Need a passport? Don't worry during shutdown, State Department says
(CNN) -- For Americans applying for a passport, or citizens of other countries trying to get a visa to the United States, the current government shutdown won't have any effect, the State Department says.The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are "national security agencies," which means they have national security responsibilities such as representing the United States overseas and representing to Americans what the country's foreign interests are.Therefore, State Department spokeswoman Jan Psaki told reporters, they will continue working despite the shutdown."Regardless of the challenges a shutdown would create, we will continue to operate to advance national interests and protect the health and safety of American citizens and those living abroad," she said at a press briefing Monday.Long-term effects might differ, but State Department and USAID activities "can be sustained on a limited basis for a short period of time," Psaki explained.
(CNN) -- For Americans applying for a passport, or citizens of other countries trying to get a visa to the United States, the current government shutdown won't have any effect, the State Department says.The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development are "national security agencies," which means they have national security responsibilities such as representing the United States overseas and representing to Americans what the country's foreign interests are.Therefore, State Department spokeswoman Jan Psaki told reporters, they will continue working despite the shutdown."Regardless of the challenges a shutdown would create, we will continue to operate to advance national interests and protect the health and safety of American citizens and those living abroad," she said at a press briefing Monday.Long-term effects might differ, but State Department and USAID activities "can be sustained on a limited basis for a short period of time," Psaki explained.
Google Doodle honors Yosemite - a national park you can't visit
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The "doodle" on Google's homepage on Tuesday honors the 123rd anniversary of Yosemite National Park -- which is currently closed, due to the government shutdown.All 59 national parks are managed by the federal government, so they are victims of the shutdown that began Tuesday at midnight.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The "doodle" on Google's homepage on Tuesday honors the 123rd anniversary of Yosemite National Park -- which is currently closed, due to the government shutdown.All 59 national parks are managed by the federal government, so they are victims of the shutdown that began Tuesday at midnight.
Hyundai defers car payments for government workers
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Federal employees who are current owners of Hyundai vehicles will be allowed to stop making car payments for as long as the shutdown keeps them out of work, Hyundai Motor America announced Tuesday.Also, during the month of October, furloughed employees will be able to buy or lease a new Hyundai vehicle and not make payments for three months.The offer applies only to vehicles purchased or leased through Hyundai Capital of America, the South Korea-based automaker's U.S. financing division.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Federal employees who are current owners of Hyundai vehicles will be allowed to stop making car payments for as long as the shutdown keeps them out of work, Hyundai Motor America announced Tuesday.Also, during the month of October, furloughed employees will be able to buy or lease a new Hyundai vehicle and not make payments for three months.The offer applies only to vehicles purchased or leased through Hyundai Capital of America, the South Korea-based automaker's U.S. financing division.
On first day of gov't shutdown, many furloughed
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- Tens of thousands of federal workers came to work on the first day of the government shutdown Tuesday to sign furlough paperwork and turn on their out-of-office voicemail and email.A few lucky ones discovered they were able to stay on the job for at least a few more days.Workers who work at Housing and Urban Development, the Internal Revenue Service and a handful of other agencies went to the office for up to four hours to help shut down their offices."It was definitely rush, rush, rush," said Pete Randazzo, president of civilian workers at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, Calif., who was among 1,500 workers on furlough at the school. "Everything was last-minute."Meanwhile, some of the 400,000 workers at the Department of Defense who expected to be furloughed learned instead that they might get to stay on the job longer, thanks to new legislation from Congress, which President Obama signed into law Monday night aimed at supporting the troops.A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the new law may keep more civilian workers on the job they support active duty military personnel."Our lawyers believe that maybe we can expand the exempt status," said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday.At the Texas Red River Army Depot, which refurbishes military vehicles, most of the 2,300 civilian workers learned Tuesday that they would continue to stay on the job and get paid.
