A US senator is asking the Pentagon for more information on Microsoft's purported use of Chinese engineers in keeping military cloud computing systems going, a copy of the letter obtained by new agency Reuters shows. US Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and chair of the chamber's intelligence committee and also a member of its armed services committee, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following an investigative reporting piece in ProPublica earlier this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;The report explained Microsoft's employment of Chinese engineers to do work on US military computer systems overseen by US "digital escorts" employed by subcontractors with security clearances but often lacked the technical qualifications to determine if the work of the Chinese engineers was a threat to cybersecurity.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-of-my-worst-appointments-trump-again-lashes-out-at-jerome-powell-for-choking-out-us-housing-markets-1752841397821">'One of my worst appointments’: Trump again lashes out at Jerome Powell for ‘choking out’ US housing markets</a>&nbsp;When contacted by Reuters regarding both the ProPublica story and US Senator Tom Cotton's letter, Microsoft refused to comment. The company, a major contractor to the US government and whose networks have been infiltrated by both Chinese and Russian hackers, informed ProPublica that it shared its practices with the US government as part of an authorisation process.&nbsp;The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cotton asked the US military provide a list of all contractors who employ Chinese workers and information about how US "digital escorts" are trained to detect suspicious activity. &nbsp;"The U.S. government recognizes that China's cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States, as evidenced by infiltration of our critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains," Cotton wrote in the letter. The U.S. military "must guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors."

Military cloud at risk US Senator seeks answers from Pentagon over Microsoft China link

A US senator is asking the Pentagon for more information on Microsoft's purported use of Chinese engineers in keeping military cloud computing systems going, a copy of the letter obtained by new agency Reuters shows. US Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and chair of the chamber's intelligence committee and also a member of its armed services committee, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following an investigative reporting piece in ProPublica earlier this week. The report explained Microsoft's employment of Chinese engineers to do work on US military computer systems overseen by US "digital escorts" employed by subcontractors with security clearances but often lacked the technical qualifications to determine if the work of the Chinese engineers was a threat to cybersecurity. Also Read: 'One of my worst appointments’: Trump again lashes out at Jerome Powell for ‘choking out’ US housing markets When contacted by Reuters regarding both the ProPublica story and US Senator Tom Cotton's letter, Microsoft refused to comment. The company, a major contractor to the US government and whose networks have been infiltrated by both Chinese and Russian hackers, informed ProPublica that it shared its practices with the US government as part of an authorisation process. The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Cotton asked the US military provide a list of all contractors who employ Chinese workers and information about how US "digital escorts" are trained to detect suspicious activity. "The U.S. government recognizes that China's cyber capabilities pose one of the most aggressive and dangerous threats to the United States, as evidenced by infiltration of our critical infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and supply chains," Cotton wrote in the letter. The U.S. military "must guard against all potential threats within its supply chain, including those from subcontractors."

US Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican who chairs the chamber's intelligence committee and also serves on its armed services committee, sent the letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after a report in investigative journalism publication ProPublica earlier this week

Military cloud at risk? US Senator seeks answers from Pentagon over Microsoft-China link

The head of the US Senate Banking Committee, Sherrod Brown, has called upon the Biden administration to investigate the supposed ties between Nippon Steel and the Chinese steel industry. <o:p></o:p>

Brown's concerns stem from bipartisan opposition within Congress regarding Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel Corp, saying that there were potential threats to national security. <o:p></o:p>

The call for scrutiny comes after an April report by consultancy Horizon Advisory, which highlighted alleged connections between Nippon Steel and Chinese state-backed steel companies. <o:p></o:p>

"As you examine this deal, I urge you to thoroughly investigate the allegations raised in this report and examine Nippon's ties to the Chinese government and the danger this merger poses to American national and economic security," Reuters quoted Brown as saying. <o:p></o:p>

He also noted concerns regarding Nippon Steel's historical support for China's steel industry and its current operational presence in the country. <o:p></o:p>

Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, is seeking re-election in the upcoming election on 5th November.<o:p></o:p>

Nippon Steel, however, has vehemently refuted the allegations presented in Horizon Advisory's report. <o:p></o:p>

The company said that the report was "rife with inaccuracies and misrepresentations" and pressed that its operations in China accounted for 5 per cent of their global production capacity, thus being extremely limited. <o:p></o:p>

Additionally, Nippon Steel said that its investments in China do not grant Chinese partners control over its operations outside of China, including research and development activities.<o:p></o:p>

According to Horizon's report, Nippon Steel has a historical involvement in supporting the development of China's steel industry and maintains operational ties with several Chinese state-backed steel enterprises. <o:p></o:p>

Brown said that Nippon Steel's connections to China's military-civil fusion strategy and its pursuit of global economic influence was a matter of concern. <o:p></o:p>

President Joe Biden previously said that US Steel should remain domestically owned, while his opponent in the upcoming presidential election, former President Donald Trump, promised to block the proposed Nippon Steel acquisition if elected.<o:p></o:p>

Presently, the White House has yet to issue a response to Brown's call for scrutiny, and Horizon Advisory has not provided any comments following requests for clarification.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

The head of the US Senate Banking Committee, Sherrod Brown, has called upon the Biden administration to investigate the supposed ties between Nippon Steel and the Chinese steel industry.

The head of the US Senate Banking Committee, Sherrod Brown, has called upon the Biden administration to investigate the supposed ties between Nippon Steel and the Chinese steel industry. Brown's concerns stem from bipartisan opposition within Congress regarding Nippon Steel's proposed $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel Corp, saying that there were potential threats to national security. The call for scrutiny comes after an April report by consultancy Horizon Advisory, which highlighted alleged connections between Nippon Steel and Chinese state-backed steel companies. "As you examine this deal, I urge you to thoroughly investigate the allegations raised in this report and examine Nippon's ties to the Chinese government and the danger this merger poses to American national and economic security," Reuters quoted Brown as saying. He also noted concerns regarding Nippon Steel's historical support for China's steel industry and its current operational presence in the country. Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, is seeking re-election in the upcoming election on 5th November. Nippon Steel, however, has vehemently refuted the allegations presented in Horizon Advisory's report. The company said that the report was "rife with inaccuracies and misrepresentations" and pressed that its operations in China accounted for 5 per cent of their global production capacity, thus being extremely limited. Additionally, Nippon Steel said that its investments in China do not grant Chinese partners control over its operations outside of China, including research and development activities. According to Horizon's report, Nippon Steel has a historical involvement in supporting the development of China's steel industry and maintains operational ties with several Chinese state-backed steel enterprises. Brown said that Nippon Steel's connections to China's military-civil fusion strategy and its pursuit of global economic influence was a matter of concern. President Joe Biden previously said that US Steel should remain domestically owned, while his opponent in the upcoming presidential election, former President Donald Trump, promised to block the proposed Nippon Steel acquisition if elected. Presently, the White House has yet to issue a response to Brown's call for scrutiny, and Horizon Advisory has not provided any comments following requests for clarification. (With inputs from Reuters)

US senator urges Biden administration to review suspected Nippon Steel ties to China

United States Senator and Republican White House hopeful Tim Scott abruptly ended his run for the 2024 presidential election nomination on Sunday (Nov 12), amid reports of spending campaign cash at a blistering rate without making significant progress in the national opinion polls.&nbsp;

The development also took Scott’s donors and campaign staff by surprise as it comes just months ahead of the beginning of the voting in Iowa’s leadoff GOP caucuses. The caucuses typically kick off the Republican selection process for a nominee and unlike primary elections, are contests planned, financed and carried out by the parties as opposed to the state officials.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Not now Tim’</h2>

The announcement was made on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Night in America” with Trey Gowdy where the South Carolina senator said, “But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me: ‘Not now Tim.’”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-tim-scott-businessman-only-black-republican-in-senate-launches-2024-us-presidential-bid-595424">Who is Tim Scott, the only Black Senate Republican who launched 2024 US Presidential bid?</a>

The lone Black Republican in the US Senate, who began his campaign in May had promised to present an optimistic, forward-looking vision for America. However, he has so far failed to establish himself in recent debates as well as has had trouble gaining traction in the polls, despite millions spent on his behalf by high-profile donors.

Notably, Scott is backed by many major donors partly because they believe that he would have a high chance of beating Democratic President Joe Biden, that is if he were to emerge as the Republican nominee.&nbsp;

During the interview, Scott said he wouldn’t immediately be endorsing any of his remaining Republican rivals. “The voters are really smart,” said the South Carolina senator, adding that “The best way for me to be helpful is to not weigh in on who they should endorse.”

He also ruled out serving as the vice president since the number 2 slot “has never been on my to-do list for this campaign, and it’s certainly not there now.”&nbsp;

<h2>Surprise announcement</h2>

Scott dropped out of the presidential race so abruptly that one of his campaign workers told The Associated Press that his campaign staff found out about the news by watching the show.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-lone-black-senator-tim-scott-enters-2024-us-presidential-bid-594265">Republican’s lone Black senator Tim Scott enters 2024 US presidential bid</a>

According to the report, just 13 minutes before he announced his departure, his campaign sent out an email soliciting supporters for donations to further Scott’s “strong leadership and optimistic, positive vision to lead our country forward.”

The campaign staffers also expressed their extreme irritation to the AP after Scott recently shifted staff and money from New Hampshire to Iowa in an effort to boost his standing in the leadoff caucus, only to completely reverse the move after they worked around the clock to make it happen.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;two major donors to his campaign told Reuters they would switch their support to&nbsp;former US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.

Scott is the second major Republican to drop out of the race after former VP Mike Pence also suspended his campaign two weeks ago.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Senator and Republican White House hopeful Tim Scott abruptly ended his run for the 2024 presidential election nomination on Sunday (Nov 12), amid reports of spending campaign cash at a blistering rate without making significant progress in the national opinion polls.

United States Senator and Republican White House hopeful Tim Scott abruptly ended his run for the 2024 presidential election nomination on Sunday (Nov 12), amid reports of spending campaign cash at a blistering rate without making significant progress in the national opinion polls. The development also took Scott’s donors and campaign staff by surprise as it comes just months ahead of the beginning of the voting in Iowa’s leadoff GOP caucuses. The caucuses typically kick off the Republican selection process for a nominee and unlike primary elections, are contests planned, financed and carried out by the parties as opposed to the state officials. ‘Not now Tim’ The announcement was made on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Night in America” with Trey Gowdy where the South Carolina senator said, “But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me: ‘Not now Tim.’” ALSO READ | Who is Tim Scott, the only Black Senate Republican who launched 2024 US Presidential bid? The lone Black Republican in the US Senate, who began his campaign in May had promised to present an optimistic, forward-looking vision for America. However, he has so far failed to establish himself in recent debates as well as has had trouble gaining traction in the polls, despite millions spent on his behalf by high-profile donors. Notably, Scott is backed by many major donors partly because they believe that he would have a high chance of beating Democratic President Joe Biden, that is if he were to emerge as the Republican nominee. During the interview, Scott said he wouldn’t immediately be endorsing any of his remaining Republican rivals. “The voters are really smart,” said the South Carolina senator, adding that “The best way for me to be helpful is to not weigh in on who they should endorse.” He also ruled out serving as the vice president since the number 2 slot “has never been on my to-do list for this campaign, and it’s certainly not there now.” Surprise announcement Scott dropped out of the presidential race so abruptly that one of his campaign workers told The Associated Press that his campaign staff found out about the news by watching the show. ALSO READ | Republican’s lone Black senator Tim Scott enters 2024 US presidential bid According to the report, just 13 minutes before he announced his departure, his campaign sent out an email soliciting supporters for donations to further Scott’s “strong leadership and optimistic, positive vision to lead our country forward.” The campaign staffers also expressed their extreme irritation to the AP after Scott recently shifted staff and money from New Hampshire to Iowa in an effort to boost his standing in the leadoff caucus, only to completely reverse the move after they worked around the clock to make it happen. Meanwhile, two major donors to his campaign told Reuters they would switch their support to former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley. Scott is the second major Republican to drop out of the race after former VP Mike Pence also suspended his campaign two weeks ago. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senator Tim Scott abruptly ends 2024 White House bid

United States Senator Dianne Feinstein known for being a trailblazer for women in American politics and spending&nbsp;more than three decades in the Senate passed away at the age of 90, her office confirmed on Friday (Sep 29) after multiple American media reports.&nbsp;

She was also the oldest member of the US Senate where she served since 1992 and held her seat in the chamber longer than any other woman or senator from the state of California.&nbsp;

Feinstein, a Democrat, has been an advocate for gun control in the US and spearheaded the first federal assault weapons ban and documented the CIA’s torture of foreign terrorism suspects.&nbsp;

She had shattered multiple glass ceilings during her nearly 31 years in office, including being the first woman to head the influential Senate Intelligence Committee. Feinstein cast her last vote in the Senate late Thursday (Sep 28) morning, reported the American media citing Senate records.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Never backed away’</h2>

According to a statement by her office, Feinstein passed away at her home in Washington, DC. “Senator Feinstein never backed away from a fight for what was just and right,” said her chief of staff James Sauls.

It added, “There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother. Senator Feinstein was a force of nature who made an incredible impact on our country and her home state.”&nbsp;

“She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary.”&nbsp;

California Governor Gavin Newsom is now expected to appoint a temporary replacement for Feinstein.&nbsp;

<h2>Declining health</h2>

Amid her reported declining health and cognitive abilities many called for her retirement as well as highlighted concerns about America’s aging politicians. She had been facing questions for months about her abilities and also got into a conflict with her fellow Democrats over her refusal to step down.

