Congress averts government shutdown with another short-term funding bill
Washington (CNN) - As the standoff continues over funding the government for the rest of the fiscal year, both parties agreed on Friday to move ahead with a three-week stopgap bill that would cut an additional six billion dollars and avoid a potential federal shutdown.
The measure, introduced by House Republicans, eliminates or reduces money for 25 government programs, saving $3.5 billion. Republicans chose from a list of programs President Obama wants cut or eliminated his 2012 budget and from items Senate Democrats proposed in a bill that failed earlier this week.
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Last WWI vet to receive Arlington honors
Washington (CNN) – The last U.S. World War I veteran to die will receive an honors burial at Arlington National Ceremony next week, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-West Virginia, announced Friday.
"Allowing our country to pay its respects to Mr. Buckles and all of our courageous World War I veterans is necessary and important. It's a fitting way to say goodbye to our last Doughboy – a man whose life spanned more than 100 years and who was our last living American connection to the Great War," Rockefeller said.
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Santorum's got Gingrich's back?
(CNN) - They may be future 2012 rivals, but former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is sticking up for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, sort of.
In an interview with National Review Online, Santorum said a candidate's personal history should not be the sole focus of a presidential campaign.
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Same-sex marriage bill stalls in Maryland legislature
Washington (CNN) - The Maryland House of Delegates decided Friday not to vote on a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, a sign that the measure did not have majority support within the overwhelmingly Democratic legislative body.
After more than two hours of emotional debate, the House agreed to send the bill back to the Judiciary Committee, where it would receive a new round of hearings and be open to the amendment process, a move that could effectively end any prospect of passage this year. The Maryland General Assembly is set to adjourn on April 11.
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Obama says another short-term spending extension likely
Washington (CNN) - President Barack Obama said Friday that another two-week extension of government funding to avert a shutdown was likely, but he called further short-term extensions "irresponsible."
Obama also reiterated his threat to veto a spending measure that makes deep cuts in non-military discretionary spending sought by House Republicans, saying that reducing money for Head Start teachers, Pell Grants and other education programs makes no sense.
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Obama prepared to tap oil reserves
New York (CNNMoney) - President Obama said Friday that he is prepared to tap the nation's strategic oil reserves to deal with any supply disruptions as part of his effort to keep gas prices under control.
Obama attributed the recent run-up in oil and gas prices to increased global demand, combined with uncertainty in the oil market due to political turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East.
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Wisconsin governor signs bargaining bill into law
Madison, Wisconsin (CNN) - A contentious political battle that brought thousands to the state Capitol drew to a close Friday as Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed into law a bill that curbs the bargaining rights of most state workers.
Wisconsin Republicans cleared a final hurdle to the controversial proposal Thursday, passing the bill one day after the state's Senate approved an amended version of the measure, despite the absence of 14 Democratic senators who had fled the state to prevent a necessary quorum of 20 votes.
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Poll: Fewer Americans approve of how Congress is doing
(CNN) - Less than two in ten Americans approve of how Congress is handling its responsibilities, according to a new Gallup survey released Friday. This is a marked drop from just two months ago when Congress enjoyed an upswing in poll numbers following a frenetic lame duck session.
Approval numbers for Congress peaked in January, following mid-term elections, the passage of tax cuts, the START treaty, and a change in party majority in the House of Representatives.
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Live blog from the presidential news conference
12:30 p.m. - President Barack Obama took the stage and addressed the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Obama said there is a U.S. aircraft carrier in Japan and others on their way. They are working to account for all military personnel stationed there. U.S. embassy personnel in Tokyo have moved to another location, he said.
12:34 p.m. - Obama talked about the "added burden" of rising gas prices.
On oil: “Keep all options on the table when it comes to any supply disruptions.”
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PHOTO: President Obama briefed on earthquake in Japan
(CNN) - President Barack Obama is briefed on the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami warnings by, from left, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security John Brennan; National Security Staff Senior Director for Resilience Richard Reed; and National Security Staff Director Asian Affairs Daniel Russel.
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