Senate votes for new Iran sanctions, defying White House

Reporting from Washington— Disregarding White House opposition, the Senate unanimously approved new sanctions on Iran as part of a defense bill Thursday night — and then passed the legislation, which already faced a veto threat because it would require military custody for certain detainees suspected of terrorism.
The legislation, which includes a 1.6% pay raise for troops, needs to be merged with a House bill that President Obama’s advisers have recommended for a veto. The Senate’s bill passed, 93 to 7, indicating there would be enough votes to override a veto.
(via latimes.com)

Senate rejects extension of the payroll tax

Reporting from Washington— The Senate rejected competing measures to extend a payroll tax cut Thursday night, an outward display of partisanship as Republicans and Democrats moved behind the scenes to avert a $1,000 tax hike on American workers come Jan. 1.
(via latimes.com)

Senate passes defense bill

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December 02, 2011

Senate passes defense bill with detainee policy compromise Washington (CNN) —

The Senate on Thursday passed a giant defense bill that includes a new policy for detaining and trying suspected al Qaeda terrorists — a policy that attracted controversy during the debate and may draw a presidential veto. The defense authorization bill passed by a vote of 93-7.
(via  CNN.com)