Congress News

US Congressional Negotiators Reach Deal on New Iran Sanctions

U.S. lawmakers moved a step closer to finalizing new sanctions aimed at further restricting Iran’s oil revenues after negotiators from the Senate and House of Representatives agreed on a compromise bill on Monday. The bill includes several new provisions seeking …

House Lawmakers Reach Deal on Russia Trade Pact, Rights Bill

The top Republican and Democrat on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee said on Thursday they had reached a deal to move forward on Russian trade legislation, including human rights provisions opposed by Moscow. “I am pleased that …

AIA Calls for More International Market Access for U.S. Insurers

The American Insurance Association has issued a statement, which points out several instances of a “disconnect between the continued significant global insurance capacity and a strong demand for insurance products that is often created by protectionist barriers in emerging markets.” …

Insurance Groups React to Rep. Barney Frank’s Retirement Announcement

A number of insurance associations have issued statements recognizing the positive work the retiring U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) has accomplished for the industry. Frank, 71, announced this week that he will not seek re-election in 2012, citing as a …

Report Links Wildfires to Immigrants in Arizona

A study by Congress’ investigative arm shows investigators have linked 30 fires that erupted in a five-year period in Arizona’s border region to people who crossed into the United States illegally — a finding Sen. John McCain said backs up …

US Congress OK’s Korea, Panama, Colombia Trade Pacts

Congress Wednesday approved long-delayed trade pacts with South Korea, Colombia and Panama that are expected to lift exports by about $13 billion a year and give U.S. employment a boost. Republicans and Democrats joined together in the House of Representatives …

Republican Report Backs Incentives for Corporate Cybersecurity

A Republican task force in the House said Congress should give companies incentives to boost their cyber defenses, but that tougher regulation may be warranted to protect critical facilities like power and water plants. Recommendations in the report, which was …

Federal Flood Insurance Program Extended Until Nov. 18

The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation that keeps the government – and the federal flood insurance program– running until Nov. 18, 2011. The House vote (352-66) extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until Nov. 18. The Senate …

Congress Raises Anxiety, Anger Levels of Disaster Victims

For disaster victims rebuilding their homes, towns and lives, the anxiety is matched only by anger at Congress for entangling their future in a political battle over government spending. A sharply divided Congress has repeatedly rejected a deal that included …

Senate Approves Government Funding, Disaster Aid Bill

The U.S. Senate approved a deal Monday to avert a government shutdown, ending a standoff that highlighted a dysfunctional Congress’ trouble in passing even the most basic legislation. “We’ve averted a disaster — until the next one,” said Democratic Senator …