Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Tonight, we're tracking your money on Capitol Hill. It's buying votes for health care reform.

The Senate vote to end debate on a $871 billion bill took place early this morning, very early. 1 a.m. ET. The final tally was 60-40, straight-down party lines. All Republicans voted no. All Democrats and two independents, Sen. Joe Lieberman and Sen. Bernie Sanders voted yes.

How did the Dems get those 60 votes? That's what we're looking into.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) had to reel in moderates like Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson.

Nelson got a provision added to the bill that would let your tax dollars pay for any Medicaid expansion in his state of Nebraska. No other state has that benefit.

He's not the only senator who made a deal.

We'll tell you who else got something in the negotiations.

Back to Sen. Harry Reid, he said there's nothing wrong with the tactic. He sees it simply as politics.

"That's what legislation is all about. It's the art of compromise," Reid said.

Republicans fired back on the Senate floor.

"Make no mistake, if the people who wrote this bill were proud of it, they wouldn't be forcing this vote in the dead of night, " Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell said.

What do you think of the vote? Sound off below.

The bill faces a few procedural votes this week, with a final vote expected Christmas Eve. It's expected to win approval, again along party lines. Then the bill must be reconciled with a House version.

Tonight, we'll dig deeper into the two different versions and show you what's at stake for you and your family.

Also on our radar, the New Jersey father at the center of an international custody fight. David Goldman hopes to find out tomorrow if Brazil's Supreme Court will let him bring home his 9-year-old son Sean. We've been following this case since 2004, when Goldman's wife took Sean to Brazil and never returned. She filed for divorce, remarried and died last year giving birth to a daughter. Since then, Sean's been living with his stepfather in Brazil.

Tonight, you'll hear from David Goldman and the lawyer for the Sean's Brazilian family.

And, we're looking at a new order from the U.S. general in charge of northern Iraq that makes getting pregnant or impregnating a fellow soldier an offense punishable by court-martial.

"Anyone who leaves this fight earlier than the expected 12-month deployment creates a burden on their teammates. Anyone who leaves this fight early because they made a personal choice that changed their medical status - or contributes to doing that to another - is not in keeping with a key element of our ethos," Gen. Anthony Cucolo explained in a statement sent to the troops

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

It could be a brutal weekend from Virginia to all points north. A storm may dump close to two feet of snow in some places, along with blizzard conditions. Virginia's governor has declared a state of emergency, where it's already snowing in the western part of the state. He and officials in other locations, all along the east coast, are urging people to stay home. Of course, that's not what retailers want on this last weekend before Christmas.

Tonight on 360°, we'll check in with CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers, who calls this a "monster storm". Depending on where the storm tracks, residents may see no snowfall or 20 inches, Meyers said, pointing out there could be only a 50 or 60-mile difference between the two parameters.

We also have the raw politics of Pres. Obama's climate change deal with China, South Africa and Brazil. Mr. Obama announced the "meaningful and unprecedented" agreement when leaving the U.N. conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

"We agreed to list our national actions and commitments, to provide information on the implementation of these actions through national communications with international consultations and analysis under clearly defined guidelines. We agreed to set a mitigation target to limit warming to no more than 2 degrees celsius, and importantly to take action to meet this objective consistent with science. Taken together these actions will help us to lead our responsibilities to leave our children and grandchildren a safer planet, " Pres. Obama said.

Also tonight, we'll tell you the story of Shadow the dog. Shadow was deeply loved and lost, shot to death when he strayed into a yard. His owners have filed a civil suit against the Vermont man who pulled the trigger, claiming emotional distress and loss of companionship. They say they should get more than just the money that covered what they paid to adopt him, the veterinary bill linked to the shooting and the cost of his cremation. They say Shadow was more than property, he was family.

The lawyer for the man who shot Shadow told the Associated Press his client "has always regretted that it happened." His client pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty. He was given a year of probation and ordered to pay $4,000 restitution to Shadow's owners and perform 100 hours of community service.

The case is now in the hands of Vermont's highest court. We'll talk about the possible legal precedent it could set with our legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin and Lisa Bloom.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Is Pres. Obama flip-flopping on a promise to let Americans buy cheaper prescription drugs from other countries?

