From NPR News in Washington, I’m Lakshmi Singh.

 

　　The U.S. House is confronting debate over federal related victims in super storm Sandy. Law makers are considering a nearly $51 billion assistance package. NPR’s Tamara Keith reports on objections by some Republicans who want spending on aids to be offset by cuts elsewhere.

 

　　“Particularly among the farthest right of the Republicans that the Tea party LI Republicans, this is seen as just more government spending. And they feel that if the government is going to spend money on anything even disasters, it means to be offset with other spending cuts, though the sense is that in this case they are in the minority.” NPR’s Tamara Keith.

 

　　President Obama is considering 19 steps he could take through executive action alone to curb gun violence. Congressional officials say those steps may include ordering tougher action for gun buyer to lie a background check and tougher penalties for gun trafficking. This as New York State assembly is expected to approve the toughest gun restrictions in the nation that have already won the approval in the State Senate. New York Mayor Michael Blumer says he applauses a new state gun control standards.

 

　　“I think this protects the second amendment, the rights of people and at the same time it makes all New Yorkers safer and the government on gun deserves real credit for doing it.”

 

　　The legislation calls for a stricter assault weapon’s ban, more limits on emanation and the sale of guns. Meanwhile, police in national Tennessee will now be allowed to carry personally owned assault rifles while on duty.

 

　　Blake Farmer of member station WPLN reports the city’s chief of police believes big cops might need greater fire power than the regular issue pistols and shot guns.

 

　　“The policy change is a direct response to shootings in New Town Connecticut and Aurora Colorado. In a written statement, National Police Chief Steve Anderson says allowing officers to carry their own weapons is ‘in the best interest of public and officer safety’. Swart teams have already carried AR15 style rifles and if police officers want to carry their own, they have to go to three-day course and have the weapons certified. Given the AR15’s cost around thousand dollars each, police officials say they won’t be purchased any more, but it’s estimated that 1/3 of the city’s 1400 officers have their own at home. For NPR News, I’m Blake Farmer, in national.”

 

　　President Obama is due to release his proposals for curbing gun violence tomorrow.

 

　　The U.S. maybe offering support to its French allies fighting its Islamists Insurgency in Africa, but U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says no American troops will be deployed on the ground. France has recurred? help in recent days from the U.S., Britain and other countries to keep out kindling? to rebels to taking control of Mali.

 

　　At last check on Wall Street, Dow is up 23 at 13,530. You are listening to NPR News.

 

　　Veterans looking for work may already have a spot at Wal-Mart, provided they were honorably discharged from active duty within the last year. The retail giant says it expects to expend its workforce with former military personnel over the next 5 years.

 

　　Lance Armstrong has admitted during an interview with Oprah Winfrey to using performance-enhancing drugs during his cycling career. Winfrey says Armstrong was forthcoming about his use of the drugs. NPR’s Craig Windom reports the interview will be broadcasted on Winfrey’s cable network.

 

　　“Armstrong has vigorously denied the doping charges against him for years and has been aggressively attacking his critics, but after being stripped of his 7 Tour de France victories and banned for life from Olympic sports, he has changed course. Winfrey told CBS this morning Armstrong was directed honest and candid in the interview. ‘I think the velocity of everything that has come back him had passed several months and particularly in the past several weeks. He was just ready.’ Armstrong is reportedly said to testify against several cycling officials about their involvement in doping as part of effort to reduce his lifetime Olympics sports ban. Craig Windom, NPR News.”

 

　　By the way, the International Cycling Union or UCI is urging Armstrong to testify before the independent panel is set up to look into a possible doping cover up at UCI.

 

　　Higher demand for clothes, furniture and vehicles is behind December’s half percent rise of retail sales. The Commerce Department’s saying a 1.6% jump in sales of autos and auto parts led all categories.

 

　　I’m Lakshmi Singh, NPR News, in Washington.