Senate panel approves Dr. Margaret Hamburg to head FDA

October 7th, 2009 Senate approves apology to American IndiansWASHINGTON — The Senate has approved a resolution apologizing to American Indians for years of "ill-conceived policies" and acts of violence by U.S. citizens. Lawmakers said the resolution, included in a defense spending bill approved late Tuesday, was a symbolic gesture meant to promote a renewed commitment to tribal communities.

September 12th, 2009 12 German police injured in Hamburg clashesHAMBURG — Police say 12 officers have been injured in clashes with left-wing demonstrators in the German city of Hamburg following a far-right rally. Police spokesman Ralf Meyer says Saturday that 60 people — mostly left-wing activists — were detained in the clashes, which came after a demonstration against the far-right march.

September 9th, 2009 Sen. Harkin takes the reins of health panelWASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says that Sen. Tom Harkin — a progressive liberal and ardent supporter of President Barack Obama's plan to create a public insurance plan — will take over the health and education committee.

September 1st, 2009 Calif. Assembly approves scaled-down prison planSACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Assembly has approved a bill seeking to reduce the state corrections budget, as Republican lawmakers assailed it as a threat to public safety.

August 20th, 2009 Colombia's senate approves Uribe re-election billBOGOTA — Colombia's Senate voted late Wednesday to pass a bill calling for a referendum on whether to change the constitution to allow President Alvaro Uribe to run for a third term. The measure, which is to be voted on by the lower House next week, was approved 56-2 by senators after deputies from two opposition parties left the 102-member chamber.

August 6th, 2009 FDA chief vows tougher stance on food, drug safetyWASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration's new chief promised Thursday to crack down on food and drug companies that break the law, as the agency tries to regain its footing after a string of high-profile safety problems. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said her agency must act more swiftly and aggressively against companies that don't meet safety standards.

August 4th, 2009 Senate panel endorses Asia ambassador nomineesWASHINGTON — A U.S. Senate panel has endorsed Utah Gov.

July 22nd, 2009 House approves sanctions against MyanmarWASHINGTON — The House has voted to renew sanctions meant to penalize the junta that runs the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, also called Burma. The resolution approving the reauthorization of the sanctions now goes to the Senate for consideration.

July 9th, 2009 WASHINGTON - The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved former Democratic congressman Timothy Roemer to be the new ambassador to India, setting up a confirmation vote by the full Senate. The panel approved President Barack Obama's nominee as ambassador to New Delhi by Wednesday.

June 23rd, 2009 German court orders Lehman compensationHAMBURG — A German court ruled Tuesday that a bank must compensate a retired teacher for his investment in Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. certificates that became worthless with Lehman's collapse.

June 10th, 2009 Panel OKs new commanders for Afghanistan and NATOWASHINGTON — A Senate panel on Tuesday approved the nominations of Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal to be the next commander of U.S.

May 9th, 2009 FDA nominee pledges to improve food safetyWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's pick to oversee food and drug safety says she will revamp the FDA to better protect the nation's food supply and help prevent outbreaks of illness. Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a bioterrorism expert who once served as New York City health commissioner, also says she wants to restore public confidence in the Food and Drug Administration.

May 8th, 2009 Senate approves Seattle police chief as drug czarWASHINGTON — The Senate has approved the nomination of Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the national drug czar. Kerlikowske, a 36-year law enforcement veteran, has said he will take a balanced, science-based approach to the job of director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

February 13th, 2009 WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives Friday approved the $787 billion stimulus package, an unprecedented attempt by the American government to aid the country's economy. The package was approved by a vote of 246- 83 but with no Republican support.

January 28th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A Senate committee voted Wednesday to approve Eric Holder as the next top US law enforcement officer, sending the nomination to the full chamber for a final vote. The Senate is expected to approve Holder, 58, to become the first African American to head the Justice Department.