Here's what he said on the campaign trail last year:

"We'll tell the pharmaceutical companies, 'Thanks, but no thanks, for overpriced drugs'. Drugs that cost twice as much here as they do in Europe and Canada and Mexico.... we'll allow the safe reimportation of low-cost drugs from countries like Canada."

Seems the President forgot about making that comment.

With backing from the White House, the Senate has voted down measures that would have allowed low-cost drugs from other nations.

Tonight, we're keeping them honest. Joe Johns is tracking the reversal, which has links to the health care reform fight.

Speaking of health care, the debate was halted on the Senate floor today when Republicans insisted a 767-page amendment be read out load – word, for word.

By some estimates, the read-a-thon could have gone on for 12 hours, but Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who sponsored the amendment, withdrew the measure to stop the tactic in the third hour.

Sanders, an Independent, then blasted the GOP for trying to halt the U.S. government.

Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, who started the reading, defended the tactic in a statement posted on his web site.

"The American people deserve to understand the competing approaches to reform in the U.S. Senate. It's unfortunate that Senator Reid waited until the last minute to introduce his bill and now wants to rush it through the Senate. This reading will provide a dose of transparency that has been lacking in this debate," Coburn wrote.

Across the aisle, Democrats are firing back.

"It's not a stretch at this time of year to think of Ebenezer Scrooge, who when asked for a contribution for those in need replied, "What, are there no poorhouses?" My Republican colleagues are acting Scrooge-like during this holiday season. They are holding so tightly to their political tactics that they are forgetting the needs of others, forgetting the very democratic values they profess so fiercely to protect," Sen. Robert Menendez, (D) New Jersey, said.

What do you think of the GOP tactic? Sound off below.

We're also tracking a mysterious story out of Texas. A 10-year-old boy was taken from his school bus by uniformed officers and returned to his father.  It was all caught on tape. We'll show you the video.  At the time, court officials believed the father should have custody. But now a warrant has been issued for the father, who's accused of using incomplete Mexican court documents to get his son.

Ever since the tense moment on that school bus last month, the boy and his father haven't been seen. Tonight, you'll hear from the boy's mother who wants her son returned.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Are you one of the millions of Americans who has gotten a CT scan? Two new studies raise concerns over the test used to get a look at everything from hearts to the pelvis.

Researchers say the radiation doses from the scans are higher than previously thought and may led to 29,000 cancers.

360 M.D. Sanjay Gupta has the medical facts you need to know tonight on the program.

Plus, we're following the new power plays over health care reform. Sen. Joe Lieberman is possibly the the most powerful and hated man on Capitol Hill right now. He says he's prepared to back a Senate plan if it excludes both a public option and a provision allowing Americans over the age of 55 to buy into Medicare.

CNN's Senior Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash spoke with Lieberman today. She'll bring you the raw politics.

And, we're tracking how your tax dollars are being spent on Capitol Hill. The Senate approved a $447 billion spending bill that is headed to the Oval Office for Pres. Obama's signature. The bill is loaded with 5,000 earmarks worth almost $4 billion. This is the type of spending the Obama administration vowed to stop, but lawmakers are still at it. Joe Johns will share with you what earmarks are in the bill. We're keeping them honest

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m ET. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

President Obama is urging America's bailed out banks to step up and help restore the economy. He met with bank executives at the White House today and urged them to provide more loans to small-business owners.

"My main message in today's meeting was simple: America's banks received extraordinary assistance from American taxpayers to rebuild their industry. And now that they are back on their feet, we expect an extraordinary commitment from them to help rebuild our economy," Obama said.

That comment was a lot more muted than what the president said last night on CBS' 60 Minutes when he blasted the banking industry. "I did not run for office to be helping out a bunch of, you know, fat-cat bankers on Wall Street," Obama said last night.

Tonight on 360°, we're tracking the dollars and keeping them honest. Are bankers doing enough to revive the U.S. economy? Or are they looking only for only their bottom-line? Share your thoughts below.

Here's a cash reality check: Since last year, more than $450 billion bailout dollars - your tax dollars - have been given to banks. Over the same time period, banks have slashed lending to businesses by about 15 percent. CNN Money estimates JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs alone will give nearly $30 billion in bonuses. Plus, America's banks have spent more than $36 million lobbying against financial reform this year.