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) -- Tens of thousands of federal workers came to work on the first day of the government shutdown Tuesday to sign furlough paperwork and turn on their out-of-office voicemail and email.A few lucky ones discovered they were able to stay on the job for at least a few more days.Workers who work at Housing and Urban Development, the Internal Revenue Service and a handful of other agencies went to the office for up to four hours to help shut down their offices."It was definitely rush, rush, rush," said Pete Randazzo, president of civilian workers at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, Calif., who was among 1,500 workers on furlough at the school. "Everything was last-minute."Meanwhile, some of the 400,000 workers at the Department of Defense who expected to be furloughed learned instead that they might get to stay on the job longer, thanks to new legislation from Congress, which President Obama signed into law Monday night aimed at supporting the troops.A senior Pentagon official told CNN that the new law may keep more civilian workers on the job they support active duty military personnel."Our lawyers believe that maybe we can expand the exempt status," said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday.At the Texas Red River Army Depot, which refurbishes military vehicles, most of the 2,300 civilian workers learned Tuesday that they would continue to stay on the job and get paid.
U.S. government shuts down as Congress can't agree on spending bill
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- For the first time in 17 years, the U.S. government shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday after the House and the Senate couldn't agree on a spending bill to fund the government.The two sides bickered and blamed each other for more than a week over Obamacare, the president's signature health care law.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- For the first time in 17 years, the U.S. government shut down at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday after the House and the Senate couldn't agree on a spending bill to fund the government.The two sides bickered and blamed each other for more than a week over Obamacare, the president's signature health care law.
Seven things not to worry about in event of government shutdown
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Worried that the looming government shutdown means you won't receive your Social Security check?
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Worried that the looming government shutdown means you won't receive your Social Security check?
How can Congress prevent a shutdown?
(CNN) -- How do over 500 men and women sworn to uphold and defend Constitutional duties that include "the power of the purse" keep government running after 12:01 a.m. Tuesday?It appears simple: pass an identical funding bill in both chambers of Congress.
(CNN) -- How do over 500 men and women sworn to uphold and defend Constitutional duties that include "the power of the purse" keep government running after 12:01 a.m. Tuesday?It appears simple: pass an identical funding bill in both chambers of Congress.
Defiant House delays Obamacare; government shutdown looms
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a move that makes a government shutdown very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law is a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday."The Republicans' first try was to defund Obamacare.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a move that makes a government shutdown very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law is a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday."The Republicans' first try was to defund Obamacare.
Government agencies roll out possible shutdown plans
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- What looked last week like a game of political hot potato has become a high-stakes game of chicken, with continued operation of the federal government and possible wider impact on the overall economy hanging in the balance.In a move that makes a shutdown appear very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature health care law would be a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.Congress could avert a shutdown by passing a temporary spending measure while the two chambers work out their differences.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- What looked last week like a game of political hot potato has become a high-stakes game of chicken, with continued operation of the federal government and possible wider impact on the overall economy hanging in the balance.In a move that makes a shutdown appear very likely, House Republicans approved a spending plan early Sunday morning that would delay Obamacare for a year and repeal its tax on medical devices.The temporary budget resolution now goes back to the Senate, where Democrats have consistently said any changes to President Barack Obama's signature health care law would be a deal-killer.On top of that, Obama has already issued a veto threat.If Washington can't reach a deal, a government shutdown will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.Congress could avert a shutdown by passing a temporary spending measure while the two chambers work out their differences.
NAACP Milwaukee shares info on Affordable Care Act
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As the first day of open enrollment approaches, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is spreading the word about an important resource for those with lingering questions about the Affordable Care Act."There are so many people in our community who are uninsured or under-insured or just don't know what to do now that the act is going into effect," said James Hall, President of NAACP - Milwaukee Branch.During its monthly meeting, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is reaching out to its thousand members and offering some advice."There is so much out there.
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- As the first day of open enrollment approaches, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is spreading the word about an important resource for those with lingering questions about the Affordable Care Act."There are so many people in our community who are uninsured or under-insured or just don't know what to do now that the act is going into effect," said James Hall, President of NAACP - Milwaukee Branch.During its monthly meeting, the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP is reaching out to its thousand members and offering some advice."There is so much out there.
