Political News Bits for Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Democrats predict passage of Obama's health care bill
President Barack Obama's proposed health care bill is predicted to pass successfully in the Senate according to Democrats. At this time, the bill has passed its second vote. The final vote is set to occur on December 24, the 25th day of debate regarding the bill. Democrats are optimistic about the bill's passage, in spite of Republican opposition. President Obama's bill includes "every single criteria for reform" and "accomplishes 95 percent of what he wanted on health care."

Source: Erica Werner, Associated Press. Dems, White House predict success on health care

Griffith switches from Democratic party to Republican party
Parker Griffith's switch from Democratic Rep. to Republican, has left members of the Republican party offering him their praise. John Boehner, House Minority Leader and Eric Cantor, Minority Whip are just two Republican's praising Griffith's reputation and practice as a public servant. Some Republicans may view Griffith's switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican party as "a sign of things to come".

Source: Jake Sherman, Politico.com. Republicans embrace Griffith

Veterans Affairs Department delinquent paying veterans' education bills
The Veterans Affairs Department has yet to pay Universities and colleges across the country for education received by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Some veterans are fearful that they will be unable to continue their education in the winter and spring because of the delay in payment, but the Veterans Affairs Department ensures veterans and their schools that they will be able to return to school next quarter.

Source: Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press. AP Enterprise: Vets wait for GI Bill payments

Convicted murderers argue they fulfilled the terms of their 'life' sentences
Two convicted murderers, Faye Brown and Alford Jones are petitioning the court under the argument that they have served their "life" sentences. They argue that they have fulfilled the terms of their sentences in light of "sentence-reduction credits."

Source: Mike Baker, Associated Press. NC Supreme Court to hear 'life' inmates case

Fort Hood suspect not allowed to pray in Arabic
Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood suspect, has not been allowed to pray with his family members in Arabic, according to Hasan's attorney. Currently, Hasan is at the Brooke Army Medical Center, where, under direction of the military, his is forbidden to speak on the phone or with visitors in any language other than English if an interpreter is not present. He is charged with the November 5, 2009 murder of 13 individuals and the attempted murder of 32 others.

Source: Associated Press. Lawyer: Fort Hood suspect prevented from praying