In February, she announced that she would not be seeking reelection in 2024. Feinstein was also sidelined from Congress for three months after suffering from shingles and complications, including encephalitis and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome.

In April, she was admitted to the hospital after a “minor fall” at her home and took on lighter duties upon her return and moved around the Capitol using a wheelchair.&nbsp;

<h2>About Dianne Feinstein&nbsp;</h2>

Born on 22 June 1933, Feinstein grew up in San Francisco and is a graduate of Stanford University. She was elected in 1969 to the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors and became the city’s first female mayor in 1978 after then-Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were assassinated by Dan White, a former member of the same board.

Speaking about her experience of that day Feinstein said that she rushed to Milk’s office after hearing gunshots and while searching for his pulse, her finger found a bullet hole.&nbsp;

The horror of that experience never left her and she went on to author and introduce, the federal ban on military-style assault weapons in 1994 both a landmark bill and one of her biggest legislative achievements, which expired in 2004.&nbsp;

As the Intelligence Committee chair, Feinstein led a years-long review of the CIA’s controversial interrogation programme of foreign terrorists following the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

“The CIA’s actions are a stain on our values and our history,” she had said at the time.&nbsp;

The report also concluded, despite the CIA’s claims their use of “coercive interrogation techniques in some cases amounting to torture” on at least 119 detainees, played no no role in disrupting any terrorism plots.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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United States Senator Dianne Feinstein known for being a trailblazer for women in American politics and spending more than three decades in the Senate passed away at the age of 90, her office confirmed on Friday (Sep 29) after multiple American media reports.

United States Senator Dianne Feinstein known for being a trailblazer for women in American politics and spending more than three decades in the Senate passed away at the age of 90, her office confirmed on Friday (Sep 29) after multiple American media reports. She was also the oldest member of the US Senate where she served since 1992 and held her seat in the chamber longer than any other woman or senator from the state of California. Feinstein, a Democrat, has been an advocate for gun control in the US and spearheaded the first federal assault weapons ban and documented the CIA’s torture of foreign terrorism suspects. She had shattered multiple glass ceilings during her nearly 31 years in office, including being the first woman to head the influential Senate Intelligence Committee. Feinstein cast her last vote in the Senate late Thursday (Sep 28) morning, reported the American media citing Senate records. ‘Never backed away’ According to a statement by her office, Feinstein passed away at her home in Washington, DC. “Senator Feinstein never backed away from a fight for what was just and right,” said her chief of staff James Sauls. It added, “There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother. Senator Feinstein was a force of nature who made an incredible impact on our country and her home state.” “She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary.” California Governor Gavin Newsom is now expected to appoint a temporary replacement for Feinstein. Declining health Amid her reported declining health and cognitive abilities many called for her retirement as well as highlighted concerns about America’s aging politicians. She had been facing questions for months about her abilities and also got into a conflict with her fellow Democrats over her refusal to step down. In February, she announced that she would not be seeking reelection in 2024. Feinstein was also sidelined from Congress for three months after suffering from shingles and complications, including encephalitis and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. In April, she was admitted to the hospital after a “minor fall” at her home and took on lighter duties upon her return and moved around the Capitol using a wheelchair. About Dianne Feinstein Born on 22 June 1933, Feinstein grew up in San Francisco and is a graduate of Stanford University. She was elected in 1969 to the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors and became the city’s first female mayor in 1978 after then-Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were assassinated by Dan White, a former member of the same board. Speaking about her experience of that day Feinstein said that she rushed to Milk’s office after hearing gunshots and while searching for his pulse, her finger found a bullet hole. The horror of that experience never left her and she went on to author and introduce, the federal ban on military-style assault weapons in 1994 both a landmark bill and one of her biggest legislative achievements, which expired in 2004. As the Intelligence Committee chair, Feinstein led a years-long review of the CIA’s controversial interrogation programme of foreign terrorists following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. “The CIA’s actions are a stain on our values and our history,” she had said at the time. The report also concluded, despite the CIA’s claims their use of “coercive interrogation techniques in some cases amounting to torture” on at least 119 detainees, played no no role in disrupting any terrorism plots. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: California’s longest-serving Senator Dianne Feinstein dies at 90

United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on Sunday (July 9), urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul’s ‘PRIME’ energy drink supposedly containing nearly twice the caffeine of a Red Bull which he said is being marketed to children. This comes amid increasing scrutiny for the viral beverage brand which was launched last year.&nbsp;

<h2>About the ‘PRIME’ energy drink</h2>

‘PRIME’ energy drink was reported to be an instant hit following its launch by YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul. The beverage in question contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can (approximately 354.8 ml can) which is equal to six cans of Coca-Cola or nearly two Red Bulls, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

A warning on the company website says that the drink is not recommended for children under the age of 18, women who are pregnant or nursing, or individuals who are sensitive to caffeine.&nbsp;

However, the drink is particularly popular among children and has become somewhat of a status symbol. But amid concerns about its high levels of caffeine several schools in the US, the United Kingdom, and Australia have reportedly banned the drinks.&nbsp;

Logan Paul and KSI, who have a total of 48 million YouTube followers, also launched a caffeine-free PRIME Hydration drink&nbsp;last year. It was not until January this year that the company launched its caffeinated PRIME Energy drink which is also said to be sugar-free and vegan.&nbsp;

<h2>Concerns raised by Schumer&nbsp;</h2>

During a press conference, on Sunday in New York, Schumer alleged that the drink is being targeted towards children despite its high caffeine content. “Buyer and parents beware because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets,” said the top Democrat.&nbsp;

Speaking about the drink’s high caffeine content he said, “This is an eye-popping level of caffeine for a young kid’s body.”&nbsp;

Schumer alleged that with the company’s “near identical” packaging and marketing of Prime Energy and its caffeine-free drink, parents have accidentally bought the “cauldron of caffeine” for their children.

“Because the product is billed as a hydration and sports drink in its other, near identical form, kids are likely to ingest cans of this stuff with the parents being unaware,” said the US Senate majority leader.&nbsp;

In an interview with CBS, Schumer also claimed that the company’s “main target” is&nbsp;“kids under 18,” adding that they “see it on their phones as they scroll, and then they actually have a need for it".

<h2>How has the company responded to these allegations?</h2>

In a statement to Hindustan Times, a PRIME representative said, “It is very important to make the distinction between the two products (PRIME Energy and PRIME Hydration) because they are vastly different. We started PRIME last year with the launch of Hydration, a healthier sports drink alternative that comes in a bottle.”&nbsp;

It added, “PRIME Energy, sold in a can, dropped in 2023 and contains a comparable amount of caffeine to other top-selling energy drinks, all falling within the legal limit of the countries it’s sold in. It complied with all FDA guidelines before hitting the market and states clearly on packaging, as well as in marketing materials, that it is an energy drink and is not made for anyone under the age of 18.”&nbsp;

The PRIME representative also spoke about how their brand’s “top priority” is consumer safety and they&nbsp;welcome discussions with the FDA or any organisations about the changes they suggest and feel are necessary for consumer safety, reported HT.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on Sunday (July 9), urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul’s ‘PRIME’ energy drink supposedly containing nearly twice the caffeine of a Red Bull which he said is being marketed to children.

United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on Sunday (July 9), urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul’s ‘PRIME’ energy drink supposedly containing nearly twice the caffeine of a Red Bull which he said is being marketed to children. This comes amid increasing scrutiny for the viral beverage brand which was launched last year. About the ‘PRIME’ energy drink ‘PRIME’ energy drink was reported to be an instant hit following its launch by YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul. The beverage in question contains 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can (approximately 354.8 ml can) which is equal to six cans of Coca-Cola or nearly two Red Bulls, reported Reuters. A warning on the company website says that the drink is not recommended for children under the age of 18, women who are pregnant or nursing, or individuals who are sensitive to caffeine. However, the drink is particularly popular among children and has become somewhat of a status symbol. But amid concerns about its high levels of caffeine several schools in the US, the United Kingdom, and Australia have reportedly banned the drinks. Logan Paul and KSI, who have a total of 48 million YouTube followers, also launched a caffeine-free PRIME Hydration drink last year. It was not until January this year that the company launched its caffeinated PRIME Energy drink which is also said to be sugar-free and vegan. Concerns raised by Schumer During a press conference, on Sunday in New York, Schumer alleged that the drink is being targeted towards children despite its high caffeine content. “Buyer and parents beware because it’s a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets,” said the top Democrat. Speaking about the drink’s high caffeine content he said, “This is an eye-popping level of caffeine for a young kid’s body.” Schumer alleged that with the company’s “near identical” packaging and marketing of Prime Energy and its caffeine-free drink, parents have accidentally bought the “cauldron of caffeine” for their children. “Because the product is billed as a hydration and sports drink in its other, near identical form, kids are likely to ingest cans of this stuff with the parents being unaware,” said the US Senate majority leader. In an interview with CBS, Schumer also claimed that the company’s “main target” is “kids under 18,” adding that they “see it on their phones as they scroll, and then they actually have a need for it". How has the company responded to these allegations? In a statement to Hindustan Times, a PRIME representative said, “It is very important to make the distinction between the two products (PRIME Energy and PRIME Hydration) because they are vastly different. We started PRIME last year with the launch of Hydration, a healthier sports drink alternative that comes in a bottle.” It added, “PRIME Energy, sold in a can, dropped in 2023 and contains a comparable amount of caffeine to other top-selling energy drinks, all falling within the legal limit of the countries it’s sold in. It complied with all FDA guidelines before hitting the market and states clearly on packaging, as well as in marketing materials, that it is an energy drink and is not made for anyone under the age of 18.” The PRIME representative also spoke about how their brand’s “top priority” is consumer safety and they welcome discussions with the FDA or any organisations about the changes they suggest and feel are necessary for consumer safety, reported HT. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Senator Chuck Schumer urges FDA to investigate Logan Paul, KSI’s ‘PRIME’ energy drink. Here's why

The Democratic Party in the United States was dealt a massive blow just days after securing majority in the senate. Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema announced on Friday that she will be switching her political affiliation to independent – meaning that the number of Democratic senators will go down to 50. However, she made it clear that she will not&nbsp;be supporting the Republican Party directly.

“I have joined the growing numbers of Arizonans who reject party politics by declaring my independence from the broken partisan system in Washington. I registered as an Arizona independent,” Sinema wrote in an op-ed for Arizona Central, a local media outlet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-summit-to-not-happen-this-year-due-to-scheduling-issues-541617">India-Russia summit to not happen this year due to 'scheduling issues'</a>

Previously, the Democrats had a 50-50 control of the Senate with vice president Kamala Harris holding the veto power. While Raphael Warnock’s victory in Georgia gave them a definitive majority this year, this decision by Sinema poses a major threat to their standing.

Bernie Sanders and Angus King are also independent senators but they support the Democrats.

Sinema told the Politico in an interview that she did not identify with a fixed ideology and from now on, she will be voting in the Senate depending on her stance in particular situations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/basketball-star-brittney-griner-arrives-home-in-us-after-russia-prisoner-swap-541616">Basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home in US after Russia prisoner swap</a>

“Like a lot of Arizonans, I have never fit perfectly in either national party,” she said.

Sinema, who is up for re-election in 2024, did not say anything about her plans of running for senate once again but told CNN that she will “continue to do what is right for my state”.

“I’m not worried about folks who may not like my approach, I’m going to continue to do what is right for my state,” she said. “I’m doing something that comports with my values.”

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The Democratic Party in the United States was dealt a massive blow just days after securing majority in the senate. Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema announced on Friday that she will be switching her political affiliation to independent – meaning that the number of Democratic senators will go down to 50.

The Democratic Party in the United States was dealt a massive blow just days after securing majority in the senate. Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema announced on Friday that she will be switching her political affiliation to independent – meaning that the number of Democratic senators will go down to 50. However, she made it clear that she will not be supporting the Republican Party directly. “I have joined the growing numbers of Arizonans who reject party politics by declaring my independence from the broken partisan system in Washington. I registered as an Arizona independent,” Sinema wrote in an op-ed for Arizona Central, a local media outlet. Also read | India-Russia summit to not happen this year due to 'scheduling issues' Previously, the Democrats had a 50-50 control of the Senate with vice president Kamala Harris holding the veto power. While Raphael Warnock’s victory in Georgia gave them a definitive majority this year, this decision by Sinema poses a major threat to their standing. Bernie Sanders and Angus King are also independent senators but they support the Democrats. Sinema told the Politico in an interview that she did not identify with a fixed ideology and from now on, she will be voting in the Senate depending on her stance in particular situations. Also read | Basketball star Brittney Griner arrives home in US after Russia prisoner swap “Like a lot of Arizonans, I have never fit perfectly in either national party,” she said. Sinema, who is up for re-election in 2024, did not say anything about her plans of running for senate once again but told CNN that she will “continue to do what is right for my state”. “I’m not worried about folks who may not like my approach, I’m going to continue to do what is right for my state,” she said. “I’m doing something that comports with my values.”

Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema leaves Democratic Party, registers as an independent

The Ticketmaster fiasco over Taylor Swift concert tickets' sale has now reached the US senate. An antitrust panel will reportedly now go ahead with a hearing on the lack of competition in the country's ticketing industry following the controversy that left a bitter taste for several of Swift's fans wanting to buy tickets to her concert.&nbsp;

Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, has blamed presale problems for Swift’s Eras tour – the pop superstar’s first US tour in five years – on “unprecedented demand” and an effort to keep out bots run by ticket scalpers. 
 