"I should note that around the table all the financial industry executives said they supported financial regulatory reform, " Obama said today. "The problem is there's a big gap between what I'm hearing at the White House and the activities of lobbyists on behalf of these institutions or associations of which they're a member up on Capitol Hill," he added.

After today's White House meeting only three of the ten bankers in attendance talked to the media. One of them was Richard Davis, CEO of US Bancorp who agreed there is a "disconnect" between what bankers are saying and what the lobbyists are doing on Capitol Hill. "We're going to do a better job," he said.

Davis also addressed the concern that banks aren't doing enough lending.

"You don't want us to make loans that are not strong and well suited for the consumer or the small business. So we agree viscerally that more lending needs to be done, we're looking for those opportunities to make sure that we don't put people in harm's way, and we don't put banks back in harm's way."

Tonight we also have a 360° follow on the videotaped beating death of a Chicago high school student back in September. You may recall, Derrion Albert was killed in a brawl that involved about 50 students. The attack shocked the nation.

You'll hear from the brother of one of the four teens charged in the killing of Derrion.

CNN's TJ Holmes talked with Vashion Bullock, who was also part of the fight, right in the middle of the melee.

TJ asked Vashion if anyone should be held accountable for the death.

"No, not accountable for the whole thing, because it was a mistake. Ain't nobody want him to die, ain't nobody meant for him to die", Bullock said.

The way Bullock sees it fighting is about "survival."

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Tiger Woods is taking an "indefinite break" from golf. He posted this announcement on this web site tonight:

"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.

I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."

What do you think of Tiger's decision? Share your thoughts below.

The announcement comes two weeks after a car accident led to the shocking fall from grace for the world's No. 1 golfer, which included allegations of numerous extramarital affairs.

After the crash, Woods apologized for "transgressions" that "let his family down." Those comments came just as the magazine US Weekly published a report alleging Woods had an affair with a cocktail waitress.

Woods and his wife, Elin, have been married five years and have two children.

Tonight, we'll have the all the angles on Woods' decision. Could his break from the sport impact his endorsements?

We have put together a panel of sports journalists to weigh in on Woods' annoucement.

One of them is Christine Brennan, of USA Today, who wrote this about the golf star, "What Tiger Woods has caused to happen to himself and his image over the past two weeks is the sports world's most remarkable fall from grace, ever. No athlete has ever held a perch so high in our culture – right up there with President and Mrs. Obama, and Oprah – and fallen so far so fast."

Join us for this story and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. See you then!

The November 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, India, which included the siege at the Taj Mahal hotel, killed 160 people.

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Tonight, we are following several new developments in the war on terror. Five missing Virginia men have turned up in Pakistan where they have been arrested and accused of planning terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, a Chicago man appeared in court today and pleaded not guilty to charges he's tied to terror plots in India and Denmark. Here's the chilling reality: The suspects are all Americans, who are suspected of homegrown hate here on U.S. soil.

If you think you've been seeing a lot of stories like this one lately, the sad fact is you're right. Tonight, Anderson will show you the reach of homegrown extremism. The accused arrested within the last year have ties to cities across America: Denver, New York, Detroit, Minneapolis, Raleigh, North Carolina and more.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano recently talked about the homegrown threat.

"Home-based terrorism is here. And, like violent extremism abroad, it will be part of the threat picture that we must now confront," she said.

Tonight, we will give you the facts on today's arrests in Pakistan of the five Americans. The men all disappeared recently from their homes in Northern Virginia. Their families contacted the FBI soon after they vanished.

One of the men left behind a video.

"I recall the video is about 11 minutes. It's like a farewell, and they did not specify what they will be doing. But just hearing and seeing videos, similar on the internet, it just made me uncomfortable, " said Nihad Awad, Executive Director of The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), at a news conference this afternoon.

The video "juxtaposed certain verses of the Quran," and Awad suggested the verses were interpreted incorrectly.

CAIR officials said they're "going to launch a major campaign of education to refute the misuse of verses in the Quran, or the misuse of certain grievances in the Muslim world."

As for the Chicago case, David Headley appeared in court today for just three minutes. Headley faces charges he helped plan the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India, which killed 160 people. He's also accused of plotting to attack a Danish newspaper, a plot that was never carried out.

