House approves $447 billion omnibus spending measure

Washington PostThe House voted Thursday to approve half a dozen spending bills contained in one large package, as the chamber races to complete its work before adjourning for the year.The $447 billion measure, which combines six appropriations bills, passed 221 to 202, with 28 Democrats joining all 174 Republicans present in opposing it. GOP lawmakers said the measure was overinflated and rushed… Read more

Basescu headed for victory in Romania runoff

BostonBUCHAREST, Romania-Incumbent President Traian Basescu was headed for victory in a tight presidential runoff in Romania, election authorities said Monday, in an election Romanians hope will pull the country out of its worst political and economic crisis in 20 years.With 99.13 percent of the vote counted, election authorities said centrist Basescu polled 50.37 percent of the vote, while… Read more