House GOP plans another Obamacare vote on shutdown deal
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With a possible government shutdown looming, House Republicans planned votes Saturday on a spending proposal that also would delay Obamacare for a year and wipe out its tax on medical devices in defiance of threatened rejection by Senate Democrats and President Barack Obama.The decision that emerged from a rare weekend GOP caucus meeting called by House Speaker John Boehner increased the chances for at least a brief shutdown of the government starting Tuesday.Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the Republican strategy "pointless" and said the Democratic-led Senate would reject the GOP alternatives, while the White House said Obama would veto the House proposal if it reached his desk.A separate White House statement said voting for the GOP measure "is voting for a shutdown."The partisan back-forth over the spending plan -- called a continuing resolution in legislative jargon -- came after the Senate on Friday restored funding for Obamacare that House Republicans stripped from their original version and sent the proposal back to the House.Boehner convened his caucus on Saturday to forge a counteroffer to the Senate changes that restored funding for Obama's signature health care reforms that are despised by the GOP's tea party conservative wing in Congress.A statement by Boehner and other House GOP leaders said Saturday's votes would be on "two amendments to the Senate-passed continuing resolution that will keep the government open and stop as much of the president's health care law as possible."One amendment would delay full implementation of Obamacare for a year, and another "permanently repeals" the medical device tax that the statement said was "sending jobs overseas."The amendments the House will consider Saturday also would fund the government until December 15, a month longer than the Senate version.Military pay in a shutdownShowing that the House Republicans don't expect the Senate to accept their changes, the leaders' statement said a separate vote Saturday would ensure that the military gets paid in the event of a government shutdown.Officials estimate the military pay could be affected by a shutdown as soon as Oct. 14, and the GOP move was considered a political gesture to shield the party from criticism that its brinksmanship could hurt U.S. fighting forces.Reid said the Republican tactics amounted to what he described as extortion by "tea party anarchists.""To be absolutely clear, the Senate will reject both the one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act and the repeal of the medical device tax," Reid said in a statement. "After weeks of futile political games from Republicans, we are still at square one."Meanwhile, the White House made clear on Saturday that Obama dismisses any effort to tie provisions undermining Obamacare to the spending measure needed to prevent a government shutdown."Republicans have tried and failed to defund or delay the health care law more than 40 times, and they know this demand is reckless and irresponsible," said the statement from White House spokesman Jay Carney, adding that Obama would not negotiate on Obamacare or spending issues "under threats of a government shutdown that will hurt our economy."Shutdown deadline loomsReid previously warned that any changes to the Senate's version by the House would result in at least the start of a government shutdown because of the time it would take to reconsider the proposal.A Senate Democratic source told CNN there were no plans to convene the Senate before Monday, when the current fiscal year ends.Republican Rep.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With a possible government shutdown looming, House Republicans planned votes Saturday on a spending proposal that also would delay Obamacare for a year and wipe out its tax on medical devices in defiance of threatened rejection by Senate Democrats and President Barack Obama.The decision that emerged from a rare weekend GOP caucus meeting called by House Speaker John Boehner increased the chances for at least a brief shutdown of the government starting Tuesday.Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the Republican strategy "pointless" and said the Democratic-led Senate would reject the GOP alternatives, while the White House said Obama would veto the House proposal if it reached his desk.A separate White House statement said voting for the GOP measure "is voting for a shutdown."The partisan back-forth over the spending plan -- called a continuing resolution in legislative jargon -- came after the Senate on Friday restored funding for Obamacare that House Republicans stripped from their original version and sent the proposal back to the House.Boehner convened his caucus on Saturday to forge a counteroffer to the Senate changes that restored funding for Obama's signature health care reforms that are despised by the GOP's tea party conservative wing in Congress.A statement by Boehner and other House GOP leaders said Saturday's votes would be on "two amendments to the Senate-passed continuing resolution that will keep the government open and stop as much of the president's health care law as possible."One amendment would delay full implementation of Obamacare for a year, and another "permanently repeals" the