Nation in brief: Ex-Cantwell aide admits porn guilt
A former aide to Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal child pornography charge.
James Michael McHaney, of Washington, D.C., faces up to 10 years in prison after his felony conviction. He was fired from his job as a scheduler for Cantwell after his arrest last year. Earlier, he had worked for the 2004 presidential campaigns of Democrats Dick Gephardt and John Kerry.
Prosecutors say McHaney, 28, tried to arrange a sexual encounter with a 13-year-old boy last November. Police later found child pornography in his car and home.
He was initially charged with attempting to sexually exploit a minor, but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of possession of child pornography. Prosecutors said he had more than 1,000 images of child pornography, as well as videos and DVDs portraying children as young as three engaged in sexual conduct.
Washington
General rebuked for F-22 comment
In an intensifying dispute over weapons priorities, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Thursday privately rebuked a four-star general for suggesting the Air Force intends to buy twice as many sophisticated F-22 aircraft as the Bush administration has approved, according to Air Force officials.
One senior Defense official called the remarks by Gen. Bruce Carlson, who heads the Air Force command responsible for testing and developing weapons, “borderline insubordination,” because they contradicted a decision by the president.
In its 2009 budget submitted to Congress earlier this month, the White House approved multiyear plans to buy 183 stealthy new fighters, at an estimated $140 million apiece. Many Air Force officials, however, continue to insist they need 381 F-22s to deter global threats.
Washington
Auto safety bill clears Congress
Congress on Thursday sent President Bush legislation to improve auto safety for children, including measures intended to reduce backovers and accidents involving power windows.
The bill, which passed the Senate on a voice vote Thursday, was approved by the House last December and now goes to Bush for his signature. A White House official said the president is expected to sign the bill.
Building upon a voluntary agreement reached by automakers, the legislation requires new vehicles by 2010 to have brake interlock systems, which prevent a vehicle from shifting out of park unless the brake pedal is depressed.