The United States Congress has allocated funds for the development of a new space weapons system. It would allow the US to carry out strikes on possible enemy missile sites at short notice without relying on overseas bases.

American Roman Catholics were urging lawmakers to stop the violence in Iraq and end partisan bickering.

Black pessimism about racial progress in America is the worst it in more than two decades. The new study showed that growing numbers of blacks are not satisfied with their lives and do not expect any improvements.

American baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. has traveled to China on his first trip as a U.S. Public Diplomacy Envoy. The legendary Baltimore Orioles player used his baseball skills to spread American goodwill and teach Chinese young people a few tips on America's favorite pastime.

Iran will not stop uranium enrichment as a condition for the resumption of direct talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

Today, the United States is marking Veterans Day at various events across the country.

In Washington, D.C., many people observe the day by visiting the Vietnam War Memorial, which was opened 25 years ago. Later, a wreath-laying ceremony took place to honor military veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington.

U.S. immigration officials have implemented a new policy to show greater consideration for breast-feeding mothers, days after authorities arrested a Honduran woman in Ohio on an immigration violation and separated her from her crying baby.

A failure by the United States to take North Korea off a list of state sponsors of terrorism could give the North a justification for walking away from six-nation nuclear disarmament talks.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Bush's nomination of retired federal judge Michael Mukasey to the post of attorney general. The Senate approved Mukasey by a vote of 53-40 during a late-night session Thursday.

The United States impelled Pakistan to permit freedom of movement to Benazir Bhutto. Robert Gates, US Defense Secretary, said that the political internal problems there can undermine the fight against terrorism in Pakistan.

The first federal ban on job discrimination against sexual minorities was approved on Wednesday by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Attorney-General in New York has subpoenaed two government-funded investment banks to testify about the recent mortgage loans crisis in the US.