US Senate News

A new resolution passed by a United States Senate committee states the United States will be committed to preventing the emergence of a nuclear Iran and fully back Israel if that state believes military action against Iran is necessary.

Washington - An article in Truthout by Dean Baker points out that a unanimous US Senate vote rejecting a move that would reduce Social Security benefits was not even reported on by such prominent US news outlets as the New York Times or Washington Post,

The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Friday in favor of an amendment requiring American shoppers to pay sales tax when shopping online.

The US Senate has passed its first budget in over 4 years. A largely symbolic measure in response to the recently passed budget by the US House, it came after a marathon voting session and highlights two radically different visions for America.

Washington - The Democrat controlled Senate passed its first federal budget in four years with a narrow vote of 50-49. Earlier the House of Representatives passed the Ryan budget 221-207. While these budgets will not pass Congress, they show a clash of ideologies.

Washington - The US Senate has confirmed John Brennan as the next director of the CIA with a vote of 63-34. A 60 vote majority was needed for the confirmation. Brennan's nomination was questioned after his stance on the US drone program.

Washington - Republicans and Democrats both agreed to new gun legislation in the Senate that would bar mentally ill people from being able to acquire firearms.

Washington - The US Senate has confirmed former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel to become the Secretary of Defense. Despite initial objections the Senate voted 58-41 to confirm President Obama's pick. While 41 votes came from Republicans, four voted in favor.

Washington - The idea is that a secret court would consider evidence that a suspect should be on a targeted killing list and hence could be attacked by a drone. The court would issue what might be called a "death warrant".

In this weekend's weekly address to the nation, and in the hours before the presidential inauguration, the Republican Party emphasized the need to focus on the federal budget.