The Justice Department says Headley made five separate trips to Mumbai between 2006 and 2008.

"During his stays in India, Headley conducted extensive surveillance, taking pictures and making videotapes of various targets in India, including, but not limited to, the Taj Mahal hotel, the Oberoi hotel, the Leopold Café, the Nariman House, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station as well as other places of public use, state and government facilities, public transportation systems and infrastructure facilities," according to the criminal complaint.

The Justice Department also says Headley attended terrorist training camps in Pakistan and conspired with members of the group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba to carry out terrorist attacks.

We're also gathering new details on the new Senate health care plan. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, announced last night he had "broad agreement" on the bill. According to Democratic sources, the legislation would no longer include a government-run insurance program, or "public option". Instead, the government would create a not-for-profit insurance option, much like the current health plan for federal workers. The plan also would expand Medicare coverage to American over the age of 55 who want to buy into the program.

How could these proposals impact your health care coverage if approved on Capitol Hill? Anderson will talk it over with our reporters in Washington.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m ET on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

We have breaking news from Capitol Hill, where liberal and moderate Democrats have reached “broad agreement” on a health care bill. That’s what Democratic leader Harry Reid said just moments ago in a news conference. Will Democrats drop the government-run insurance option and open Medicare to those under the age of 55? We’re working our sources and we'll give you the latest developments, tonight on 360°.

Meanwhile, there’s a big embarrassment for the Department of Homeland Security. A 93-page manual for airport security screeners made it onto the internet for the world to see, including terrorists.

“As Americans make travel plans for the upcoming holidays, this shocking breach undercuts the public’s confidence in the security procedures at our airports,” said Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine., of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The TSA operating manual went online in March on the Federal Business Opportunity site, as part of a posting for contract work.

However, those who were computer-savvy could undo the blacked-out sections, making the security playbook no longer secret.

The TSA, which has been in charge of protecting America’s airports since the September 11th terror attacks, released this statement:

"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has become aware that an outdated version of a Standard Operating Procedures document was improperly posted by the agency to the Federal Business Opportunities Web site wherein redacted material was not properly protected.‪

TSA takes this matter very seriously and took swift action when this was discovered. A full review is now underway.

TSA has many layers of security to keep the traveling public safe and to constantly adapt to evolving threats. TSA is confident that screening procedures currently in place remain strong.”

The agency also said the manual posted online, dated May 2008, was outdated and was never implemented. Six newer versions have been issued since that one, a TSA official said.

Tonight on 360°, we’ll be digging deeper into the controversy.

We’re also following developments in the battle for Afghanistan. Afghan President Hamid Karzi said today he’ll need help from the U.S. for 15 to 20 years.

"We hope that the international community and the United States, in particular the U.S., as our first ally, helps us reach the ability… sustain a force that can protect Afghanistan with the right numbers and the right equipment, " Karzai said at a news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates by his side during an unannounced visit to the war zone.

Just last week, Pres. Obama announced he wants U.S. forces to begin withdrawing from Afghanistan in 18 months.

But today, Pres. Karzai asked for patience. He laid out his own timeline.

The Afghan leader wants his Army to have control in parts of the country within two years, and total control in five years. There’s also the request for U.S. assistance for 15 to 20 years.

Secretary Gates pledged the U.S. “will never turn our back” on Afghanistan.

“The president has been very clear that will begin this process of transitioning in July of 2011… I would hope we not only could meet the timelines President Karzai has laid out… but as more afghans are trained that we will be able to beat those timelines,” Gates said.

“We expect this is a several year process, ” he added.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!

Amanda Knox is driven into court at midnight in Perugia, Italy, to hear the verdict in her murder trial.

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

American Amanda Knox is facing 26 years in an Italian prison after a jury convicted her of murdering her roommate Meredith Kercher, while they were exchange students in the city of Perugia in 2007. Knox's Italian ex-boyfriend was also convicted. Raffaele Sollecito was sentenced to 25 years.

The two were convicted of all charges, except theft. They must pay 5 million euros to the victim's family. Knox must also pay 40,000 euros to a man who she falsely accused of the killing.

