WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republican leaders and President Barack Obama pressured lawmakers in both parties to back legislation to help ease Puerto Rico's financial crisis as the U.S. territory faces a $2 billion debt payment in just over three weeks.
The House was scheduled to begin debate Thursday on a bill that would create a financial control board and restructure some of Puerto Rico's $70 billion debt. Republican and Democratic leaders support it, as does the Obama administration, but it faces opposition from both sides, as well, as some bondholders, unions and island officials who have lobbied against the bill.
WASHINGTON (AP) — On the verge of endorsing Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama will pay tribute to Bernie Sanders' historic candidacy for presidency with an Oval Office meeting aimed at unifying the Democratic Party for a general election brawl with Donald Trump.
Sanders, the runner-up for the Democratic nomination, was heading Thursday to the White House under intense pressure to drop out and clear the way for Clinton. Though he showed signs he understood the end was near — he was laying off about half his team — he vowed to keep fighting for his movement, which Democratic leaders hope will evolve into a new base of support for Clinton.
