NATIONAL BRIEFS

WASHINGTON: Farm bill impasse ends

The Senate broke a deadlock late Monday that had threatened to bring down a half-trillion-dollar farm and food bill, setting the stage for expected passage of the measure later this week. Majority Leader Harry Reid announced a list of 73 amendments that were acceptable to both parties. That was out of about 300 proposed amendments to the measure, a 1,000-page bill that will set farm policy over the next five years and provide nearly $80 billion a year for the federal food stamp program. The Senate will start voting on the amendments Tuesday, with attention centered on proposals to cut food stamp spending or put limits on subsidies offered farmers for crop insurance. Even with Senate passage, the bill could face an uphill battle in the House, where conservative opposition to farm bill spending is high.

Envoy nominee withdraws

Brett McGurk, the Obama administration's pick to be ambassador to Iraq, withdrew his nomination Monday in the face of mounting opposition in the Senate. Last week, Republicans expressed doubts after a racy email exchange surfaced between McGurk and a Wall Street Journal reporter covering him. The emails between McGurk and reporter Gina Chon, whom he married later, date from when McGurk was working in Iraq for the National Security Council under President George W. Bush and Chon was stationed in Baghdad. The White House expressed regret over McGurk's decision.

ALASKA: Militia leader convicted

The leader of an Alaska militia who gave speeches claiming Fairbanks was on the verge of having blood in its streets was convicted Monday of nine federal charges, including conspiracy to kill federal law enforcement officers and possession of illegal weapons. Schaeffer Cox, 28, intently watched jurors as they were polled to confirm the verdicts. Cox grabbed a microphone for one more outburst: "The prosecution withheld evidence from you guys!" he told jurors. Admonished by the judge, Cox did not speak again.