US Congress prepares to tackle security issues

GLOBAL AGENDA
Sept 4 – 10

WORLD

WHAT IT IS

THE US Congress returns tomorrow from its recess to face an ambitious legislative agenda and mid-term elections in November.

Security issues will be high on the agenda, with the Republicans hoping that touting these will rally voters to their side.

The Senate’s first order of business will be the US$453 billion (S$712 billion) defence appropriations Bill. It is expected to pass the US$32 billion homeland security Bill. The US-India nuclear deal also looms large in proceedings.

WHY IT MATTERS

Several major security issues, such as the Iraq war, the Israel-Hizbollah conflict and the war on terror will dominate the rest of this congressional session.

Both Houses will also commemorate the fifth anniversary of Sept 11, which could remind voters of the ever-present terror threat.