Last week, several registered fans struggled with glitches for hours to get tickets in the presale, and tickets quickly began appearing for resale for as much as US$22,700 (£19,100, A$33,500). The confusion eventually led to Ticketmaster cancelling sales to the general public. It later claimed the demand for Swift tickets “could have filled 900 stadiums”. 
 
Days later, Swift stated that it was "excruciating" for her to watch fans struggling to secure tickets. She added that Ticketmaster had assured her it would be able to handle the demand. 
 
The chaos attracted the attention of several US politicians and many voiced their concern&nbsp;about how Ticketmaster has over the years become the dominant platform for ticketing in the US. The company merged with Live Nation in 2010 and since then has enjoyed a monopoly in the market, something that congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez feels should not have been approved in the first place. 
 
“Daily reminder that Ticketmaster is a monopoly, its merger with Live Nation should never have been approved, and they need to be reined in,” she tweeted. “Break them up.” 
Tennessee’s attorney general, Jonathan Skrmetti, has said he will launch a consumer protection investigation into the company after his office was bombarded with complaints from Swift fans. 
 
Senator Amy Klobuchar will chair the panel that will also have senator Mike Lee, the top Republican, on the committee.&nbsp;

“The high fees, site disruptions, and cancellations that customers experienced shows how Ticketmaster’s dominant market position means the company does not face any pressure to continually innovate and improve,” Klobuchar said. “We will hold a hearing on how consolidation in the live entertainment and ticketing industry harms customers and artists alike.”

The Ticketmaster fiasco over Taylor Swift concert tickets' sale has now reached the US senate. An antitrust panel will reportedly now go ahead with a hearing on the lack of competition in the country's ticketing industry following the controversy that left a bitter taste for several of Swift's fans wanting to buy tickets to her concert.

The Ticketmaster fiasco over Taylor Swift concert tickets' sale has now reached the US senate. An antitrust panel will reportedly now go ahead with a hearing on the lack of competition in the country's ticketing industry following the controversy that left a bitter taste for several of Swift's fans wanting to buy tickets to her concert. Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, has blamed presale problems for Swift’s Eras tour – the pop superstar’s first US tour in five years – on “unprecedented demand” and an effort to keep out bots run by ticket scalpers. Last week, several registered fans struggled with glitches for hours to get tickets in the presale, and tickets quickly began appearing for resale for as much as US$22,700 (£19,100, A$33,500). The confusion eventually led to Ticketmaster cancelling sales to the general public. It later claimed the demand for Swift tickets “could have filled 900 stadiums”. Days later, Swift stated that it was "excruciating" for her to watch fans struggling to secure tickets. She added that Ticketmaster had assured her it would be able to handle the demand. The chaos attracted the attention of several US politicians and many voiced their concern about how Ticketmaster has over the years become the dominant platform for ticketing in the US. The company merged with Live Nation in 2010 and since then has enjoyed a monopoly in the market, something that congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez feels should not have been approved in the first place. “Daily reminder that Ticketmaster is a monopoly, its merger with Live Nation should never have been approved, and they need to be reined in,” she tweeted. “Break them up.” Tennessee’s attorney general, Jonathan Skrmetti, has said he will launch a consumer protection investigation into the company after his office was bombarded with complaints from Swift fans. Senator Amy Klobuchar will chair the panel that will also have senator Mike Lee, the top Republican, on the committee. “The high fees, site disruptions, and cancellations that customers experienced shows how Ticketmaster’s dominant market position means the company does not face any pressure to continually innovate and improve,” Klobuchar said. “We will hold a hearing on how consolidation in the live entertainment and ticketing industry harms customers and artists alike.”

Ticketmaster's Taylor Swift concert ticket chaos forces the US Senate to take note

U.S. Democrats are furious after Saudi Arabia decided to reduce oil output last week. A growing number of senators are calling for an end to U.S. weapon supplies to Riyadh. What is it that's got Democrats up in arms? Priyanka Sharma tells you about the latest developments

WION Fineprint | U.S. Senator calls for the end of arms sales to Saudi Arabia

Defying China's anger, United States Senator Marsha Blackburn landed in Taiwan late Thursday (August 25), marking the fourth visit by an American politician this month.&nbsp;

When she met Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday, Blackburn referred to Taiwan as a "country" and promised support for the island to become "independent", a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP) stated.

"I just landed in Taiwan to send a message to Beijing -- we will not be bullied. The United States remains steadfast in preserving freedom around the globe, and will not tolerate efforts to undermine our nation and our allies," she tweeted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pelosis-visit-to-taiwan-has-brought-it-closer-to-precipice-of-war-says-former-australian-pm-kevin-rudd-510272">Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has made the island nation less secure, says former Australian PM Kevin Rudd</a>&nbsp;

She also said that it was important to support the island in "preserving its freedom."&nbsp;

"I am looking forward to a wonderful visit. And yes, indeed I do remember my visit fondly in 2008, and the opportunity to get to see some of your country first-hand," she further said.&nbsp;

"We look forward to continuing to help and support Taiwan as they push forward as an independent nation,"&nbsp;the Republican of Tennessee added.&nbsp;

Commenting on her visit,&nbsp;Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs said it was "grateful that US congress people have once again demonstrated their firm support and commitment to Taiwan by visiting" at a time "when China continues to heighten its threat".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US lawmaker Marsha Blackburn in Taiwan, China vows to counter 'US Provocations'&nbsp;

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The people of the U.S. stand with the people of Taiwan 🇺🇸🇹🇼 <a href="https://t.co/9AckwGY1ly">pic.twitter.com/9AckwGY1ly</a>
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarshaBlackburn/status/1563016457549742081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The recent visits have angered China as it staged military drills near Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen praised the visits. "In recent times, many public figures from a broad spectrum of the U.S. society have visited Taiwan. These warm acts of kindness and firm demonstrations of support have reinforced Taiwan's determination to defend itself," she said, in remarks carried live on Tsai's social media pages.&nbsp;

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Defying China's anger, United States Senator Marsha Blackburn landed in Taiwan late Thursday (August 25), marking the fourth visit by an American politician this month.

Defying China's anger, United States Senator Marsha Blackburn landed in Taiwan late Thursday (August 25), marking the fourth visit by an American politician this month. When she met Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen on Friday, Blackburn referred to Taiwan as a "country" and promised support for the island to become "independent", a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP) stated. "I just landed in Taiwan to send a message to Beijing -- we will not be bullied. The United States remains steadfast in preserving freedom around the globe, and will not tolerate efforts to undermine our nation and our allies," she tweeted. ALSO READ | Pelosi's visit to Taiwan has made the island nation less secure, says former Australian PM Kevin Rudd She also said that it was important to support the island in "preserving its freedom." "I am looking forward to a wonderful visit. And yes, indeed I do remember my visit fondly in 2008, and the opportunity to get to see some of your country first-hand," she further said. "We look forward to continuing to help and support Taiwan as they push forward as an independent nation," the Republican of Tennessee added. Commenting on her visit, Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs said it was "grateful that US congress people have once again demonstrated their firm support and commitment to Taiwan by visiting" at a time "when China continues to heighten its threat". WATCH | US lawmaker Marsha Blackburn in Taiwan, China vows to counter 'US Provocations' × The people of the U.S. stand with the people of Taiwan 🇺🇸🇹🇼 pic.twitter.com/9AckwGY1ly — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 26, 2022 × The recent visits have angered China as it staged military drills near Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. Meanwhile, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen praised the visits. "In recent times, many public figures from a broad spectrum of the U.S. society have visited Taiwan. These warm acts of kindness and firm demonstrations of support have reinforced Taiwan's determination to defend itself," she said, in remarks carried live on Tsai's social media pages. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Senator refers to Taiwan as 'country', vows support to help it become an 'independent nation'

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have become the target of rage of several people around the world. &nbsp;

This seems to have happened as the president has attacked Ukraine with full might recently. &nbsp;

In the recent development, a US senator from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, has called on citizens of Russia to rise up and assassinate Putin to bring an end to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-humanitarian-relief-biden-administration-offers-temporary-protected-status-to-ukrainians-in-us-458809">Biden admin offers 'Temporary Protected Status' to Ukrainians in US</a>

“Is there a Brutus in Russia? &nbsp;Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? &nbsp;The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service,” said Graham, a Republican, in a tweet. &nbsp;

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Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? 
 
The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. 
 
You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1499574209567199235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Easy to say, hard to do. Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness, you need to step up to the plate," Graham added. &nbsp;

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The only people who can fix this are the Russian people. 
 
Easy to say, hard to do. 
 
Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness you need to step up to the plate.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1499575352426958848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Some of Graham's Republican colleagues, including Reps Matt Gaetz of Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, have rebuked the senator's call for Putin's killing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-sniper-killed-russias-top-general-say-reports-458776" hreflang="en">Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports</a>

Not just this, a Russian businessman, who is based in California, has offered $1 million for the arrest of Putin for war crimes committed during Ukraine conflict. &nbsp;

On social media, Alex Konanykhin on Tuesday, said, “I promise to pay $1,000,000 to the officer(s) who, complying with their constitutional duty, arrest(s) Putin as a war criminal under Russian and international laws.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have become the target of rage of several people around the world. This seems to have happened as the president has attacked Ukraine with full might recently.

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have become the target of rage of several people around the world. This seems to have happened as the president has attacked Ukraine with full might recently. In the recent development, a US senator from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, has called on citizens of Russia to rise up and assassinate Putin to bring an end to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Also Read: Biden admin offers 'Temporary Protected Status' to Ukrainians in US “Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service,” said Graham, a Republican, in a tweet. Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2022 × "Easy to say, hard to do. Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness, you need to step up to the plate," Graham added. The only people who can fix this are the Russian people. Easy to say, hard to do. Unless you want to live in darkness for the rest of your life, be isolated from the rest of the world in abject poverty, and live in darkness you need to step up to the plate. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2022 × Some of Graham's Republican colleagues, including Reps Matt Gaetz of Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, have rebuked the senator's call for Putin's killing. Also Read: Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports Not just this, a Russian businessman, who is based in California, has offered $1 million for the arrest of Putin for war crimes committed during Ukraine conflict. On social media, Alex Konanykhin on Tuesday, said, “I promise to pay $1,000,000 to the officer(s) who, complying with their constitutional duty, arrest(s) Putin as a war criminal under Russian and international laws.” (With inputs from agencies)

To end Ukraine’s invasion, US senator calls for Russian President Vladimir Putin's assassination

Two US&nbsp;senators have urged President Joe Biden to waive sanctions against India over its purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence system, saying such a punitive measure would endanger growing cooperation.

India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five of the surface-to-air missile systems for defence against long-time adversary Pakistan and China, with which it is locked in a standoff on their disputed border.

But the proposed transfer has caused friction with the United States, which passed a law in 2017 under which any country engaged with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors could face sanctions.

Republican Senator John Corny and Democrat Senator Mark Warner wrote a letter to Biden on Tuesday calling for a waiver on the grounds of national security and broader cooperation.

"We believe there is a national security imperative to waiving sanctions," the senators said in their letter which they issued in a press release.

They said they were concerned the transfer of the Russian systems would trigger sanctions against India under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which was enacted to hold Russia accountable for interfering in US&nbsp;elections, cyber hacking and bullying Ukraine.

India has made a down payment on the S-400 air defence systems and the first set of missile batteries is expected to begin deployment later this year.

Alos Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abraham-accords-dividend-india-us-uae-israel-foreign-ministers-to-hold-meeting-421701">Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE &amp; Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting</a>

The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the same equipment last year.

Cornyn and Warner, who are co-chairs of a Senate India Caucus, said they shared the administration's concerns about Russia but they warned of damage to cooperation with India if sanctions were to be imposed.

"We believe that the application of CAATSA sanctions could have a deleterious effect on a strategic partnership with India, while at the same time, not achieve the intended purpose of deterring Russian arms sales," they wrote.

India has been cutting back on purchases of military equipment from Russia, which for years was its main source, with a 53 per cent&nbsp;drop in Russian arms exports to India from 2016 to 2020 compared with the preceding five-year period.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-asks-facebook-ceo-to-retain-documents-linked-to-testimony-420277">US senator asks Facebook CEO to retain documents linked to testimony</a>

India's defence deals with the United States, on the other hand, have been increasing with sales at $3.4 billion in 2020 financial year. These are positive trends, the senators said.

"Imposing sanctions at this time could derail deepening cooperation with India across all aspects of our bilateral relationship – from vaccines to defence cooperation, from energy strategy to technology sharing."

Two US senators have urged President Joe Biden to waive sanctions against India over its purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence system, saying such a punitive measure would endanger growing cooperation.

