NATIONAL—Obama’s jobs bill stalls in the House

The U.S. House of Representatives took a bi-partisan vote to remove a three percent tax on government contractors. The bill passed 405 to 16. The bill was a piece of President Obama’s jobs bill. Speaker of the House John Boehner praised the House for its bi-partisanship but criticized the Senate for not doing so.  “Many of these bills passed the House with bipartisan support—15 common-sense bills that will help get our economy moving again,” Boehner said.

INTERNATIONAL—Admittance of Palestine to UNESCO causes U.S. to halt funding

In reaction to the decision to admit Palestine as a member state to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the U.S. has reacted by cutting funding. U.S. officials have warned the U.N. that the funding will be withheld as long as Palestine remains a member. U.S. lawmakers have warned that other similar measures could ultimately hurt the U.S. in the future.