When the judge read the jury's verdict, Knox started to weep and said "No, no."

In a written statement, Knox's parents said they were "extremely disappointed" in the verdict.

"While we always knew this was a possibility, we find it difficult to accept this verdict when we know that she is innocent, and that the prosecution has failed to explain why there is no evidence of Amanda in the room where Meredith was so horribly and tragically murdered," they said.

"It appears clear to us that the attacks on Amanda's character in much of the media and by the prosecution had a significant impact on the judges and jurors and apparently overshadowed the lack of evidence in the prosecution's case against her."

Prosecutors said Kercher died during a sex game in which Knox taunted her while Sollecito and an acquaintance Rudy Guede sexually assaulted her. Guede was convicted in a separate trial and is appealing.

Tonight on 360°, you'll hear from Knox's aunt.

"They [the jury/the italian legal system] screwed up. They made a huge mistake. People are cheering about it now. I'm disgusted by that. I'm absolutely disgusted my family had to come out of that courtroom and hear people cheering Amanda has been convicted of something she had nothing to do with it," said Janet Huff on CNN's Campbell Brown show.

"What upsets me most about this is, i guess you can't change an entire country's way of justice and their court system, but the fact their jurors are not sequestered, they are allowed to go home, talk to their friends, reads the newspapers and go online, read whatever they want and believe it or not that does affect their decision-making process," she added.

Do you agree with the verdict? Share your thoughts below.

Join us for this story and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

The White House is coming under fire for not having its social planner testify at a congressional hearing today on the state dinner security breach.

The ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, New York Rep. Peter King, addressed the panel's Democratic Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson.

"This was a bipartisan request, Mr. Chairman. A bipartisan request to the White House which prides itself in being open, which prides itself on cooperation – but in this instance they are stonewalling. And for our committee to work with the White House there has to be an element of trust. They have breached that trust, " King said.

Do you agree? Should White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers have been at the hearing?

Thompson said he didn't think Rogers had to testify, since the hearing focused on security issues.

Rogers wasn't the only no-show. Tareq and Michaele Salahi who are accused of crashing the state dinner last month also stayed away.

"Maybe they didn't show because they were on the guest list," joked Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Arizona.

But Thompson isn't laughing over the Salahis skipping the Q-and-A session. He said they will subpoena the couple to try to get them to testify on another date.

The one person who did show up on Capitol Hill was Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan.

"In this case, I fully acknowledge that proper procedures were not followed and human error occurred in the execution of our duties. This flaw has not changed our agency standard which is to be right 100-percent of the time," Sullivan said.

That was met by some anger from another Republican on the committee, who wanted to hear from the White House Social Secretary.

"I am very impressed by your willingness to take responsibility for this incident. But, you know, I never, ever expected, you know, we always expect the Secret Service to take a bullet for the president. We don't expect the Secret Service to take a bullet for the president's staff," said Rep. Charles Dent of Pennsylvania.

We'll have the latest on this story, including new insight on Mrs. Salahi's claim she was a Washington Redskins cheerleader.

Join us at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Pres. Obama's inner circle is on the offensive trying to get Congress and the American people on board with the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan.

The commander-in-chief revealed last night in a speech at West Point that he's ordering an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan over the next six months. He also wants to start bringing home U.S. forces in July 2011, just a year-and-a-half from now.

Most Republicans are backing the plan, but several Democrats are questioning Pres. Obama's decision.

The new strategy was debated on Capitol Hill today when Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke with two key committees.

A key exchange between Secretary Clinton and Rep. Gary Ackerman, (D) New York, gives a good sense of the emotions at play.

"I'm trying to think this thing through. I think the best I come up with is that we have a shack that is on fire, but it is located next to the dynamite factory and the question that I think I know the answer to but my constituents keep asking - Is it worth risking the lives of those who respond to the fire in a place that may or may not hold a lot of value in and of itself? And what is going to be the result and what would happen if we don't respond?"

"I guess the question I will ask is this, as of 8 o'clock last night do we have a new war or do we have an old war under new ownership," Ackerman added.

Secretary Clinton responded to the questions.