Two US senators have urged President Joe Biden to waive sanctions against India over its purchase of Russia's S-400 air defence system, saying such a punitive measure would endanger growing cooperation. India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 for five of the surface-to-air missile systems for defence against long-time adversary Pakistan and China, with which it is locked in a standoff on their disputed border. But the proposed transfer has caused friction with the United States, which passed a law in 2017 under which any country engaged with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors could face sanctions. Republican Senator John Corny and Democrat Senator Mark Warner wrote a letter to Biden on Tuesday calling for a waiver on the grounds of national security and broader cooperation. "We believe there is a national security imperative to waiving sanctions," the senators said in their letter which they issued in a press release. They said they were concerned the transfer of the Russian systems would trigger sanctions against India under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which was enacted to hold Russia accountable for interfering in US elections, cyber hacking and bullying Ukraine. India has made a down payment on the S-400 air defence systems and the first set of missile batteries is expected to begin deployment later this year. Alos Read | Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE & Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting The United States imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the same equipment last year. Cornyn and Warner, who are co-chairs of a Senate India Caucus, said they shared the administration's concerns about Russia but they warned of damage to cooperation with India if sanctions were to be imposed. "We believe that the application of CAATSA sanctions could have a deleterious effect on a strategic partnership with India, while at the same time, not achieve the intended purpose of deterring Russian arms sales," they wrote. India has been cutting back on purchases of military equipment from Russia, which for years was its main source, with a 53 per cent drop in Russian arms exports to India from 2016 to 2020 compared with the preceding five-year period. Also Read | US senator asks Facebook CEO to retain documents linked to testimony India's defence deals with the United States, on the other hand, have been increasing with sales at $3.4 billion in 2020 financial year. These are positive trends, the senators said. "Imposing sanctions at this time could derail deepening cooperation with India across all aspects of our bilateral relationship – from vaccines to defence cooperation, from energy strategy to technology sharing."

US senators urge Biden to avoid India sanctions over Russian deal

Barbara Boxer, a former United States Senator, was robbed and abused in Oakland, California, on Monday.

The incident occurred Monday morning in the waterfront Jack London Square district, according to a statement posted on the 80-year-old's Twitter&nbsp;account.&nbsp;

Boxer was pushed from behind&nbsp;by her attacker. The assailant then got in a waiting car with her belongings.&nbsp;

"Earlier today former Senator Barbara Boxer was assaulted in the Jack London Square neighborhood of Oakland. The assailant pushed her in the back, stole her cell phone and jumped in a waiting car. She is thankful that she was not seriously injured, "her tweet read.

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Earlier today former Senator Barbara Boxer was assaulted in the Jack London Square neighborhood of Oakland. The assailant pushed her in the back, stole her cell phone and jumped in a waiting car. She is thankful that she was not seriously injured."
— Barbara Boxer (@BarbaraBoxer) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarbaraBoxer/status/1419784140904337410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Boxer said fortunately she didn't fall. "My heart was pounding. My hands were shaking. I was glad I was on my feet."

She walked to a nearby Verizon store to get help.

The case is being investigated by Oakland police.

Furthermore, Crime Stoppers of Oakland is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Barbara Boxer, a former United States Senator, was robbed and abused in Oakland, California, on Monday. The incident occurred Monday morning in the waterfront Jack London Square district, according to a statement posted on the 80-year-old's Twitter account.

Barbara Boxer, a former United States Senator, was robbed and abused in Oakland, California, on Monday. The incident occurred Monday morning in the waterfront Jack London Square district, according to a statement posted on the 80-year-old's Twitter account. Boxer was pushed from behind by her attacker. The assailant then got in a waiting car with her belongings. "Earlier today former Senator Barbara Boxer was assaulted in the Jack London Square neighborhood of Oakland. The assailant pushed her in the back, stole her cell phone and jumped in a waiting car. She is thankful that she was not seriously injured, "her tweet read. Earlier today former Senator Barbara Boxer was assaulted in the Jack London Square neighborhood of Oakland. The assailant pushed her in the back, stole her cell phone and jumped in a waiting car. She is thankful that she was not seriously injured." — Barbara Boxer (@BarbaraBoxer) July 26, 2021 × Boxer said fortunately she didn't fall. "My heart was pounding. My hands were shaking. I was glad I was on my feet." She walked to a nearby Verizon store to get help. The case is being investigated by Oakland police. Furthermore, Crime Stoppers of Oakland is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Former US Senator Barbara Boxer assaulted and robbed in Oakland

UEFA on Thursday scrapped the away goals rule from all of its club competition from the 2021-22 season. The rule was used to get the winner of a two-legged knockout tie in cases where both the teams had scored the same number of goals over the period of two matches. <o:p></o:p>

The away goals rule was introduced in 1965 and is behind many of the spectacular moments since then. Many minnows have upstaged giants due to away goals rule while there have been many comebacks and heartbreaking moments relating to the rule.<o:p></o:p>

For the 2021-2022 season, two teams scoring the same number of goals over the two legs will see the match advance to the two 15-minute of extra time at the end of the second leg. If the score remains the same, the match goes to penalties.<o:p></o:p>

"The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965," UEFA president Ceferin said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-isl-club-atk-mohun-bagan-sign-joni-kauko-after-end-of-finlands-euro-2020-campaign-393647" hreflang="en">Football: ISL club ATK Mohun Bagan sign Joni Kauko after end of Finland's Euro 2020 campaign</a><o:p></o:p>

"However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished."<o:p></o:p>

Ceferin added: "The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams - especially in first legs - from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.<o:p></o:p>

"There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored.<o:p></o:p>

"It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was. Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home."<o:p></o:p><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

UEFA on Thursday scrapped the away goals rule from all of its club competition from the 2021-22 season. The rule was used to get the winner of a two-legged knockout tie in cases where both the teams had scored the same number of goals over the period of two matches.

UEFA on Thursday scrapped the away goals rule from all of its club competition from the 2021-22 season. The rule was used to get the winner of a two-legged knockout tie in cases where both the teams had scored the same number of goals over the period of two matches. The away goals rule was introduced in 1965 and is behind many of the spectacular moments since then. Many minnows have upstaged giants due to away goals rule while there have been many comebacks and heartbreaking moments relating to the rule. For the 2021-2022 season, two teams scoring the same number of goals over the two legs will see the match advance to the two 15-minute of extra time at the end of the second leg. If the score remains the same, the match goes to penalties. "The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965," UEFA president Ceferin said. ALSO READ: Football: ISL club ATK Mohun Bagan sign Joni Kauko after end of Finland's Euro 2020 campaign "However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished." Ceferin added: "The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams - especially in first legs - from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage. "There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored. "It is fair to say that home advantage is nowadays no longer as significant as it once was. Taking into consideration the consistency across Europe in terms of styles of play, and many different factors which have led to a decline in home advantage, the UEFA Executive Committee has taken the correct decision in adopting the view that it is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight than one scored at home."

Football: Away goals rule scrapped for UEFA club competitions from 2021-22 season

As India gears up to launch its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> programme for 18-45-year-olds from May 01, a US Senator has urged the pharmaceutical companies to come forward and expand access to their vaccines in order to help India come out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> crisis.

Elizabeth Warren, along with four other senators, took to Twitter to talk about the 'humanitarian crisis'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/132-million-indians-register-for-third-phase-of-vaccinations-but-unable-to-book-slots-381276" hreflang="en">13.2 million Indians register for third phase of vaccinations but unable to book slots</a>

"India's COVID outbreak is a humanitarian crisis. I’m leading a letter to @moderna_tx, @pfizer, and @jnjnews to find out what steps they’re taking to expand global access to their vaccines to save lives and prevent variants from spreading around the world," she tweeted.

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India’s COVID outbreak is a humanitarian crisis. I’m leading a letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/moderna_tx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moderna_tx</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pfizer</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/JNJNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jnjnews</a> to find out what steps they’re taking to expand global access to their vaccines to save lives and prevent variants from spreading around the world. <a href="https://t.co/d4qW6CkrBw">https://t.co/d4qW6CkrBw</a> <a href="https://t.co/vhbUwGjHrr">pic.twitter.com/vhbUwGjHrr</a>
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenWarren/status/1387501384367476736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The senators involve Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-Ore.), and Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.).

Warren and her colleagues sent letters to pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &amp; Johnson and urged them to share their plans of expanding access to coronavirus vaccines across the globe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-sending-more-than-100-million-in-covid-19-supplies-to-india-white-house-381255" hreflang="en">US sending more than $100 million in COVID-19 supplies to India: White House</a>

"COVID-19 has infected over 148 million people and killed over three million globally, with hundreds of thousands of new cases and thousands of deaths being reported daily,"&nbsp;the senators wrote. "Though Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson &amp; Johnson, and other companies have developed safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, the uncontrolled spread of coronavirus poses significant risks to global vaccination efforts: as the virus proliferates, it evolves-increasing the risk of a variant developing that renders vaccinations ineffective."

Acknowledging that India is one of the biggest producers of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the senators urged the pharma companies to share technology "such as vaccine recipes and manufacturing information, with partner companies to expedite production".

They have also urged the US to "support the temporary waiver of some Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) rules proposed by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which would temporarily lift certain intellectual property barriers and allow countries to locally manufacture COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines."

As India gears up to launch its vaccine programme for 18-45-year-olds from May 01, a US Senator has urged the pharmaceutical companies to come forward and expand access to their vaccines in order to help India come out of the Covid crisis.

As India gears up to launch its vaccine programme for 18-45-year-olds from May 01, a US Senator has urged the pharmaceutical companies to come forward and expand access to their vaccines in order to help India come out of the Covid crisis. Elizabeth Warren, along with four other senators, took to Twitter to talk about the 'humanitarian crisis'. Also read | 13.2 million Indians register for third phase of vaccinations but unable to book slots "India's COVID outbreak is a humanitarian crisis. I’m leading a letter to @moderna_tx, @pfizer, and @jnjnews to find out what steps they’re taking to expand global access to their vaccines to save lives and prevent variants from spreading around the world," she tweeted. India’s COVID outbreak is a humanitarian crisis. I’m leading a letter to @moderna_tx, @pfizer, and @jnjnews to find out what steps they’re taking to expand global access to their vaccines to save lives and prevent variants from spreading around the world. https://t.co/d4qW6CkrBw pic.twitter.com/vhbUwGjHrr — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) April 28, 2021 × The senators involve Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-Ore.), and Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.). Warren and her colleagues sent letters to pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson and urged them to share their plans of expanding access to coronavirus vaccines across the globe. Also read | US sending more than $100 million in COVID-19 supplies to India: White House "COVID-19 has infected over 148 million people and killed over three million globally, with hundreds of thousands of new cases and thousands of deaths being reported daily," the senators wrote. "Though Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and other companies have developed safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, the uncontrolled spread of coronavirus poses significant risks to global vaccination efforts: as the virus proliferates, it evolves-increasing the risk of a variant developing that renders vaccinations ineffective." Acknowledging that India is one of the biggest producers of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, the senators urged the pharma companies to share technology "such as vaccine recipes and manufacturing information, with partner companies to expedite production". They have also urged the US to "support the temporary waiver of some Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) rules proposed by India and South Africa at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which would temporarily lift certain intellectual property barriers and allow countries to locally manufacture COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines."

US senators urge Pfizer, J&J, Moderna to help India in Covid crisis

Pakistan has played on both sides of the field in Afghanistan, contributing to the Taliban's success, a senior US senator has reminded his colleagues, a day after Washington announced plans to withdraw all troops from the war-torn Asian country by September 11.

Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jack Reed, on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon, said "a crucial factor contributing immensely to the Taliban's success" has been the inability of the US to "eliminate the sanctuary the Taliban was granted in Pakistan."

Referring to a recent study, Reed said the Taliban sanctuary in Pakistan and state support from organisations, like Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have been essential to their war effort and the US'' failure to undermine this haven may be Washington's most significant mistake of the war.

"As the (congressionally mandated) Afghan Study Group noted, these sanctuaries are essential to the viability of the insurgency. Additionally, Pakistan's ISI aided and abetted the Taliban while opportunistically cooperating with the United States," Reed said.

A Brookings scholar, Reed said as per the assessment in 2018, Pakistan provided direct military and intelligence aid resulting in the deaths of US soldiers, Afghan security personnel and civilians, plus significant destabilisation of Afghanistan.

"This support of the Taliban runs counter to Pakistani cooperation with the United States, including as they have, allowing the use of airspace and other infrastructure for which the United States provided significant funding," he said.

"As the Afghan Study Group noted, Pakistan has played both sides of the field. These dynamics further play out against the complex environment in Pakistan which has implications for the national security of the United States, its allies and partners," he said, adding that Pakistan is simultaneously fragile and armed with nuclear weapons, making its vulnerability particularly dangerous.

"To add to this toxic mix, Pakistan is in a long-standing battle with its neighbour India which is also armed with nuclear weapons," Reed said.

The Senator said Pakistan and India have long been involved in a battle of power in South Asia.

"While bogged down politically and militarily in daily crises in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States, over multiple administrations, has been unable to focus the necessary attention on Pakistan. Therefore, these problems have only gotten worse," he said.

The senator said another factor behind the troop pullout from Afghanistan was shaped by the US and its coalition partners inability to develop an Afghan government that could gain the confidence of the people, especially beyond the cities, and provide basic services including security, education, health care, and justice.

During a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, President Biden said that keeping thousands of troops grounded and concentrated in just one country at a cost of billions each year made "little sense" to him.

He said all US troops would be withdrawn from the strife-torn country by September 11 to end America's longest war that has cost trillions of dollars and the lives of over 2,400 American soldiers.

The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020, to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America's longest war.

Under the US-Taliban pact signed in Doha, Qatar, the US agreed to withdraw all its soldiers from Afghanistan in 14 months.

Since the US-led invasion that ousted the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than USD 1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan.

About 2,450 US soldiers have been killed and over 20,700 others have been injured in the war in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has played on both sides of the field in Afghanistan, contributing to the Taliban's success, a senior US senator has reminded his colleagues, a day after Washington announced plans to withdraw all troops from the war-torn Asian country by September 11.