medical device tax that the statement said was "sending jobs overseas."The amendments the House will consider Saturday also would fund the government until December 15, a month longer than the Senate version.Military pay in a shutdownShowing that the House Republicans don't expect the Senate to accept their changes, the leaders' statement said a separate vote Saturday would ensure that the military gets paid in the event of a government shutdown.Officials estimate the military pay could be affected by a shutdown as soon as Oct. 14, and the GOP move was considered a political gesture to shield the party from criticism that its brinksmanship could hurt U.S. fighting forces.Reid said the Republican tactics amounted to what he described as extortion by "tea party anarchists.""To be absolutely clear, the Senate will reject both the one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act and the repeal of the medical device tax," Reid said in a statement. "After weeks of futile political games from Republicans, we are still at square one."Meanwhile, the White House made clear on Saturday that Obama dismisses any effort to tie provisions undermining Obamacare to the spending measure needed to prevent a government shutdown."Republicans have tried and failed to defund or delay the health care law more than 40 times, and they know this demand is reckless and irresponsible," said the statement from White House spokesman Jay Carney, adding that Obama would not negotiate on Obamacare or spending issues "under threats of a government shutdown that will hurt our economy."Shutdown deadline loomsReid previously warned that any changes to the Senate's version by the House would result in at least the start of a government shutdown because of the time it would take to reconsider the proposal.A Senate Democratic source told CNN there were no plans to convene the Senate before Monday, when the current fiscal year ends.Republican Rep.
Senate prepares to toss shutdown hot potato back to House
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It's a congressional version of hot potato that will determine if a government shutdown begins as soon as Tuesday.The Democratic-led Senate on Friday is expected to pass its preferred short-term spending plan to keep the government funded beyond the end of the current fiscal year on Monday, which would toss it back to the Republican-led House.That would set up a weekend showdown between Republican House Speaker John Boehner and tea party conservatives in his GOP caucus who demand that any spending measure must eliminate all money for Obamacare.In its votes Friday, the Senate will first decide whether to formally close debate on the House version of the spending plan that eliminates all funding for Obamacare.Then the Democratic majority is expected to change the measure to restore the Obamacare funding, followed by a final vote of approval to return it to the House.Boehner indicated Thursday that the House could revise the Senate's version and send that back, a move that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid warned would result in at least the start of a government shutdown next week because of the time it would take the Senate to reconsider the measure.The Republican who became the face of the tea party push to defund Obamacare, Sen.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It's a congressional version of hot potato that will determine if a government shutdown begins as soon as Tuesday.The Democratic-led Senate on Friday is expected to pass its preferred short-term spending plan to keep the government funded beyond the end of the current fiscal year on Monday, which would toss it back to the Republican-led House.That would set up a weekend showdown between Republican House Speaker John Boehner and tea party conservatives in his GOP caucus who demand that any spending measure must eliminate all money for Obamacare.In its votes Friday, the Senate will first decide whether to formally close debate on the House version of the spending plan that eliminates all funding for Obamacare.Then the Democratic majority is expected to change the measure to restore the Obamacare funding, followed by a final vote of approval to return it to the House.Boehner indicated Thursday that the House could revise the Senate's version and send that back, a move that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid warned would result in at least the start of a government shutdown next week because of the time it would take the Senate to reconsider the measure.The Republican who became the face of the tea party push to defund Obamacare, Sen.
Obamacare open enrollment: Here's what you need to know
(CNN) -- Amy Braun-Gross is counting the hours until October 1.It's not her birthday nor her anniversary.October 1 is the day that marks the first time ever she will be allowed to buy health insurance.Like more than 48 million other Americans, the Wisconsin stay-at-home mom does not have insurance to pay for doctor bills if she gets sick.
(CNN) -- Amy Braun-Gross is counting the hours until October 1.It's not her birthday nor her anniversary.October 1 is the day that marks the first time ever she will be allowed to buy health insurance.Like more than 48 million other Americans, the Wisconsin stay-at-home mom does not have insurance to pay for doctor bills if she gets sick.