"I think it is fair to say that if the president could have concluded that this was an old war that could be wound down and walked away from, that would certainly have been an easier choice. He is, as we all are, well aware of the political and economic and the loss of young men and women that this decision presages, but the dynamite factory is there and unfortunately it's been stocked with even more dynamite in last couple years and therefore we feel we have to address it," she said.

Meanwhile, General Stanley McChrystal, who requested the extra troops, briefed U.S. forces in Afghanistan on the new war strategy.

"If you think about where we are now, even though it's eight years, this is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. I think it is the end of the beginning. I think everything changes right now," he said as he channeled the words of Sir Winston Churchill during World War Two.

Tonight on 360°, you'll hear from the Gen. McChrystal's boss, Gen. David Petraeus – who is the chief of U.S. Central Command.  We've also gathered our team of reporters who've been to Afghanistan to dive into whether the war plan makes sense.

Join us for this story and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!

U.S. troops search for militants in the mountainous Taliban stronghold in Paktika Province in Afghanistan.

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Pres. Obama says the war in Afghanistan is not lost. But he says for several years it has "moved backwards." He has a new strategy that he hopes will change that course.

The commander-in-chief announced tonight at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York he is deploying 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan in the first part of 2010.

Pres. Obama is also seeking more support from NATO allies.

The boost will mean about 100,000 U.S. troops will be in the region, along with about 45,000 NATO troops.

Pres. Obama is ordering the Pentagon to have the new troops in Afghanistan within six months. Pres. Obama said the additional forces "will allow us to accelerate handing over responsibility to Afghan forces, and allow us to begin the transfer of our forces out of Afghanistan in July of 2011."

Pres. Obama's Senior Adviser David Axelrod discussed the new approach this evening on CNN's "The Situation Room".

"We feel that the sooner that we get in there we can stop the momentum of the Taliban, train up Afghan troops and begin to transfer authority or responsibility for the security there, and that's - that's our goal," said Axelrod.

A Pentagon official admits the six month timeline to get the new troops on the ground is "very aggressive". Though, the official is confident the military can get the job done.

What do you think of Pres. Obama's decision? Share your thoughts below.

Adding 30,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan could be a political liability for Pres. Obama. Already some members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, are voicing their concerns over the Afghan war strategy.

"At a time of great economic crisis here in the United States, I would respectfully suggest that rather than nation-building in Afghanistan we should do a little more nation-building here at home," said Rep. Jim McGovern, (D) Massachusetts, at a news conference on Capitol Hill.

"I am here today because of my concern that we are about to wear out and break the military," said Rep. Walter Jones, (R) North Carolina, at the same event.

Since the war in Afghanistan began following the September 11th terrorist attacks more than 900 Americans have been killed in the region.

We'll have all the angles on Pres. Obama's speech tonight on 360°. We hope you can join us for our special coverage. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

It turns out the White House party crashers got to meet Pres. Obama last Tuesday night at the state dinner. Michaele and Tareq Salahi got to shake hands with the President while in the receiving line.

We'll show you the White House photo of the meet-and-greet tonight on 360°.

Meanwhile, there's a confession from the Secret Service.

The Director of the agency, Mark Sullivan, released this statement tonight:

"The Secret Service is deeply concerned and embarrassed by the circumstances surrounding the State Dinner on Tuesday, November 24.

The preliminary findings of our internal investigation have determined established protocols were not followed at an initial checkpoint, verifying that two individuals were on the guest list.

Although these individuals went through magnetometers and other levels of screening, they should have been prohibited from entering the event entirely. That failing is ours.

The Secret Service safely processed more than 1.2 million visitors last year to the White House complex. In the last several years, the agency has successfully protected more than 10,000 sites for the President, Vice President and other Secret Service protectees, screening more than 7 million people through magnetometers at campaign related events, with more than 1 million during the Inauguration alone.

Even with these successes, we need to be right 100% of the time. While we have protocols in place to address these situations, we must ensure that they are followed each and every time.

As our investigation continues, appropriate measures have been taken to ensure this is not repeated.

The men and women of the U.S. Secret Service are committed to providing the highest level of security for those we are charged to protect, and we will do whatever is necessary to accomplish this mission."

We'll have the fallout and new details on the case.

We're also following developments in Tiger Woods' SUV accident.

