US defence bill: More security cooperation with India, conditional aid for Pakistan

Washington, Dec 24 : US President Barack Obama has signed a $618 billion defence policy bill which when in place, will enhance security cooperation with India. [NK US] The National Defence Authorization Act , which was passed by both the House and the Senate with veto-proof majorities earlier this month, was signed by Obama on Friday in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he is currently vacationing.

MCAS-Yuma rescue unit could stay

Local military boosters and public safety agencies are optimistic about Marine Corps Air Station-Yuma and its lifesaving skills remaining in southwest Arizona, with its survival included in a defense appropriations bill awaiting the president's signature. The SAR unit at the base is now the last of its kind in the country, and was due to be disbanded along with another in North Carolina in 2015.

The Latest: McConnell says no to select panel on Russia

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is rejecting calls for a special Senate investigative committee focused on possible interference in U.S. elections by Russia and other countries. McConnell says a finding by U.S. intelligence officials that Moscow hacked Democratic emails in a bid to elevate Donald Trump "is a serious issue, but it doesn't require a select committee."

McConnell rejects calls for select panel on Russian meddling

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is rejecting bipartisan calls for a special committee to investigate Russian interference in the U.S. election, which American intelligence says was aimed in part at helping Republican Donald Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. The likely meddling by Russia "is a serious issue, but it doesn't require a select committee," said McConnell, R-Ky.

John McCain at odds with Trump over Russia

McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, on Sunday joined Democrats in calling for a special select committee to investigate foreign cyberattacks, putting him at odds not only with the incoming GOP president but with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who favors allowing the Intelligence committee to take the lead on the inquiry. "We need a select committee.

McCain sees Russia hacking as threat, at odds with Trump

This June 3, 2016, file photo shows Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., delivering his speech titled "America's Enduring Commitment to Security and Prosperity in Asia" at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Distinguished Public Lecture in Singapore. McCain is joining Democrats in calling for a special select committee to investigate Russian interference in the U.S. election.

‘No doubt’ Russia interfered with election, McCain says in calling for investigation

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., on Sunday again decried Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 presidential race and called for a select Senate committee to investigate the country's cyber activities during the election. On CNN's "State of the Union," McCain told host Jake Tapper that there was "no doubt" Russia interfered with the election.

Sen. John McCain calls for Russia hacking investigation:…

Sen. John McCain , R-Ariz., on Sunday again decried Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 presidential race and called for a select Senate committee to investigate the country's cyber activities during the election. On CNN's "State of the Union," McCain told host Jake Tapper that there was "no doubt" Russia interfered with the election.

Donald Trump slams China for seizing US naval drone in SCS5 min ago

Washington, Dec 17 : President-elect Donald Trump today slammed China for seizing an American naval drone in international waters of the disputed South China Sea, even as the Pentagon demanded its immediate release amid outrage from US lawmakers. "China steals United States Navy research drone in international waters - rips it out of water and takes it to China in unpresidented act," Trump said in a tweet this morning.

Why It Matters That Trump Isn’t Taking the Russia Hack Seriously

First Read is a morning briefing from Meet the Press and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter. Out of all of the recent developments in the news about Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential race - the CIA's conclusion that it was done to help Donald Trump, the NBC report that Vladimir Putin was personally involved - the biggest has been Trump's reaction.

Foreign Meddling in Our Vote? Remember How This Feels

As we prepare to enter a surreal new era of American politics, Greg Kafoury, one of the nation's most tenacious litigators and a longtime CounterPuncher, has stepped forward with a generous matching grant proposal for the last month of the year. Greg will match ALL donations of $25 and more up to a total of $5000.

Going in would have been a calamity: Michael Burleigh says it is…

Going in would have been a calamity: MICHAEL BURLEIGH says it is nonsense that Britain holds some responsibility for the horrors in Syria after not intervening The endgame in Aleppo was always going to be dreadful. How could it not be after many months of a siege that has generated terrible suffering with heart-rending images being broadcast round the world? But for Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, former chancellor George Osborne and other MPs to say we in Britain bore some responsibility for the horrors now taking place in the ancient Syrian city because we did not intervene in the war is, quite frankly, nonsense.

Donald Trump’s pick to head State Department recommended by lobbyist to Exxon, Russia

Late Monday, President-elect Donald Trump's transition team quietly announced that it was postponing his first post-election conference, meant to address potential conflicts of interests for the incoming commander-in-chief. Then early Tuesday, Trump announced his selection of Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and lined up former Republican government officials with ties to ExxonMobil and Russia's state-run gas company to vouch for the career oil man with no experience in government.

Donald Trump makes it official: Rexa

President-elect Donald Trump officially nominated Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of State on Tuesday, setting up a possible confirmation battle over the nominee's business ties to Russia. While Democrats and even some Republicans raised questions about Tillerson and Russia -- which is accused of interference in the recent presidential election -- Trump praised his fellow businessman as "a world class player" who has led one of the world's largest corporations.