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President Barack Obama has signed the $633 billion defense bill into law, but has criticized one of its provisions protecting conscience rights.

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President Barack Obama says he is prepared to do "tough things" for a "fiscal cliff" deal and says there is no reason for the talks to fail.

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There's a lull in the fiscal cliff talks as the White House and leading congressional Democrats have rejected the "Plan B" presented by House Speaker John Boehner.

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House Speaker John Boehner has proposed raising top rates for earners making more than $1 million, a person familiar with the negotiations says.

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President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner held a "frank" meeting lasting nearly an hour Thursday night, aides to both men said. Boehner returned to the Capitol without public comment, and the aides would not discuss whether the negotiating session at the White House resulted in progress to avoid the looming "fiscal cliff."

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President Barack Obama is urging Congress to pass an extension of tax cuts for middle class families, saying a tax increase for them would be like a "lump of coal" for Christmas.

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Republican congressional leaders are accusing Democrats of moving the nation closer to the "fiscal cliff," by refusing to outline possible spending cuts.

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Military officials say a U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune has died in Afghanistan.

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An insurance broker who admitted his role in a bribery scheme involving New Jersey's fourth-largest school district has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.

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One proposal creating some buzz after Hurricane Sandy would require any Jersey Shore town that accepts government rebuilding aid to provide free public access to beaches and restrooms.

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