Police said just moments ago at a news conference that the pro golfer hit a fire hydrant and a tree when leaving his Florida home early this morning and was "in and out of consciousness" and had cuts to his lips when officers arrived on the scene .

Police also said Woods' wife used a golf club to knock out the rear window and remove him from the vehicle.

Gary Tuchman is on the scene and will have more for us tonight on 360°.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10pm E.T. on CNN. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Security is supposed to be top-notch at The White House.  But somehow a couple that wasn't invited to last night's state dinner got inside the party tent, and within feet of the President. The intruders even brag about it on their Facebook page.

The couple took a lot of photos. There's a snapshot with Vice President Joe Biden, another with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and many others.  We'll show you the party photos tonight on 360°. We'll also have details on the intruders who are reportedly aspiring reality TV stars.

Tonight the Secret Service released this statement:

"The Secret Service has tasked our Office of Professional Responsibility with conducting a comprehensive review of the incident which occurred at the White House State Dinner last night.

Initial findings identified a Secret Service checkpoint which did not follow proper procedures to ensure that the 2 individuals named in a Washington Post story were on the invited guest list.

It is important to note that these individuals went through magnetometers and other levels of security, as did all guests attending the dinner."

Join us for this story and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

It's a big night at the White House. More than 300 guests are at a state dinner in honor of the prime minister of India and his wife. Sure, some guests are Hollywood A-listers, but most are politicians. Yet, all of them got the ultimate Washington invite.

Tonight we'll have the raw politics linked to the state visit.

The two leaders spoke at a news conference earlier today.

"I believe that the relationship between the United States and India will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Pres. Obama said this afternoon.

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh touched on that when discussing the war on terror.

"The forces of terrorism in our region pose a grave threat to the entire civilized world and have to be defeated. President Obama and I have decided to strengthen our cooperation in the area of counterterrorism," Singh said.

Here's a little geography lesson on why this visit has connections to the war on terror: India has a tense relationship with its nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. Of course Pakistan also shares its border with Afghanistan. And remember, just a year ago there were the deadly terror attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai. According to Indian police, those attacks were planned and carried out by terrorists with ties to Pakistan.

We'll dive into the tense situation tonight on 360° and look at the new developments on the war strategy for Afghanistan.

According to reports, Pres. Obama is planning on sending another 34,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. An official announcement is expected next week. The new strategy comes after nine White House meetings.

What do you think of the new strategy? Sound off below.

Join us for this story and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Imagine for 23 years, being trapped in a paralyzed body with no way to talk with your family and friends, who think you are in coma and then a persistent vegetative state. However, you can hear everything. You hear the doctors and nurses at your bedside. You also hear your family when they visit. You can feel their touch, but you can't talk. You can't let them know you love them. You can't even weep over your father's death when you're told the awful news.

That was the reality and nightmare for Rom Houben, now 46.

He was forced into a world of silence after a car accident in 1983.

Tonight, 360° M.D. Sanjay Gupta, who's a neurosurgeon, has the facts on this startling case. It seems to be more common that many people think.

Also tonight, we're Keeping them Honest on Capitol Hill.  Could the recommendations from a government health panel that most women wait until the age of 50 to get mammograms  find their way into law?

Just last week you may recall Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius spoke about the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a 16-member panel assembled by the agency, which made the recommendation.

"They do not set federal policy and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government," Sebelius said.

"Keep doing what you have been doing for years - talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make the decision that is right for you," she added.

But will the panel actually get to set federal policy, after all? We'll show you what we uncovered tonight on 360°.

We've have a remarkable panel of women who will be on the program tonight to weigh in on the debate over health care. You'll hear from Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, who's slamming the mammogram guidelines. She's a breast cancer survivor and wonders if she'd be alive today if she followed those recommendations. Feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem, who's also a cancer survivor,  and  Dr. Bernadine Healy, the former head of the National Institutes of Health, will  also be on 360°.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Get ready for the possibility of more confusion over mammograms.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting the federally-funded task force that loosened breast-cancer screening guidelines is clarifying its position.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta will join us live with the details.

Plus, could the accused Fort Hood gunman Maj. Nidal Hasan have been stopped. Tonight, we'll introduce you to a woman who says she contributed to a report that could have alerted military officials. We're Keeping them Honest.

