by Brai Odion-Esene

by Brai Odion-Esene

WASHINGTON (MNI) - Standard & Poor's Thursday gave a vote of confidence in the U.S. dollar, saying it believes the dollar will continue to be the key international currency, a position that it will retain "so long as inflation is moderate and stable, financial markets are sound and relatively unfettered, and U.S. government spending is efficient and sustainable."

By John Shaw

WASHINGTON (MNI) - The Senate passed Wednesday a $140 billion tax extenders and safety net package, sending it to the House for its consideration.

The Senate approved the bill on a 62 to 36 vote.

By John Shaw

WASHINGTON (MNI) - Sen. Chuck Schumer, a senior member of the Senate Finance and Banking Committees and a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, said Wednesday that Democratic leaders are working hard to pass health care reform before Congress's Easter recess.

By John Shaw

WASHINGTON (MNI) - Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor said Wednesday that if congressional Democrats try to use budget reconciliation rules to pass health care reform in the coming weeks their effort would be procedurally complex and politically explosive.

By Steven K. Beckner

LONDON (MNI) - Federal Reserve policymakers have plenty to discuss at Tuesday's Federal Open Market Committee meeting, but it seems unlikely any new departures will be announced after the one-day session.

By John Shaw

WASHINGTON (MNI) - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Tuesday continued his torrent of criticism about health care legislation pending in Congress, warning Democrats that it will be politically dangerous to pass legislation that is "riddled with special deals."

By John Shaw

WASHINGTON (MNI) - House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Tuesday that House Democratic leaders would like to pass a fiscal year 2011 budget resolution prior to Congress's Easter recess, but he added that this date is not a firm deadline.

At a briefing, Hoyer said that passing an FY'11 budget resolution this spring will be challenging.