House approves bankruptcy reform law
WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. House has approved a controversial overhaul of the nation's bankruptcy code, opening the door to its approval by President Bush.
Approved by the Senate last month, the measure will be the second big win for corporate interests signed into law this year, following the approval of a new law directing most class action lawsuit into federal courts two months ago.
It also follows House approval of a measure Wednesday permanently repealing the estate tax, another favorite of corporate America and the wealthy conservative interests.
Under the controversial law, most people filing for bankruptcy will now be required to enter into repayment plans with their debtors.
Critics of the changes, say the measure ignores the fact that many who end up in bankruptcy do so through no fault of their own, often due to catastrophic illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
Proponents say changes are needed to ensure that those in debt are responsible for their actions.
Deadly virus strikes Angola
UIGE, Angola, April 14 (UPI) -- The deadly Marburg virus has killed at least 215 Angolans, mostly in the northern province of Uige, since October, officials say.
In an effort to stamp out the Ebola-like disease, health authorities are urging Angolans to change their traditional burial rituals.
Angolans traditionally embrace and kiss their dead in a final farewell, but just touching an infected corpse can lead to infection, experts say. Some in Uige also have given up their traditional hug greeting to friends.
Deputy Health Minister Jose Van Dunem told the BBC that "cultural barriers" were the key problem officials now faced in stemming the epidemic.
The World Health Organization said it was not aware of any cases of Marburg among foreign nationals other than those in Uige.
WHO did not recommend restrictions on travel to any destination within Angola, but did advise some precautions. The U.N. also urged neighboring countries to adopt screening measures.
Senate panel approves Negroponte as intel chief
WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- A Senate panel Thursday approved President Bush's nominee as the first national intelligence director, clearing the way for full Senate approval.
John Negroponte was approved by the Senate Intelligence Committee after his nomination faced little controversy.
Once approved by the entire Senate, the former U.S. ambassador will be charged with overhauling the nation's intelligence structure, overseeing and coordinating the country's 15 spy agencies.
Just how the new agency will function remains up in the air as it is still under development.
The panel also approved Michael Hayden, who is now the head of the National Security Agency, to serve as Negroponte's deputy.
Chirac: 'No' vote on E.U. benefits U.S.
PARIS, April 14 (UPI) -- A "no" vote to the European Constitution would weaken the EU and benefit the United States, warned French President Jacques Chirac, Thursday.
Appearing on a live televised debate with a group of 83 young French citizens aged 18-30, Chirac replied during two full hours to questions from the public, trying to promote a "yes" vote.
Chirac said a European constitution is important to help build a stronger Europe in the face of other powers.
"Europe must be strong, it must have the power to survive in tomorrow's world," said the French president.
Chirac said that France and Europe would in the future face other super powers such as the United States, China, Russia and even Brazil and the rest of Latin America.
The French will vote May 29 in a national referendum if they should support the European constiturion. For the moment, the "no" appears to have a slight edge.
Gonzales promises judicial protection
WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- Attorney General Alberto Gonzales told a gathering of the federal judiciary Thursday in Washington that judges must be protected from threats.
But Gonzales stopped short of endorsing a recent call from the Judicial Conference of the United States for an immediate $12 million to install security systems in federal judges' homes. The conference is the policy-making body for the federal judiciary.
The attorney general spoke before the Conference for Chief U.S. District Judges.
In prepared remarks, the attorney general praised judicial independence.
"It is imperative that we provide you with the physical security you need to maintain that independence and execute this important job without any deterrent," he said. "The Department of Justice and the Marshals Service will continue to work to ensure that threats to federal judges are quickly assessed and appropriate measures are taken. We will not accept that a judge is intimidated or threatened in any way."
He said he has ordered a new review of judicial security measures.