Sen. Ted Cruz halts Obamacare attack almost 22 hours later
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- He read the children's book "Green Eggs and Ham," impersonated Darth Vader and recited a detailed history of risks faced by the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.Almost 22 hours after he started, Republican Sen.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- He read the children's book "Green Eggs and Ham," impersonated Darth Vader and recited a detailed history of risks faced by the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.Almost 22 hours after he started, Republican Sen.
Government shutdown, Fed timing looms large for stock market
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Uncertainty continues to loom large over the stock market.Investors have a list of unanswered questions weighing on them.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Uncertainty continues to loom large over the stock market.Investors have a list of unanswered questions weighing on them.
Troops could face pay delays if government shuts down
(CNN) -- U.S. troops throughout the world -- including those fighting in Afghanistan -- could face delays in getting their paychecks if the government shuts down, according to the Defense Department.On Monday, all 1.4 million active-duty personnel and 800,000 civilians were informed the department is now preparing for a shutdown if a budget deal with Congress is not reached.The department has been "directed to review and update plans" for a shutdown that could result in delayed pay for all members of the department, according to DOD Press Secretary George Little.
(CNN) -- U.S. troops throughout the world -- including those fighting in Afghanistan -- could face delays in getting their paychecks if the government shuts down, according to the Defense Department.On Monday, all 1.4 million active-duty personnel and 800,000 civilians were informed the department is now preparing for a shutdown if a budget deal with Congress is not reached.The department has been "directed to review and update plans" for a shutdown that could result in delayed pay for all members of the department, according to DOD Press Secretary George Little.
House GOP launches shutdown battle by voting to defund Obamacare
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With one vote on Friday, the Republican-led House launched the latest spending battle in Congress -- one that could bring a government shutdown in less than two weeks.By a 230-189 tally almost strictly on party lines, the House passed a short-term government spending plan that would eliminate all funding for Obamacare.The measure now goes to the Democratic-led Senate, which is certain to reject the provision that defunds President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement of his first term.Even though House Republicans now have voted 42 times to repeal or otherwise undermine Obamacare, Speaker John Boehner and fellow Republicans held a brief victory rally after Friday's action and challenged the Senate to follow their lead."The American people don't want the government shut down, and they don't want Obamacare," the Ohio Republican said to applause and cheers. "The House has listened to the American people.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With one vote on Friday, the Republican-led House launched the latest spending battle in Congress -- one that could bring a government shutdown in less than two weeks.By a 230-189 tally almost strictly on party lines, the House passed a short-term government spending plan that would eliminate all funding for Obamacare.The measure now goes to the Democratic-led Senate, which is certain to reject the provision that defunds President Barack Obama's signature legislative achievement of his first term.Even though House Republicans now have voted 42 times to repeal or otherwise undermine Obamacare, Speaker John Boehner and fellow Republicans held a brief victory rally after Friday's action and challenged the Senate to follow their lead."The American people don't want the government shut down, and they don't want Obamacare," the Ohio Republican said to applause and cheers. "The House has listened to the American people.
