his political life against Republican Sharron Angle, but his own tongue is also proving to be a formidable adversary.
09/22/2010 02:22 pm