Paul Kane

Recent stories written by Paul Kane

Senate passes defense spending bill (12/20/2009)

WASHINGTON – In a rare early Saturday morning vote, the Senate cleared several last procedural hurdles – including the one out of its control, a raging snowstorm – to pass the Pentagon's massive spending bill that includes nearly $130 billion for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Spending hikes get support (12/13/2009)

WASHINGTON – In a surprisingly suspenseful vote, the Senate cleared a key parliamentary hurdle Saturday on a huge spending bill for almost half the federal government, a measure that increases funding for the agencies it covers by an average of 10 percent.

Battle looms over bill for wars (12/2/2009)

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama's decision to send more than 30,000 troops to Afghanistan ensures what was already inevitable: The cost of the wars in that country and Iraq are about to exceed $1 trillion. Less certain for Congress is how to pay for it.