Daily Political Wire 12-16-2010

George Wenschhof

Julian Assange Granted Bail - after an appeal by Sweden, a British judge granted bail with conditions on charges of sexual misconduct pertaining to incidents last summer.



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Afghanistan Review Mixed - the long awaited year end review of u.S. policy in Afghanistan shows some headway being made, but critical obstacles remain. The report suggests U.S. withdrawal of troops beginning in July 2011 is on schedule. Reuters.com has more here.

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President Obama Meets with Native American Leaders - in a little publicized meeting yesterday at the White House. Today, Obama will address over 4,000 Native Americans attending a conference at the Interior Department. The NY Times Caucus Blog has more here.

The treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government over the years has long been an embarrassment.

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START Treaty to receive vote in Senate - yesterday, it easily broke a filibuster with a vote of 66-32. However, 67 votes are needed for ratification of a U.S. treaty. Democrat Evan Bayh (Ind.) was one of the two senators who did not vote and his vote will be critical for passage. Senator Jon Kyl (R-Az.) has led the opposition in spite of appeals from former Republican and Democratic Secretaries of State who urge ratification. The Wall Street Journal has more here.

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House to Vote on Tax Compromise Today - the House rules committee will allow a separate vote first on amendments, prior to considering the bill already approved by the Senate. the amended expected to be offered by the progressive Democrats will be to limit changes in the estate tax. The amendment is expected to fail and the 858 billion compromise tax bill to then pass. TheHill.com has more here.

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Repeal of D.A.D.T. Easily Passes House - yesterday, by a vote of 250-175. Unfortunately, the senate may not fit in a crowed schedule, a stand alone bill offered by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). So, passage remains uncertain. Politico.com has more here.

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