AP - Almost 4 million people who can't find a job would get at least $3,900 in extra unemployment benefits to help them survive the weak economy under legislation moving through the House on Wednesday. The White House has threatened a veto of the bill.

AFP - The US House of Representatives approved Tuesday a three-year package of anti-drug assistance to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean known as the "Merida Initiative."

AP - The Bush administration promised Congress on Tuesday that it would provide lawmakers advance details of any security agreement it reaches with Iraq, according to a senior Democrat.

AP - Sen. Lindsey Graham easily won his primary Tuesday against a fellow Republican who accused him of being too liberal for South Carolina and hammered his ties to John McCain.

AP - Saved by Senate Republicans, big oil companies dodged an attempt Tuesday to slap them with a windfall profits tax and take away billions of dollars in tax breaks in response to the record gasoline prices that have the nation fuming.

AP - Democrats say the nation should be ashamed of its ban on gays serving openly in the military. It discourages qualified people from joining the ranks at a time when the armed forces are stretched by two wars, they say, and is degrading to those willing to serve their country.

AP - Senate Republicans blocked a proposal Tuesday to tax the windfall profits of the largest oil companies, despite pleas by Democratic leaders to use the measure to address America's anger over $4 a gallon gasoline.

AP - The famed bean soup served in Senate restaurants is made up of dried navy beans, smoked ham hocks, onions and a million-dollar tab for the taxpayer.