Across the World: United States

China Daily | Updated: 2009-04-04 08:03

Congress OKs budget

The Democratic-controlled US Congress on Thursday approved budget blueprints embracing President Barack Obama's agenda but leaving many hard choices until later and a government deeply in the red.

With no Republican support, the House of Representatives and Senate approved slightly different, less expensive versions of Obama's $3.55 trillion budget plan for fiscal 2010, which begins on Oct 1. The differences will be worked out over the next few weeks.

Ex-governor indicted

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been indicted for corruption while in office, including trying to sell the US Senate seat that was held by President Barack Obama, prosecutors said on Thursday.

A federal grand jury indicted the 52-year-old Democrat on 16 felony counts. If convicted, he faces more than 300 years in prison and at least $4 million in fines, plus restitution, according to the indictment.

Blagojevich, who claims he did nothing wrong and is a victim of a political witch-hunt, has promised to fight the charges in court and has a book contract to tell his side.

(China Daily 04/04/2009 page11)