And, don't miss our special investigation: Killings at the Canal: The Army Tapes. Three Army sergeants have been convicted of killing four Iraqi detainees. Tonight you'll hear from the soldier who turned them in. Is he a snitch or a hero? We'll let you decide.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled a new health care reform bill that would extend coverage to 30 million Americans who are currently uninsured and would cost $849 billion over the next decade.

The price tag comes from a cost analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, which estimates the proposal will also cut the federal deficit by $127 billion over the next 10 years and at least $600 billion in the following decade.

"We all acknowledge that this legislation is a tremendous step forward. Why? Because it saves lives, saves money and protects Medicare, it makes Medicare stronger," Reid said this evening on Capitol Hill.

Reid must now work to get 60 votes in the Senate to avoid a GOP filibuster and start debate on the bill.

That means if all 40 Republicans stay unified in opposition to the measure, the Reid must get support from all 58 Senate Democrats, as well as independents Sens. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

It's expected to be a heated debate.

"Higher premiums, tax increases and Medicare cuts to pay for more government. The American people know that is not reform," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.

Reid's bill includes a government-run insurance plan, or public option. Though, states can opt out if they want.

We'll have a breakdown of what's in the proposal tonight on 360°.

And, don't miss part two of Abbie Boudreau's special report "Killings at the Canal: The Army Tapes." Tonight we have the starling confession of Sgt. Michael Leahy, one of three U.S. Army sergeants who killed four Iraqi detainees at a Baghdad canal in 2007. His confession is part of 23 and a half hours of Army interrogation videotapes obtained exclusively by CNN.

We'll also have live coverage of Pres. Obama's press conference in South Korea. It's the last part of his 11-day tour of Asia.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10pm E.T. See you then

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's new mammography recommendations have raised controversy.

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

There's confusion and outrage over the new recommendations from a government task force regarding mammograms.

The United States Preventive Service Task Force announced Monday that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and instead should wait until they are 50 to get one every two years. They also suggest that self-breast exams do no good and women should not be taught how to do them.

This is a major reversal and it's being challenged by the American Cancer Society and others.

"We're going to encourage women to continue to have mammography every year and we hope they will continue to have it into their 70s," said Dr. Peter Pressman, a surgeon and co-author of "Breast Cancer: The Complete Guide", who works with the American Cancer Society.

What do you think of the controversy? Share your thoughts below.

Tonight on 360°, we'll talk with a member of the government task force and ask her why they came up with the new recommendation.

We are also following new developments in the Fort Hood massacre investigation. According to media reports, just two days before the shooting spree suspected gunman Major Nidal Hasan went to a firing range and fired 200 rounds of ammo at ten targets. There are also reports that Hasan made repeated requests to have soldiers he counseled investigated for war crimes charges.

And tonight we begin our four-part series "Killings at the Canal: The Army Tapes." This AC360 investigation reveals what happened after three decorated army sergeants executed four Iraqi detainees at a Baghdad canal. The three sergeants were convicted of premeditated murder. CNN obtained 23 and half hours of army interrogation videotapes that detail the crime, including tapes cnn requested but the army would not release.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10pm E.T. See you then!

William Jefferson, shown with his wife, Andrea, represented the New Orleans area in Congress for 18 years.

Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer

Convicted former Congressman William Jefferson, a New Orleans Democrat, is facing 13 years in prison for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes. But what is more outrageous to some people is the fact that Jefferson will still get his congressional pension paid with your tax dollars.

What do you think about that? Sound off below.

The pension goes to Jefferson, even though Congress passed a law two years ago that was supposed to prohibit congressional convicts from cashing in. That's because his crimes were committed before the law was passed in 2007.

Jefferson isn't the only former lawmaker turned convict who gets to keep his pension. See who else is getting rich in prison tonight on 360°.

Plus, Sarah Palin's interview with Oprah Winfrey aired today. They covered politics, Levi Johnston and more. We've got the raw politics.

And, the American Cancer Society is speaking out against the new advice from a government panel that recommends women shouldn't get mammograms until the age of 50, instead of 40. We'll dig deeper on the controversy. And, Dr. Sanjay Gupta will answer your questions. Text them to AC360 or 22360. Standard message rates apply.

Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then!