Pakistan has played on both sides of the field in Afghanistan, contributing to the Taliban's success, a senior US senator has reminded his colleagues, a day after Washington announced plans to withdraw all troops from the war-torn Asian country by September 11. Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jack Reed, on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon, said "a crucial factor contributing immensely to the Taliban's success" has been the inability of the US to "eliminate the sanctuary the Taliban was granted in Pakistan." Referring to a recent study, Reed said the Taliban sanctuary in Pakistan and state support from organisations, like Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have been essential to their war effort and the US'' failure to undermine this haven may be Washington's most significant mistake of the war. "As the (congressionally mandated) Afghan Study Group noted, these sanctuaries are essential to the viability of the insurgency. Additionally, Pakistan's ISI aided and abetted the Taliban while opportunistically cooperating with the United States," Reed said. A Brookings scholar, Reed said as per the assessment in 2018, Pakistan provided direct military and intelligence aid resulting in the deaths of US soldiers, Afghan security personnel and civilians, plus significant destabilisation of Afghanistan. "This support of the Taliban runs counter to Pakistani cooperation with the United States, including as they have, allowing the use of airspace and other infrastructure for which the United States provided significant funding," he said. "As the Afghan Study Group noted, Pakistan has played both sides of the field. These dynamics further play out against the complex environment in Pakistan which has implications for the national security of the United States, its allies and partners," he said, adding that Pakistan is simultaneously fragile and armed with nuclear weapons, making its vulnerability particularly dangerous. "To add to this toxic mix, Pakistan is in a long-standing battle with its neighbour India which is also armed with nuclear weapons," Reed said. The Senator said Pakistan and India have long been involved in a battle of power in South Asia. "While bogged down politically and militarily in daily crises in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States, over multiple administrations, has been unable to focus the necessary attention on Pakistan. Therefore, these problems have only gotten worse," he said. The senator said another factor behind the troop pullout from Afghanistan was shaped by the US and its coalition partners inability to develop an Afghan government that could gain the confidence of the people, especially beyond the cities, and provide basic services including security, education, health care, and justice. During a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, President Biden said that keeping thousands of troops grounded and concentrated in just one country at a cost of billions each year made "little sense" to him. He said all US troops would be withdrawn from the strife-torn country by September 11 to end America's longest war that has cost trillions of dollars and the lives of over 2,400 American soldiers. The US and the Taliban signed a landmark deal in Doha on February 29, 2020, to bring lasting peace in war-torn Afghanistan and allow US troops to return home from America's longest war. Under the US-Taliban pact signed in Doha, Qatar, the US agreed to withdraw all its soldiers from Afghanistan in 14 months. Since the US-led invasion that ousted the Taliban after the September 11, 2001 attacks, America has spent more than USD 1 trillion in fighting and rebuilding in Afghanistan. About 2,450 US soldiers have been killed and over 20,700 others have been injured in the war in Afghanistan.

'Pakistan helped the Taliban, played on both sides in Afghanistan': US senator

US Senator Robert Menendez thinks that 'democracy in India is deteriorating'. Here's Palki Sharma's response.

Gravitas: U.S. Senator complains about Indian Democracy

Two days before the US President-elect<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden"> Joe Biden's</a> inauguration ceremony, the incoming Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a> will be resigning from the Senate.

An aide close to Harris told the local media that the incoming Vice President and a current US Senator will be resigning to prepare for her takeover of the VP position, after she defeated the Republican candidate, Mike Pence, in the recently-concluded US election 2020.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joe-biden-kamala-harris-drop-inaugural-playlist-featuring-beyonce-dua-lipa-more-357296" hreflang="en">Joe Biden, Kamala Harris drop inaugural playlist featuring Beyonce, Dua Lipa &amp; more</a>

As per the reports, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, is aware of Harris' decision and has elected Democrat Alex Padilla, now California's secretary of state, to replace Harris in her remaining two terms in the office.

She will not be giving any farewell speech, as per reports, as the Senate is not scheduled to reconvene until the eve of Biden's inauguration ceremony.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-sign-executive-orders-on-day-1-security-beefed-up-across-washington-357191" hreflang="en">Biden to sign executive orders on Day 1, security beefed up across Washington</a>

Harris won the November 2015 elections and took over the office by defeating Loretta Sanchez in the general election.

Padilla is currently the 32nd Secretary of State. He took over the position in 2015 and will be the first Latino senator from California. While his selection is conformed, his date of joining has not yet been made clear.

Two days before the US President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony, the incoming Vice President Kamala Harris will be resigning from the Senate. An aide close to Harris told the local media that the incoming Vice President and a current US Senator will be resigning to prepare for her takeover of the VP position, after she defeated the Republican candidate, Mike Pence, in the recently-concluded US election 2020.

Two days before the US President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony, the incoming Vice President Kamala Harris will be resigning from the Senate. An aide close to Harris told the local media that the incoming Vice President and a current US Senator will be resigning to prepare for her takeover of the VP position, after she defeated the Republican candidate, Mike Pence, in the recently-concluded US election 2020. Also read| Joe Biden, Kamala Harris drop inaugural playlist featuring Beyonce, Dua Lipa & more As per the reports, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, is aware of Harris' decision and has elected Democrat Alex Padilla, now California's secretary of state, to replace Harris in her remaining two terms in the office. She will not be giving any farewell speech, as per reports, as the Senate is not scheduled to reconvene until the eve of Biden's inauguration ceremony. Also read| Biden to sign executive orders on Day 1, security beefed up across Washington Harris won the November 2015 elections and took over the office by defeating Loretta Sanchez in the general election. Padilla is currently the 32nd Secretary of State. He took over the position in 2015 and will be the first Latino senator from California. While his selection is conformed, his date of joining has not yet been made clear.

Kamala Harris set to resign from Senate on Monday: Aides

The relationship between India and the US is broad, deep and growing, a top American Senator said on Thursday and expressed condolences over the loss of Indian soldiers' lives in a face-off with Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control.

Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in the violent clashes in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15.

"The US-India relationship is broad, deep, and growing --&nbsp;and we discussed how vital the cooperation between our nations is to countering common challenges and aggression in the region and upholding a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific," said Senator Cory Gardner after his call with India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

The Republican Senator from Colorado is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy. His office said he had a productive phone conversation with Sandhu regarding the importance of US-India relations.

"Today I began my call with Ambassador Sandhu by expressing my sincere condolences on the loss of Indian lives at the Line of Actual Control between India and China," he said.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Ambassador Sandhu to grow the bond between the United States and India, which will be supported by my Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, signed into law in 2018," Gardner said.

The Senator authored the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) of 2018, which was signed into law on December 31, 2018. The ARIA represents a generational policy framework to enhance US leadership in the Indo-Pacific region and to demonstrate a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Indo-Pacific is a key priority area for the US armed forces falling under the authority of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), unified combatant command responsible for enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

China has been fast expanding military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region, triggering concern in various countries of the region and beyond.&nbsp;

The relationship between India and the US is broad, deep and growing, a top American Senator said on Thursday and expressed condolences over the loss of Indian soldiers' lives in a face-off with Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control.

The relationship between India and the US is broad, deep and growing, a top American Senator said on Thursday and expressed condolences over the loss of Indian soldiers' lives in a face-off with Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control. Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in the violent clashes in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15. "The US-India relationship is broad, deep, and growing -- and we discussed how vital the cooperation between our nations is to countering common challenges and aggression in the region and upholding a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific," said Senator Cory Gardner after his call with India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The Republican Senator from Colorado is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy. His office said he had a productive phone conversation with Sandhu regarding the importance of US-India relations. "Today I began my call with Ambassador Sandhu by expressing my sincere condolences on the loss of Indian lives at the Line of Actual Control between India and China," he said. "I look forward to continuing to work with Ambassador Sandhu to grow the bond between the United States and India, which will be supported by my Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, signed into law in 2018," Gardner said. The Senator authored the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA) of 2018, which was signed into law on December 31, 2018. The ARIA represents a generational policy framework to enhance US leadership in the Indo-Pacific region and to demonstrate a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific is a key priority area for the US armed forces falling under the authority of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), unified combatant command responsible for enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region. China has been fast expanding military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region, triggering concern in various countries of the region and beyond.

India-US relationship broad, deep and growing, says key Senator

Countries like China and India have got a lot richer over the last two decades but they have refused to take on any more responsibilities, a top US Senator has claimed, as he applauded President Donald Trump for taking on this "imbalance" to make the World Trade Organization (WTO) relevant.

Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, made the comments during a Congressional hearing on WTO on Wednesday.

"No one expected the Uruguay Round to be the last global trading round. Over the last two decades, countries like China and India got a lot richer, but they've refused to take on any more responsibilities," he claimed.

"In fact, they claim they are entitled to special treatment in any future negotiations because they are developing countries," he said.

The Senator said that the notion that China and India should get the same consideration as a country like Cameroon is ridiculous. "So I applaud the President for taking on this imbalance, and pushing to make the WTO relevant."

Trump last year asked the WTO to define how it designates developing-country status, a move that was apparently aimed at singling out countries like China, Turkey and India which are getting lenient treatment under global trade rules.

In a memorandum, Trump empowered the US Trade Representative (USTR) to start taking punitive actions if any country, advanced economies, are inappropriately taking benefits of the WTO loopholes.

"The WTO is now 25 years old, but we have yet to see any major outcomes liberalising trade. The President has said we need dramatic change at the WTO. He's emphasised to me that other countries' tariffs and barriers are too high. He's right," Grassley said.

Observing that when the WTO works right, Americans benefit, he said WTO rules allow the US to reap the rewards of that leadership.

"When India refused to provide patent protection for American pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products, we took them to the WTO " and won. You often hear about how important the 'global box office' is for Hollywood. It's become lucrative because the WTO requires our trading partners to provide copyright protection and market access for US films," he said.

Grassley said that the WTO needs to be an effective forum for negotiating agreements again. That means not only concluding the fisheries negotiations, but also new agreements, including an ambitious agreement on e-commerce. 
When Congress ratified the WTO Agreements, there was no digital economy. Today, it accounts for nearly USD 2 trillion of the US economy. Again, this is an area of US leadership where we need rules to make sure we get a fair share from its trading partners, he added.

"Second, we have to fix dispute settlement. I absolutely believe that we need enforceable rules. It's much better to solve our trade disputes over legal briefs than through tariffs," he said.

"However, WTO dispute settlement has been breaking down for years. Fifteen years ago, I warned at a hearing like this one that the WTO Appellate Body wasn't enforcing rules; it was legislating new ones. I don't like that history proved me right," he added.

Calling for WTO reforms, Ranking Member Senator Ron Wyden said that the rules that underpin the WTO were crafted more than two decades ago, when China was an economic middleweight.

At that time, many hoped and predicted that joining the WTO would drive China further away from abusive, one-party control of government, economy and society. That obviously did not happen, he said.

"Under (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping), the government tightened its grip on power. The Chinese government identifies weaknesses in the WTO system, and other multilateral fora, and it seizes on them to further its own self interests.

"Fixing the WTO is also going to require addressing its Appellate Body, which hampers the application of US trade enforcement laws to the detriment of American workers. There is a broad bipartisan view that WTO Dispute Settlement must be fixed to clamp down on judicial overreach," he said.&nbsp;

Countries like China and India have got a lot richer over the last two decades but they have refused to take on any more responsibilities, a top US Senator has claimed, as he applauded President Donald Trump for taking on this "imbalance" to make the World Trade Organization (WTO) relevant.

Countries like China and India have got a lot richer over the last two decades but they have refused to take on any more responsibilities, a top US Senator has claimed, as he applauded President Donald Trump for taking on this "imbalance" to make the World Trade Organization (WTO) relevant. Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, made the comments during a Congressional hearing on WTO on Wednesday. "No one expected the Uruguay Round to be the last global trading round. Over the last two decades, countries like China and India got a lot richer, but they've refused to take on any more responsibilities," he claimed. "In fact, they claim they are entitled to special treatment in any future negotiations because they are developing countries," he said. The Senator said that the notion that China and India should get the same consideration as a country like Cameroon is ridiculous. "So I applaud the President for taking on this imbalance, and pushing to make the WTO relevant." Trump last year asked the WTO to define how it designates developing-country status, a move that was apparently aimed at singling out countries like China, Turkey and India which are getting lenient treatment under global trade rules. In a memorandum, Trump empowered the US Trade Representative (USTR) to start taking punitive actions if any country, advanced economies, are inappropriately taking benefits of the WTO loopholes. "The WTO is now 25 years old, but we have yet to see any major outcomes liberalising trade. The President has said we need dramatic change at the WTO. He's emphasised to me that other countries' tariffs and barriers are too high. He's right," Grassley said. Observing that when the WTO works right, Americans benefit, he said WTO rules allow the US to reap the rewards of that leadership. "When India refused to provide patent protection for American pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products, we took them to the WTO " and won. You often hear about how important the 'global box office' is for Hollywood. It's become lucrative because the WTO requires our trading partners to provide copyright protection and market access for US films," he said. Grassley said that the WTO needs to be an effective forum for negotiating agreements again. That means not only concluding the fisheries negotiations, but also new agreements, including an ambitious agreement on e-commerce. When Congress ratified the WTO Agreements, there was no digital economy. Today, it accounts for nearly USD 2 trillion of the US economy. Again, this is an area of US leadership where we need rules to make sure we get a fair share from its trading partners, he added. "Second, we have to fix dispute settlement. I absolutely believe that we need enforceable rules. It's much better to solve our trade disputes over legal briefs than through tariffs," he said. "However, WTO dispute settlement has been breaking down for years. Fifteen years ago, I warned at a hearing like this one that the WTO Appellate Body wasn't enforcing rules; it was legislating new ones. I don't like that history proved me right," he added. Calling for WTO reforms, Ranking Member Senator Ron Wyden said that the rules that underpin the WTO were crafted more than two decades ago, when China was an economic middleweight. At that time, many hoped and predicted that joining the WTO would drive China further away from abusive, one-party control of government, economy and society. That obviously did not happen, he said. "Under (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping), the government tightened its grip on power. The Chinese government identifies weaknesses in the WTO system, and other multilateral fora, and it seizes on them to further its own self interests. "Fixing the WTO is also going to require addressing its Appellate Body, which hampers the application of US trade enforcement laws to the detriment of American workers. There is a broad bipartisan view that WTO Dispute Settlement must be fixed to clamp down on judicial overreach," he said.

