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WASHINGTON (AP) The pipeline of federal aid for victims of Superstorm Sandy can finally start flowing. President Barack Obama signed the $50.5 billion dollar package into law late Tuesday. It easily cleared the Senate on Monday despite the objections of those who said its cost needed to be offset with spending cuts.

WASHINGTON (AP) Nearly seven weeks after the Connecticut school massacre, the top lobbyist for the National Rifle Association will tell Congress that banning assault weapons and universal background checks won't work. The NRA's Wayne LaPierre will appear before a Senate panel on Wednesday. A statement released by the gun group says LaPierre will call for enforcement of existing laws and improved school security.

MIDLAND CITY, Ala. (AP) Authorities in southeastern Alabama say a man boarded a school bus and fatally shot the driver, who had refused to let a 6-year-old off the bus. Police in Midland City say the suspect grabbed the child and ran to an area behind a nearby church. Some residents were evacuated.

WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department has scheduled a Monday welcoming ceremony for Sen. John Kerry. The decorated Vietnam veteran and former presidential candidate was confirmed as secretary of state on Tuesday by the Senate. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick says Kerry will give up his Senate seat Friday afternoon. Patrick will name an interim replacement.

KABUL (AP) The top commander of U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan is upbeat about Afghan forces' ability to take the lead role in combat in the spring. Marine Gen. John Allen tells The AP that the main job of allied forces over the next two years will be to advise, train and build the capabilities of Afghan security forces to go it completely alone.