AP - For months the debate over whether telecommunications companies should face lawsuits for cooperating with the government's warrantless wiretapping program has been the sticking point for updating a surveillance law.

AP - A much-delayed Iraq war funding bill sailed through the House on Thursday, along with a doubling of college aid for returning troops and help for the unemployed and Midwestern flood victims.

Reuters - Democrat Barack Obama said on Thursday he would forego public financing of his general election campaign against Republican John McCain, reversing an earlier stance and positioning himself to outspend McCain in the White House race.

Reuters - Congress should examine preferential loans to two Senate Democrats, including the sponsor of a major housing bill, by mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp, a senior Democratic lawmaker said on Thursday.

AP - The Democratic-led Congress finally appears ready to give President Bush his request for $162 billion in long-overdue funds for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

AP - The White House said President Bush would veto a foreclosure rescue the Senate began debating Thursday, as GOP conservatives sought to block the measure amid a scandal over cut-rate mortgages for senators.

AFP - The US House of Representative prepared to vote Thursday on compromise legislation freeing up some 162 billion dollars for US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next several months.

AP - One survivor saluted another on Wednesday as Robert C. Byrd, the longest-serving senator in history, paid tribute to Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last living American-born veteran of World War I, at the Capitol.

AP - House leaders in both parties have announced a deal on a long-overdue war funding bill. They say President Bush will sign it.