China, India got lot richer but refused to take on any more responsibilities: Top US Senator

The backlog for an Indian national to get permanent residency or Green Card is more than 195 years, a top Republican senator has said, urging his Senate colleagues to come out with a legislative resolution to address this problem.

A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently.

Senator Mike Lee said on Wednesday that the current Green Card policy did nothing for the child of an immigrant whose dead parent's Green Card application was ultimately denied because his or her job was no longer available.

"Someone from India entering the backlog today would have to wait 195 years to receive an EB-3 green card. Even if we give their children this limbo status, none of them will have a prayer of becoming a US citizen," Lee said on the Senator floor.

In fiscal year 2019, Indian nationals received 9,008 category 1 (EB1), 2,908 category 2 (EB2), and 5,083 category 3 (EB3) Green Cards. EB1-3 are different categories of employment-based Green Cards.

Lee, the senator from Utah, was speaking on the legislation moved by Senator Dick Durbin that seeks to protect immigrant workers and their children who are stuck in the green card backlog.

"Green cards are critical in the lives of so many who are here on temporary work visas. The backlog puts families at risk of losing their immigration status as they wait year after weary year to finally make it through this green card backlog," Durbin said.

"Our bipartisan agreement would add critical protections that were not in the original bill for immigrant workers and their immediate family members who are stuck in the backlog. They would be able to switch jobs and travel without losing immigration status. And children of immigrant workers would be protected from aging out so they will not face deportation," he said.

The Lee-Durbin agreement would make three changes to the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act. First, it would immediately protect immigrants and their families who are stuck in the backlog by allowing them to "early file" for Green Cards.

This would allow workers to switch jobs and travel without losing immigration status and prevent the children of immigrant workers from "aging out" of Green-Card eligibility so they will not face deportation while they are waiting for a Green Card.

Second, the amendment would create a green-card set aside for immigrant workers who are unable to "early file" because they are stuck in the backlog overseas.

Finally, the amendment would crackdown on abuse of H-1B temporary worker visas by outsourcing companies by prohibiting a company from hiring additional H-1B workers if the company's workforce is more than 50 employees and more than 50 per cent temporary workers.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

"While we continue to debate the best way to fix the Green Card backlog, let's make sure that no children of the affected families are harmed or deported. Just that simple. I offered a new bill, very simply stated, to?protect children of immigrant workers act. This brief three-page bill would ensure that children do not age out while waiting for a Green Card," Durbin said.

"Imagine if you brought your children to the United States, worked on an H-1B visa and your children are waiting for you for the Green Card, you are paying for them to go to college because they don't qualify as American Citizens for any type of federal financial aid. You're making great sacrifices for them and then the day comes when they reach the age of 21 and they can be deported and your family divided," he said.

"Why would we want to let that happen?" Durbin asked.

Noting that he has met many of these young people, the senator said it breaks his heart to hear their story that they may reach a point where they age out and be deported.

"That's why I wanted to offer this specific single provision. There is no reason these children should be punished for a broken immigration system. It's not beyond our control to help them," he added.&nbsp;

The backlog for an Indian national to get permanent residency or Green Card is more than 195 years, a top Republican senator has said, urging his Senate colleagues to come out with a legislative resolution to address this problem.

The backlog for an Indian national to get permanent residency or Green Card is more than 195 years, a top Republican senator has said, urging his Senate colleagues to come out with a legislative resolution to address this problem. A Green Card, known officially as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued to immigrants to the US as evidence that the bearer has been granted the privilege of residing permanently. Senator Mike Lee said on Wednesday that the current Green Card policy did nothing for the child of an immigrant whose dead parent's Green Card application was ultimately denied because his or her job was no longer available. "Someone from India entering the backlog today would have to wait 195 years to receive an EB-3 green card. Even if we give their children this limbo status, none of them will have a prayer of becoming a US citizen," Lee said on the Senator floor. In fiscal year 2019, Indian nationals received 9,008 category 1 (EB1), 2,908 category 2 (EB2), and 5,083 category 3 (EB3) Green Cards. EB1-3 are different categories of employment-based Green Cards. Lee, the senator from Utah, was speaking on the legislation moved by Senator Dick Durbin that seeks to protect immigrant workers and their children who are stuck in the green card backlog. "Green cards are critical in the lives of so many who are here on temporary work visas. The backlog puts families at risk of losing their immigration status as they wait year after weary year to finally make it through this green card backlog," Durbin said. "Our bipartisan agreement would add critical protections that were not in the original bill for immigrant workers and their immediate family members who are stuck in the backlog. They would be able to switch jobs and travel without losing immigration status. And children of immigrant workers would be protected from aging out so they will not face deportation," he said. The Lee-Durbin agreement would make three changes to the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act. First, it would immediately protect immigrants and their families who are stuck in the backlog by allowing them to "early file" for Green Cards. This would allow workers to switch jobs and travel without losing immigration status and prevent the children of immigrant workers from "aging out" of Green-Card eligibility so they will not face deportation while they are waiting for a Green Card. Second, the amendment would create a green-card set aside for immigrant workers who are unable to "early file" because they are stuck in the backlog overseas. Finally, the amendment would crackdown on abuse of H-1B temporary worker visas by outsourcing companies by prohibiting a company from hiring additional H-1B workers if the company's workforce is more than 50 employees and more than 50 per cent temporary workers. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. "While we continue to debate the best way to fix the Green Card backlog, let's make sure that no children of the affected families are harmed or deported. Just that simple. I offered a new bill, very simply stated, to?protect children of immigrant workers act. This brief three-page bill would ensure that children do not age out while waiting for a Green Card," Durbin said. "Imagine if you brought your children to the United States, worked on an H-1B visa and your children are waiting for you for the Green Card, you are paying for them to go to college because they don't qualify as American Citizens for any type of federal financial aid. You're making great sacrifices for them and then the day comes when they reach the age of 21 and they can be deported and your family divided," he said. "Why would we want to let that happen?" Durbin asked. Noting that he has met many of these young people, the senator said it breaks his heart to hear their story that they may reach a point where they age out and be deported. "That's why I wanted to offer this specific single provision. There is no reason these children should be punished for a broken immigration system. It's not beyond our control to help them," he added.

Green Card waitlist for Indian is more than 195 years: US senator

Massachusetts senator and former presidential candidate&nbsp;Elizabeth Warren said Thursday her oldest brother Donald Reed Herring died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nears-50000-coronavirus-deaths-more-than-85-lakh-infected-294382" hreflang="en">US nears 50,000 coronavirus deaths, more than 8.5 lakh infected</a>

Warren took to Twitter to make the announcement.

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My oldest brother, Don Reed, died from coronavirus on Tuesday evening. He joined the Air Force at 19 and spent his career in the military, including five and a half years off and on in combat in Vietnam. He was charming and funny, a natural leader. <a href="https://t.co/b8m0xKzAmM">https://t.co/b8m0xKzAmM</a>
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/ewarren/status/1253332675315724289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The 70-year old US senator posted family pictures and a photograph of him serving in the air force.

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What made him extra special was his smile—quick and crooked, it always seemed to generate its own light, one that lit up everyone around him. <a href="https://t.co/SFMOaBVCN3">pic.twitter.com/SFMOaBVCN3</a>
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/ewarren/status/1253332677840666630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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DON died in Oklahoma,&nbsp;where he lived, along with&nbsp;the other two brothers of the senator.

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I’m grateful to the nurses and frontline staff who took care of him, but it’s hard to know that there was no family to hold his hand or to say “I love you” one more time—and no funeral for those of us who loved him to hold each other close. I'll miss you dearly my brother. <a href="https://t.co/oOG6HArEL6">pic.twitter.com/oOG6HArEL6</a>
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/ewarren/status/1253332680898310146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Warren and her siblings were also&nbsp;born in Oklahoma's capital, Oklahoma City.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-have-known-of-coronavirus-in-november-us-renews-accusations-294377" hreflang="en">China may have known of coronavirus in November: US renews accusations</a>

The story was first reported by the Boston Globe.

According to it, Don&nbsp;was hospitalized for pneumonia in February and then moved to a rehabilitation center, which had seen other cases of coronavirus.

He was later brought to the intensive care unit of a nearby hospital, where he died.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vaccine-expert-ousted-by-trump-to-file-whistleblower-complaint-294400" hreflang="en">US vaccine expert 'ousted' by Trump to file whistleblower complaint</a>

Herring was born in 1933 and attended the University of Oklahoma, but did not graduate, before enlisting in the air force, where he flew B-47 and B-52 bombers.

He flew 288 combat missions in Vietnam, eventually becoming a B-52 squadron pilot and a squadron aircraft commander. He earned numerous decorations before retiring in 1973 as a lieutenant colonel and starting an auto-detailing business.

When she was running for president, Warren spoke often of her brothers. Her three older brothers were featured in a campaign ad that ran earlier this year when she was still seeking the Democratic nomination.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Massachusetts senator and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren said Thursday her oldest brother Donald Reed Herring died after testing positive for coronavirus.

Massachusetts senator and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren said Thursday her oldest brother Donald Reed Herring died after testing positive for coronavirus. Also read: US nears 50,000 coronavirus deaths, more than 8.5 lakh infected Warren took to Twitter to make the announcement. My oldest brother, Don Reed, died from coronavirus on Tuesday evening. He joined the Air Force at 19 and spent his career in the military, including five and a half years off and on in combat in Vietnam. He was charming and funny, a natural leader. https://t.co/b8m0xKzAmM — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 23, 2020 × The 70-year old US senator posted family pictures and a photograph of him serving in the air force. What made him extra special was his smile—quick and crooked, it always seemed to generate its own light, one that lit up everyone around him. pic.twitter.com/SFMOaBVCN3 — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 23, 2020 × DON died in Oklahoma, where he lived, along with the other two brothers of the senator. I’m grateful to the nurses and frontline staff who took care of him, but it’s hard to know that there was no family to hold his hand or to say “I love you” one more time—and no funeral for those of us who loved him to hold each other close. I'll miss you dearly my brother. pic.twitter.com/oOG6HArEL6 — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) April 23, 2020 × Warren and her siblings were also born in Oklahoma's capital, Oklahoma City. Also read: China may have known of coronavirus in November: US renews accusations The story was first reported by the Boston Globe. According to it, Don was hospitalized for pneumonia in February and then moved to a rehabilitation center, which had seen other cases of coronavirus. He was later brought to the intensive care unit of a nearby hospital, where he died. Also read: US vaccine expert 'ousted' by Trump to file whistleblower complaint Herring was born in 1933 and attended the University of Oklahoma, but did not graduate, before enlisting in the air force, where he flew B-47 and B-52 bombers. He flew 288 combat missions in Vietnam, eventually becoming a B-52 squadron pilot and a squadron aircraft commander. He earned numerous decorations before retiring in 1973 as a lieutenant colonel and starting an auto-detailing business. When she was running for president, Warren spoke often of her brothers. Her three older brothers were featured in a campaign ad that ran earlier this year when she was still seeking the Democratic nomination.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren's brother dies from Covid-19

The US senator Bernie Sanders, a senator from Vermont, had 45% of the county convention delegates in Nevada with about 4% of the precincts reported, and television networks predicted he would cruise to an easy win.

Bernie Sanders wins Nevada Democratic caucuses

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The August 1-5 public opinion poll, released on Wednesday, showed that 22% of Democrats and independents would vote for Biden, a level that is unchanged from a similar poll that ran last month. Another 18% said they supported Sanders, up 2 percentage points from the July poll.

None of 23 other candidates received more than 9% in the poll.

Biden and Sanders offer Democrats sharply contrasting views on how to govern. Sanders leads the effort to expand government-run healthcare for all Americans while Biden offers a more moderate approach that would allow people to keep their existing healthcare plans.

Yet the choice for Democrats may have less to do with ideology and more to do with who is best suited to beat&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the November 2020 general election.

According to the poll, 36% of Democrats say they are simply looking for someone who can win. Only 11% say the most important quality is someone with a strong healthcare plan, and 5% say it is most important to pick a strong voice on the environment.

Biden and Sanders are currently viewed as the safest bets for beating&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;among all Democrats. Both improved their standing among minorities over the past month as&nbsp;Trump repeatedly vilified minority lawmakers in a series of tweets and public comments that infuriated Democrats and many others.

In one exchange&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;told four minority lawmakers who have been critical of his administration to "go back" to where they came from.

From July to August, both Biden and Sanders received a stronger level of support from minorities, and minorities also shifted their support away from lesser-known candidates like US Senator Kamala Harris of California and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke.

