Friday, September 16, 2011
Palestinians defy US in UN bid
RAMALLAH, West Bank
In a direct challenge to the United States, the Palestinians said Thursday they will ask the Security Council next week to accept them as a full member of the United Nations, even though Washington has promised to veto the measure.
The Palestinian assertion came as a senior U.S. diplomatic team was in the region trying to avert an embarrassing showdown and relaunch peace talks. By pushing forward, the Palestinians risk putting President Barack Obama in the uneasy position of having to veto a measure supported by the vast majority of the international community.
Aviation, highway projects extended
WASHINGTON
The Senate passed a bill Thursday temporarily extending federal aviation and highway programs, averting another shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration, after a Republican senator abruptly dropped his campaign to block passage of the measure.
Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma had been insisting Democrats change the bill to eliminate a requirement that states use a portion of their federal highway funds for bike paths, walking trails and other transportation “enhancements.”
Senate OKs $7B disaster-aid plan
WASHINGTON
Setting up a battle with the GOP-controlled House, Senate Democrats on Thursday muscled through a $7 billion bill to replenish nearly empty federal disaster-aid accounts.
The chamber advanced the legislation by a 62-37 vote to defeat a Republican filibuster. Ten Republicans joined with every Democrat present to adopt the measure, which includes $500 million in immediate, emergency funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make sure FEMA won’t have to cut off help for victims of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee at the end of the month.
Denmark elects 1st female premier
COPENHAGEN, Denmark
Denmark elected its first female prime minister Thursday, ousting the right-wing government from power after 10 years of pro-market reforms and ever-stricter controls on immigration.
Near-complete official results showed a left-leaning bloc led by Social Democrat Helle Thorning-Schmidt would gain a narrow majority in the 179-seat Parliament.
Associated Press