US-POLITICS Summary - Washington Post
05.01.09
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The new U.S. Congress convenes on Tuesday under pressure to deal with a worsening economy by passing a stimulus package that Barack Obama could sign into law soon after being sworn in as president. Obama, who takes office on January 20, has vowed to work with Republicans as well as fellow Democrats to reach an agreement on a package that may cost up to $775 billion over two years to stem a deepening recession.
Obama picks former Clinton aide Panetta for CIA
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama has chosen former White House chief of staff Leon Panetta to lead the CIA, which has been widely criticized for harsh interrogation of terrorism suspects, Democratic officials said on Monday. The surprise pick of Panetta for Central Intelligence Agency director, which has not been announced, would be one of the last major nominations for the incoming Obama administration, which takes over from President George W. Bush on January 20.
Obama seeks swift passage of fiscal package
Source: Washington Post, United States