Among racial minorities who identify as Democrats or independents, 23% said they would vote for Biden and 23% said they would support Sanders, which is up 2 points for each candidate from July.

Another 6% said they backed Harris, down 5 points from July, and 2% supported O'Rourke, down 3 points from the previous poll.

When asked who would be most likely to beat&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;in the 2020 general election, 33% of minorities picked Biden and 19% picked Sanders.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,210 adults, including 483 racial minorities. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 5 percentage points.

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald Trump in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Joe Biden maintained his lead for the Democratic presidential nomination as minorities gravitated toward the former vice president and his top rival, United States Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, in search of the safest bets for beating President Donald Trump in 2020, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The August 1-5 public opinion poll, released on Wednesday, showed that 22% of Democrats and independents would vote for Biden, a level that is unchanged from a similar poll that ran last month. Another 18% said they supported Sanders, up 2 percentage points from the July poll. None of 23 other candidates received more than 9% in the poll. Biden and Sanders offer Democrats sharply contrasting views on how to govern. Sanders leads the effort to expand government-run healthcare for all Americans while Biden offers a more moderate approach that would allow people to keep their existing healthcare plans. Yet the choice for Democrats may have less to do with ideology and more to do with who is best suited to beat Trump in the November 2020 general election. According to the poll, 36% of Democrats say they are simply looking for someone who can win. Only 11% say the most important quality is someone with a strong healthcare plan, and 5% say it is most important to pick a strong voice on the environment. Biden and Sanders are currently viewed as the safest bets for beating Trump among all Democrats. Both improved their standing among minorities over the past month as Trump repeatedly vilified minority lawmakers in a series of tweets and public comments that infuriated Democrats and many others. In one exchange Trump told four minority lawmakers who have been critical of his administration to "go back" to where they came from. From July to August, both Biden and Sanders received a stronger level of support from minorities, and minorities also shifted their support away from lesser-known candidates like US Senator Kamala Harris of California and former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke. Among racial minorities who identify as Democrats or independents, 23% said they would vote for Biden and 23% said they would support Sanders, which is up 2 points for each candidate from July. Another 6% said they backed Harris, down 5 points from July, and 2% supported O'Rourke, down 3 points from the previous poll. When asked who would be most likely to beat Trump in the 2020 general election, 33% of minorities picked Biden and 19% picked Sanders. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English throughout the United States. It gathered responses from 1,210 adults, including 483 racial minorities. It has a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of 5 percentage points.

Biden and Sanders emerge as top two candidates for the 2020 US presidential elections:Polls

WION Dispatch: 'I was raped by a superior officer': Senator Martha McSally on serving in military

United States Senator Bernie Sanders on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the 2020 elections to the nation's presidency.&nbsp;

The self-styled democratic socialist, who represents the state of Vermont as an independent, is set to compete in the Democratic Party primaries and said he would run a grassroots campaign that re-addresses some of the major issues he focused on in his unsuccessful 2016 bid, such as Medicare-For-All, raising the minimum wage and tackling problems like climate change and wealth inequality.&nbsp;

"Make no mistake about it, the powerful special interests in this country have unbelievable power and they want to maintain the status quo," the 77-year-old senator, who has been credited with revitalizing the often-neglected left wing of the Democratic Party, said.&nbsp;

"They have unlimited amounts of money to spend on campaigns and lobbying and have a huge influence over the media and political parties," Sanders added.

"The only way we will win this election and create a government and an economy that works for all is with a grassroots movement the likes of which has never been seen in American history," he said. "They may have the money and the power; we have the people."

He pulled no punches when describing the incumbent president, Donald Trump, whom he called a "pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe."&nbsp;

The Brooklyn-born veteran of American politics is set to face stiff competition in a crowded primary race that already includes establishment figures such as fellow US senators Kamala Harris (California), Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), Cory Booker (New Jersey), Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) and Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota).

Other Democrats, such as the former mayor of San Antonio (Texas) and ex-secretary of housing and urban development, Julián Castro; the current mayor of South Bend (Indiana), Pete Buttigieg, or US Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii-02) and John Delaney (Maryland-06), have also declared their candidacies in the race to the White House.

Sanders lost the Democratic primaries in 2016 to Hillary Clinton, who in turn was unable to defeat Trump in the election despite winning the popular vote by almost three million ballots.&nbsp;

His candidacy had been widely anticipated by a segment of the party's more progressive base and by other independent organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America. 
&nbsp;

United States Senator Bernie Sanders on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the 2020 elections to the nation's presidency. The self-styled democratic socialist, who represents the state of Vermont as an independent, is set to compete in the Democratic Party primaries and said he would run a grassroots campaign that re-addresses some of the major issues he focused on in his unsuccessful 2016 bid, such as Medicare-For-All, raising the minimum wage and tackling problems like climate change and wealth inequality.

United States Senator Bernie Sanders on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the 2020 elections to the nation's presidency. The self-styled democratic socialist, who represents the state of Vermont as an independent, is set to compete in the Democratic Party primaries and said he would run a grassroots campaign that re-addresses some of the major issues he focused on in his unsuccessful 2016 bid, such as Medicare-For-All, raising the minimum wage and tackling problems like climate change and wealth inequality. "Make no mistake about it, the powerful special interests in this country have unbelievable power and they want to maintain the status quo," the 77-year-old senator, who has been credited with revitalizing the often-neglected left wing of the Democratic Party, said. "They have unlimited amounts of money to spend on campaigns and lobbying and have a huge influence over the media and political parties," Sanders added. "The only way we will win this election and create a government and an economy that works for all is with a grassroots movement the likes of which has never been seen in American history," he said. "They may have the money and the power; we have the people." He pulled no punches when describing the incumbent president, Donald Trump, whom he called a "pathological liar, a fraud, a racist, a sexist, a xenophobe." The Brooklyn-born veteran of American politics is set to face stiff competition in a crowded primary race that already includes establishment figures such as fellow US senators Kamala Harris (California), Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), Cory Booker (New Jersey), Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) and Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota). Other Democrats, such as the former mayor of San Antonio (Texas) and ex-secretary of housing and urban development, Julián Castro; the current mayor of South Bend (Indiana), Pete Buttigieg, or US Representatives Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii-02) and John Delaney (Maryland-06), have also declared their candidacies in the race to the White House. Sanders lost the Democratic primaries in 2016 to Hillary Clinton, who in turn was unable to defeat Trump in the election despite winning the popular vote by almost three million ballots. His candidacy had been widely anticipated by a segment of the party's more progressive base and by other independent organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America.

At 77, US Senator Bernie Sanders announces 2020 presidential bid

US Senator Elizabeth Warren formally launches 2020 Presidential campaign

US&nbsp;Senator Amy Klobuchar is expected to enter the 2020 presidential race on Sunday, becoming the first moderate in an increasingly crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge Republican President Donald Trump.

Klobuchar, 58, now in her third six-year term as a senator for Minnesota, will seek to position herself as a contrast to Trump, who is expected to be the Republican candidate in the November 2020 election, focusing on both policy differences but also style and tact.

A former prosecutor and corporate attorney, Klobuchar joins a list of Democratic hopefuls that includes fellow Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warren-formally-launches-2020-campaign-sounds-note-of-economic-equality-196404">Warren heads to Iowa to campaign on Sunday</a> after formally launching her bid on Saturday. Booker is also spending the weekend in the Midwestern farm state.

Klobuchar’s campaign announcement comes amid several news reports that staff in her Senate office were asked to do menial tasks, including some personal in nature like laundry, making it difficult for her to hire high-level campaign strategists.

Klobuchar gained national attention in 2018 when she sparred with Brett Kavanaugh during Senate hearings on his Supreme Court nomination. Her questions earned her recognition in Democratic circles for working to advance the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault.

But the senator will have work to do to build a national profile. She barely registers in early opinion polls of potential Democratic candidates.

Klobuchar hopes her moderate policies and strong electoral record in Minnesota will help her win back states Trump took from Democrats in the 2016 White House contest, including nearby Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, Wisconsin, as well as Pennsylvania.

Klobuchar has focused her legislative efforts on issues like antitrust oversight, agriculture and voter security. Recently, she pushed for Senate investigations into whether Facebook Inc broke the law when it resisted oversight on how Russians used its platform to meddle in the 2016 presidential election.&nbsp;

She has been measured in her criticism of Trump, attacking the effects of his trade tariffs on farmers but avoiding more explosive issues like immigration and gun control.

Klobuchar won her most recent Senate race in November with more than 60 per cent of the vote. But she raised only about $7.4 million, a relatively small amount compared with Senate candidates in more competitive races. She will need to raise millions more to be a competitive presidential candidate.&nbsp;

Klobuchar is expected to focus her early presidential campaign efforts on Iowa, which borders Minnesota and holds the nation’s first nominating contest.

An aggressive focus on Iowa and a win there in 2008 helped catapult Barack Obama from underdog status to the Democratic Party's nomination and eventual victory in that year's presidential election.

Klobuchar began her foray into Minnesota politics by advocating for better access to healthcare for babies and new mothers after her own daughter was born with health complications, a personal narrative she is likely to use in the debate about the future of the nation’s healthcare system.

Klobuchar has not endorsed universal healthcare, an issue that will be heavily debated during the Democratic nominating race and could distinguish her from more liberal candidates who favour it.

&nbsp;

US Senator Amy Klobuchar is expected to enter the 2020 presidential race on Sunday, becoming the first moderate in an increasingly crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge Republican President Donald Trump.

US Senator Amy Klobuchar is expected to enter the 2020 presidential race on Sunday, becoming the first moderate in an increasingly crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge Republican President Donald Trump. Klobuchar, 58, now in her third six-year term as a senator for Minnesota, will seek to position herself as a contrast to Trump, who is expected to be the Republican candidate in the November 2020 election, focusing on both policy differences but also style and tact. A former prosecutor and corporate attorney, Klobuchar joins a list of Democratic hopefuls that includes fellow Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Warren heads to Iowa to campaign on Sunday after formally launching her bid on Saturday. Booker is also spending the weekend in the Midwestern farm state. Klobuchar’s campaign announcement comes amid several news reports that staff in her Senate office were asked to do menial tasks, including some personal in nature like laundry, making it difficult for her to hire high-level campaign strategists. Klobuchar gained national attention in 2018 when she sparred with Brett Kavanaugh during Senate hearings on his Supreme Court nomination. Her questions earned her recognition in Democratic circles for working to advance the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault. But the senator will have work to do to build a national profile. She barely registers in early opinion polls of potential Democratic candidates. Klobuchar hopes her moderate policies and strong electoral record in Minnesota will help her win back states Trump took from Democrats in the 2016 White House contest, including nearby Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, Wisconsin, as well as Pennsylvania. Klobuchar has focused her legislative efforts on issues like antitrust oversight, agriculture and voter security. Recently, she pushed for Senate investigations into whether Facebook Inc broke the law when it resisted oversight on how Russians used its platform to meddle in the 2016 presidential election. She has been measured in her criticism of Trump, attacking the effects of his trade tariffs on farmers but avoiding more explosive issues like immigration and gun control. Klobuchar won her most recent Senate race in November with more than 60 per cent of the vote. But she raised only about $7.4 million, a relatively small amount compared with Senate candidates in more competitive races. She will need to raise millions more to be a competitive presidential candidate. Klobuchar is expected to focus her early presidential campaign efforts on Iowa, which borders Minnesota and holds the nation’s first nominating contest. An aggressive focus on Iowa and a win there in 2008 helped catapult Barack Obama from underdog status to the Democratic Party's nomination and eventual victory in that year's presidential election. Klobuchar began her foray into Minnesota politics by advocating for better access to healthcare for babies and new mothers after her own daughter was born with health complications, a personal narrative she is likely to use in the debate about the future of the nation’s healthcare system. Klobuchar has not endorsed universal healthcare, an issue that will be heavily debated during the Democratic nominating race and could distinguish her from more liberal candidates who favour it.

US Senator Amy Klobuchar expected to join widening presidential field

US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her claims of Native American heritage, aimed for a fresh start on Saturday with the formal launch of her 2020 presidential campaign, saying that she is fighting for all Americans.

The Massachusetts Democrat, a leader of the party's progressive wing, made her announcement from a historic site in Lawrence, northwest of Boston, that launched the US&nbsp;organized labour movement. Warren, 69, has made worker rights, fair wages and access to health care central to her campaign.

"This is the fight of our lives. The fight to build an America where dreams are possible, an America that works for everyone," Warren said. "And that is why I stand here today: to declare that I am a candidate for President of the United States of America."

Warren is part of an increasingly crowded and diverse field of Democrats vying for the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. A year before any ballots are cast in a Democratic primary, many of those candidates are spending this weekend talking to voters in the early nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Warren's announcement will be followed on Sunday by US&nbsp;Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has said she will reveal her presidential plans in her home state of Minnesota.

Warren's heritage claims have dogged her since her first campaign for the Senate in 2012, and Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas." Her ancestry drew fresh scrutiny earlier this week with the discovery that she described her race as American Indian on a form to join the Texas legal bar in the 1980s.

Warren has repeatedly apologized, saying the claim was based on "family lore" and she now understands tribal sovereignty dictates membership.

In addition to being a fierce Trump critic, Warren is an outspoken critic of Wall Street who gained national notoriety for her efforts to create the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to regulate large banks.

Warren is one of four women so far seeking the Democratic nomination, an unprecedented number of female candidates vying to lead a country that has never had a woman chief executive.

