US Senate panel advances Iran sanctions bill

The US Senate Banking Committee approved a controversial measure Thursday that would ratchet up sanctions on Iran, a legislative weapon Congress could wield after March if international nuclear talks hit an impasse. Senators voted 18 to 4 to advance the so-called Kirk-Menendez bill, which is steadfastly opposed by the White House. "It is clear that further action is necessary to compel Iran to reach an acceptable agreement, which is why I strongly support this critical bill," committee