Washington - Senator Arlen Specter, who has served as a Republican in Congress for nearly 30 years, announced Tuesday that he has switched parties, inching the Democrats closer to a super majority in Congress's upper chamber. The Pennsylvania senator's defection brings the Democrats to within one seat of the 60 needed in the 100-seat Senate to overcome Republican attempts to block votes on legislation, and enhances President Barack Obama's ability to advance his ambitious legislative agenda.

Washington - US President Barack Obama is asking Congress for an added 1.5 billion dollars to fight the swine flu outbreak that has spread to five US states, his spokesman said Tuesday. The money will be used to "enhance the nation's capability to stop the spread," including stockpiling anti-viral drugs and develop and "ramp up production" of a vaccine, said Robert Gibbs.

Gibbs dismissed the suggestion that the money request indicated a new level of concern by the White House. "In our opinion, this is about prudent planning," he said.

Washington - The US government proposed more aid to struggling homeowners on Tuesday, while a private group reported that a record housing price collapse in the country may finally be easing. The Treasury Department announced it would help homeowners modify their second mortgages and would make it easier for people that are unable to sell their homes to refinance into government-backed mortgages. President Barack Obama has said he will spend as much as 75 billion dollars to help people stay in their homes.

Washington - The number of human swine influenza cases in the United States increased to 64 Tuesday in five states, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The worst-affected was New York City, with 45 cases, while California reported 10 cases. There were 6 cases in Texas, 2 in Kansas and 1 in Ohio.

Those who have fallen ill in the US range in age from 7-54 years, with a median age of 16 years. There have been no deaths in the US.

Washington - Senator Arlen Specter, who has served as a Republican in Congress for nearly 30 years, announced Tuesday that he has switched parties and will now join the majority Democrats. The Pennsylvania senator's defection bolsters Democratic control of the Senate and enhances President Barack Obama's ability to push through his ambitious legislative agenda in Congress.