Warren and the other women running so far, among whom are Senators Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, are hoping to build on the success of women candidates who played a significant role in Democrats regaining control of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives in November's congressional elections.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her claims of Native American heritage, aimed for a fresh start on Saturday with the formal launch of her 2020 presidential campaign, saying that she is fighting for all Americans.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her claims of Native American heritage, aimed for a fresh start on Saturday with the formal launch of her 2020 presidential campaign, saying that she is fighting for all Americans. The Massachusetts Democrat, a leader of the party's progressive wing, made her announcement from a historic site in Lawrence, northwest of Boston, that launched the US organized labour movement. Warren, 69, has made worker rights, fair wages and access to health care central to her campaign. "This is the fight of our lives. The fight to build an America where dreams are possible, an America that works for everyone," Warren said. "And that is why I stand here today: to declare that I am a candidate for President of the United States of America." Warren is part of an increasingly crowded and diverse field of Democrats vying for the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. A year before any ballots are cast in a Democratic primary, many of those candidates are spending this weekend talking to voters in the early nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Warren's announcement will be followed on Sunday by US Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has said she will reveal her presidential plans in her home state of Minnesota. Warren's heritage claims have dogged her since her first campaign for the Senate in 2012, and Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas." Her ancestry drew fresh scrutiny earlier this week with the discovery that she described her race as American Indian on a form to join the Texas legal bar in the 1980s. Warren has repeatedly apologized, saying the claim was based on "family lore" and she now understands tribal sovereignty dictates membership. In addition to being a fierce Trump critic, Warren is an outspoken critic of Wall Street who gained national notoriety for her efforts to create the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to regulate large banks. Warren is one of four women so far seeking the Democratic nomination, an unprecedented number of female candidates vying to lead a country that has never had a woman chief executive. Warren and the other women running so far, among whom are Senators Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, are hoping to build on the success of women candidates who played a significant role in Democrats regaining control of the US House of Representatives in November's congressional elections.

US Senator Warren formally launches 2020 campaign, sounds note of economic equality

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her Native American heritage claims, will aim for a fresh start on Saturday when she formally launches her 2020 presidential campaign.

The Massachusetts Democrat, a leader of the party’s progressive wing, will make her announcement from a historic site in Lawrence, northwest of Boston, that launched the US organized labour movement. Warren, 69, has made worker rights, fair wages and access to health care central to her campaign.

She is part of an increasingly crowded and diverse field of Democrats vying for the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. A year before any ballots are cast in a Democratic primary, many of those candidates are spending the weekend talking to voters in the early nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

Warren's announcement will be followed on Sunday by US Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has said she will reveal her presidential plans in Minnesota.

Warren's heritage claims have dogged her since her first campaign for the Senate in 2012, and Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas." Her ancestry drew fresh scrutiny last week with the discovery that she described her race as American Indian on a form to join the Texas legal bar in the 1980s.

She has repeatedly apologized, saying the claim was based on "family lore" and she now understands tribal sovereignty dictates membership.

In addition to being a fierce Trump critic, Warren is an outspoken critic of Wall Street who gained national notoriety for her efforts to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regulate large banks.

"The part of Elizabeth Warren’s history that we should be most worried about right now is the fact that Republicans are trying to dismantle her signature achievement, the CFPB," said Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Warren is one of four women so far seeking the Democratic nomination, an unprecedented number of female candidates vying to lead a country that has never had a woman chief executive.

Warren and the other women running, including Senators Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, are hoping to build on the success of women candidates who played a significant role in Democrats regaining control of the US House of Representatives in November's congressional elections.

"I like her anger," said Christiane Alsop, who has donated to Warren's previous campaigns and is backing her presidential bid. "I like her fighting spirit."

Warren heads next to Iowa, where US Senator Cory Booker and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who also is running, campaigned on Friday.

"I am running for president right now because I believe Americans have surrendered to cynicism," Booker said at an event in Waterloo, Iowa. “I want to see a revival of civic grace."

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her Native American heritage claims, will aim for a fresh start on Saturday when she formally launches her 2020 presidential campaign.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren, struggling to move past criticism over her Native American heritage claims, will aim for a fresh start on Saturday when she formally launches her 2020 presidential campaign. The Massachusetts Democrat, a leader of the party’s progressive wing, will make her announcement from a historic site in Lawrence, northwest of Boston, that launched the US organized labour movement. Warren, 69, has made worker rights, fair wages and access to health care central to her campaign. She is part of an increasingly crowded and diverse field of Democrats vying for the chance to challenge President Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee. A year before any ballots are cast in a Democratic primary, many of those candidates are spending the weekend talking to voters in the early nominating states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Warren's announcement will be followed on Sunday by US Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has said she will reveal her presidential plans in Minnesota. Warren's heritage claims have dogged her since her first campaign for the Senate in 2012, and Trump mockingly refers to her as "Pocahontas." Her ancestry drew fresh scrutiny last week with the discovery that she described her race as American Indian on a form to join the Texas legal bar in the 1980s. She has repeatedly apologized, saying the claim was based on "family lore" and she now understands tribal sovereignty dictates membership. In addition to being a fierce Trump critic, Warren is an outspoken critic of Wall Street who gained national notoriety for her efforts to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to regulate large banks. "The part of Elizabeth Warren’s history that we should be most worried about right now is the fact that Republicans are trying to dismantle her signature achievement, the CFPB," said Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz, a former top aide to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Warren is one of four women so far seeking the Democratic nomination, an unprecedented number of female candidates vying to lead a country that has never had a woman chief executive. Warren and the other women running, including Senators Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand, are hoping to build on the success of women candidates who played a significant role in Democrats regaining control of the US House of Representatives in November's congressional elections. "I like her anger," said Christiane Alsop, who has donated to Warren's previous campaigns and is backing her presidential bid. "I like her fighting spirit." Warren heads next to Iowa, where US Senator Cory Booker and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who also is running, campaigned on Friday. "I am running for president right now because I believe Americans have surrendered to cynicism," Booker said at an event in Waterloo, Iowa. “I want to see a revival of civic grace."

US Senator Warren seeks to quiet critics with 2020 campaign launch

US&nbsp;Senator Elizabeth Warren has released a DNA test that shows "strong evidence" she has Native-American heritage, a smackdown of President Donald Trump's ridicule of her as "fake Pocahontas" while she signals a possible 2020 presidential run.

Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, said last month she would take a "hard look" at running for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Trump in 2020. She and Trump clashed frequently through the 2016 presidential campaign and Trump has cast aspersions on her claim to Native-American ancestry.

"When I decided to run for Senate in 2012, I never thought that my family's Native American heritage would come under attack and my dead parents would be called liars," she said in a statement on Monday.

"And I never expected the president of the United States to use my family's story as a racist political joke," she said.

Trump taunted Warren over the issue at a July rally in Montana.

"I will give you a million dollars to your favorite charity, paid for by Trump, if you take the test and it shows you're an Indian," he said. "I have a feeling she will say no."

However, when Trump was asked about the DNA test on Monday, he said, "Who cares?" as he left Washington to visit hurricane-stricken areas in Florida and Georgia.

Warren provided the DNA test results in a statement, showing the lineage goes back six to 10 generations. https://bit.ly/2OqLmUz

The analysis of Warren's DNA was done by Carlos D. Bustamante, a Stanford University professor who the Boston Globe reported was an expert in the field.

The professor concluded that most of the senator's DNA shows European ancestry, but there is a Native-American segment. Warren has said that her Native-American ancestry possibly goes back to the 1700s, including Cherokee blood on her mother's side, according to family lore.

Warren's release of the DNA results could be a prelude to a possible presidential run.

Known as a liberal firebrand in her party, Warren is a former Harvard Law School professor who has championed populist economics including student loan reform and a higher minimum wage.

Warren was an architect of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau set up after the 2008 financial crisis and has been a strong voice in the U.S. Senate on financial issues.

Trump has repeatedly called Warren "Pocahontas," the name of a 17th century Native American teenager, to draw attention to a controversy over her heritage raised during Warren’s 2012 Senate race.

Warren, campaigning with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016, attacked Trump as an "insecure money grubber" who is driven by greed and hate.

"I hope she's running for president, because I think she'll be very easy," Trump said as he left the White House.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren has released a DNA test that shows "strong evidence" she has Native-American heritage, a smackdown of President Donald Trump's ridicule of her as "fake Pocahontas" while she signals a possible 2020 presidential run.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren has released a DNA test that shows "strong evidence" she has Native-American heritage, a smackdown of President Donald Trump's ridicule of her as "fake Pocahontas" while she signals a possible 2020 presidential run. Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, said last month she would take a "hard look" at running for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Trump in 2020. She and Trump clashed frequently through the 2016 presidential campaign and Trump has cast aspersions on her claim to Native-American ancestry. "When I decided to run for Senate in 2012, I never thought that my family's Native American heritage would come under attack and my dead parents would be called liars," she said in a statement on Monday. "And I never expected the president of the United States to use my family's story as a racist political joke," she said. Trump taunted Warren over the issue at a July rally in Montana. "I will give you a million dollars to your favorite charity, paid for by Trump, if you take the test and it shows you're an Indian," he said. "I have a feeling she will say no." However, when Trump was asked about the DNA test on Monday, he said, "Who cares?" as he left Washington to visit hurricane-stricken areas in Florida and Georgia. Warren provided the DNA test results in a statement, showing the lineage goes back six to 10 generations. https://bit.ly/2OqLmUz The analysis of Warren's DNA was done by Carlos D. Bustamante, a Stanford University professor who the Boston Globe reported was an expert in the field. The professor concluded that most of the senator's DNA shows European ancestry, but there is a Native-American segment. Warren has said that her Native-American ancestry possibly goes back to the 1700s, including Cherokee blood on her mother's side, according to family lore. Warren's release of the DNA results could be a prelude to a possible presidential run. Known as a liberal firebrand in her party, Warren is a former Harvard Law School professor who has championed populist economics including student loan reform and a higher minimum wage. Warren was an architect of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau set up after the 2008 financial crisis and has been a strong voice in the U.S. Senate on financial issues. Trump has repeatedly called Warren "Pocahontas," the name of a 17th century Native American teenager, to draw attention to a controversy over her heritage raised during Warren’s 2012 Senate race. Warren, campaigning with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016, attacked Trump as an "insecure money grubber" who is driven by greed and hate. "I hope she's running for president, because I think she'll be very easy," Trump said as he left the White House.

US Senator Warren, mocked by Trump as 'Pocahontas', releases DNA test

Lawmakers in the US are having discussions on the potential impact of a new law under which any significant purchase of military equipment from Russia would attract American sanctions, an influential US senator said today.

Senator Tim Kaine, who is on the both Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, said sanctions like Countering America's Adversaries through Sanction Act (CAATSA) would drive friends and allies away and give adversaries a chance to come together.

Signed into law by President Donald Trump in August 2017, the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanction Act or CCTSA imposes sanctions on a country or utility for any significant purchase of military equipment from Russia.

"We worry about it (CAATSA) will drive our allies away and also we give adversaries reasons to come together," Kaine told PTI.&nbsp

Kaine said both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are working to bring in the necessary reform in CAATSA.&nbsp

"We are starting to talk about CAATSA reforms both in the armed services and the foreign relations committees,? he said, but quickly added that ?it is premature? to say what will happen.&nbsp

"But we're having the discussion about the application of CAATSA now and how it would punish potentially punish allies of ours," Kaine said.

Responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi having informal summits with the presidents of China and Russia, he said it "does not worry" him.&nbsp

"Of course, they are going to talk to great nations that are in their neighbourhood. Of course, they will," he said.&nbsp

"I continue to believe this administration understands how important the US India relationship is. I don't mind criticising President Trump. But on US-India relationship, I do know that they view it as very important," Kaine said.

"They understand the importance of the relationship. I mean, they definitely do," said the Senator from Virginia, who was vice presidential nominee of the Democratic party in the 2016 presidential elections.&nbsp

Signed into law by President Donald Trump in August 2017, the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanction Act or CCTSA imposes sanctions on a country or utility for any significant purchase of military equipment from Russia

Lawmakers in the US are having discussions on the potential impact of a new law under which any significant purchase of military equipment from Russia would attract American sanctions, an influential US senator said today. Senator Tim Kaine, who is on the both Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, said sanctions like Countering America's Adversaries through Sanction Act (CAATSA) would drive friends and allies away and give adversaries a chance to come together. Signed into law by President Donald Trump in August 2017, the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanction Act or CCTSA imposes sanctions on a country or utility for any significant purchase of military equipment from Russia. "We worry about it (CAATSA) will drive our allies away and also we give adversaries reasons to come together," Kaine told PTI. Kaine said both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee are working to bring in the necessary reform in CAATSA. "We are starting to talk about CAATSA reforms both in the armed services and the foreign relations committees,? he said, but quickly added that ?it is premature? to say what will happen. "But we're having the discussion about the application of CAATSA now and how it would punish potentially punish allies of ours," Kaine said. Responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi having informal summits with the presidents of China and Russia, he said it "does not worry" him. "Of course, they are going to talk to great nations that are in their neighbourhood. Of course, they will," he said. "I continue to believe this administration understands how important the US India relationship is. I don't mind criticising President Trump. But on US-India relationship, I do know that they view it as very important," Kaine said. "They understand the importance of the relationship. I mean, they definitely do," said the Senator from Virginia, who was vice presidential nominee of the Democratic party in the 2016 presidential elections.

Lawmakers discuss about impact of CAATSA on allies: US Senator

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