Congress shifts its focus away from Syria resolution
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate focused Wednesday on an energy efficiency bill while House Republicans argued among themselves over funding Obamacare as Congress shifted its focus from the Syria crisis in order to give new diplomatic efforts a chance to succeed.In his nationally televised address Tuesday night, President Barack Obama said he asked legislators to hold off on voting on his requested authorization to attack Syria over chemical weapons while his administration negotiates with Russia on putting Syrian stockpiles under international control."Congress will be watching these negotiations very closely," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, warned Wednesday. "If there is any indication they're not serious or they're being used as a ploy to delay, then Congress stands ready to return to that Syria resolution" that would authorize a military strike on Syria.Obama accuses Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of a major sarin gas attack last month on suburban Damascus that killed more than 1,400 people.The president tried to generate an international coalition to attack Syria for violating chemical weapons bans, but Russia blocked any U.N. action and the British Parliament voted against taking part to deny the president a normally reliable NATO ally.He then went to Congress for authorization, but appeared in danger of rejection by legislators reflecting public opposition to military strikes.However, the sudden emergence Monday of a diplomatic opening by Russia, which proposed having Syria give up control of its chemical weapons, caused Obama to ask Congress for time to pursue negotiations before any vote on military action.So instead of taking up a resolution authorizing a military response to Syria, the Senate considered a bipartisan bill to improve energy efficiency in the United States.Senators agreed to bar any Syria-related amendments to the energy bill, assuring that heated political rhetoric in Washington won't corrode the negotiations Secretary of State John Kerry will conduct on Thursday and Friday in Geneva with his Russian counterpart.Off the Senate floor, however, talks continued behind the scenes among a group of bipartisan senators on changes to the resolution that Reid said would be taken up if the negotiations with Russia fail.New language yet to be finalized takes into account Syria's recent acknowledgment that it possesses chemical weapons.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate focused Wednesday on an energy efficiency bill while House Republicans argued among themselves over funding Obamacare as Congress shifted its focus from the Syria crisis in order to give new diplomatic efforts a chance to succeed.In his nationally televised address Tuesday night, President Barack Obama said he asked legislators to hold off on voting on his requested authorization to attack Syria over chemical weapons while his administration negotiates with Russia on putting Syrian stockpiles under international control."Congress will be watching these negotiations very closely," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, warned Wednesday. "If there is any indication they're not serious or they're being used as a ploy to delay, then Congress stands ready to return to that Syria resolution" that would authorize a military strike on Syria.Obama accuses Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of a major sarin gas attack last month on suburban Damascus that killed more than 1,400 people.The president tried to generate an international coalition to attack Syria for violating chemical weapons bans, but Russia blocked any U.N. action and the British Parliament voted against taking part to deny the president a normally reliable NATO ally.He then went to Congress for authorization, but appeared in danger of rejection by legislators reflecting public opposition to military strikes.However, the sudden emergence Monday of a diplomatic opening by Russia, which proposed having Syria give up control of its chemical weapons, caused Obama to ask Congress for time to pursue negotiations before any vote on military action.So instead of taking up a resolution authorizing a military response to Syria, the Senate considered a bipartisan bill to improve energy efficiency in the United States.Senators agreed to bar any Syria-related amendments to the energy bill, assuring that heated political rhetoric in Washington won't corrode the negotiations Secretary of State John Kerry will conduct on Thursday and Friday in Geneva with his Russian counterpart.Off the Senate floor, however, talks continued behind the scenes among a group of bipartisan senators on changes to the resolution that Reid said would be taken up if the negotiations with Russia fail.New language yet to be finalized takes into account Syria's recent acknowledgment that it possesses chemical weapons.
Obama hits new low on foreign policy in CNN polling
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One day before President Barack Obama gives a prime time speech to make his case against Syria, a new national poll indicates the president's approval rating on foreign policy has hit an all-time low.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One day before President Barack Obama gives a prime time speech to make his case against Syria, a new national poll indicates the president's approval rating on foreign policy has hit an all-time low.
How the Syria debate in Congress could play out this week
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congress returns to Washington on Monday after a monthlong summer break to jump right into debate and votes on a resolution giving President Barack Obama the authorization to strike Syria.How this all will unfold over the coming week is far from certain, but here's how things could play out:Monday• The House and Senate are in session at 2 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to take the first procedural steps to overcome an anticipated filibuster over whether to officially take up the Syria resolution.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congress returns to Washington on Monday after a monthlong summer break to jump right into debate and votes on a resolution giving President Barack Obama the authorization to strike Syria.How this all will unfold over the coming week is far from certain, but here's how things could play out:Monday• The House and Senate are in session at 2 p.m. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to take the first procedural steps to overcome an anticipated filibuster over whether to officially take up the Syria resolution.