A top union leader wants Senate Democrats to prevent Republicans from blocking President Obama's judicial and executive branch nominees by using a controversial tactic that has been dubbed the "nuclear option."

Larry Cohen, president of the Communications Workers of America, said on Monday that leaders in the chamber should act before August to force a change to Senate rules that would allow nominees to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other posts to be confirmed by a simple majority.

"It's up to the Democratic majority in the Senate and the Senate leadership to move forward, particularly on what should be a narrow issue of getting the president's nominees confirmed," he said.

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The head of a key division within the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced his retirement, triggering a pair of personnel changes at the banking regulator.

The FDIC announced Monday that James Wigand is leaving his position as director of the Office of Complex Financial Institutions (OCFI), which he held for three years.

Virtual currencies have come under increased scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators, as their use has bled outside of digital world.

Financial agencies’ zealous pursuit of hundreds of regulations required by the Dodd-Frank Act has led to a proliferation of lawsuits and vacated rulemakings, a former member of the Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday.

“It has been a field day for lawyers,” former Commissioner Paul Atkins said during remarks to a conference of financial professionals. 

In a letter, McCain criticizes policy that allows Cabinet members to keep private email accounts for official business.

The Department of Homeland Security on Monday issued new regulations that will allow more Syrian refugees to temporarily settle in the United States.

The department estimates that about 9,000 people will be eligible to come to America under the 18-month extension to March 2015 of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians. Another 2,600 or so Syrians already here will be able to apply to renew their status. The Obama administration first gave TPS designation to Syrian citizens and residents last year, and the status was set to expire on Sept. 30.

“The extension of the current Syria TPS designation and re-designation is due to the continued disruption of living conditions in the country that are a result of the extraordinary and temporary conditions that led to the initial TPS designation of Syria in 2012,” the Homeland Security Department said. “The extension is based on ongoing armed conflict in that region and the continued deterioration of country conditions.”

The 5-3 decision marks a limited victory for the Obama administration and allows regulators to challenge such deals in court.

Federal regulators are unveiling draft rules to make cable and television menus accessible to the blind and visually impaired.

The proposal from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will require that users have an option have onscreen menus read out loud, helping the blind understand what's playing on different channels. Cable and satellite menus, as well as other devices, will have to comply with the new rule once it is finalized. 

"It's incredibly important for our ability to access entertainment content through the home theater experience," said Eric Bridges, the director of advocacy and governmental affairs with the American Council of the Blind.

More than a dozen upcoming meetings of advisory panels and boards will be announced on Tuesday. Here they are:

The Veterans Affairs Department's research advisory council is holding a meeting June 19 in Washington to develop advice for the department's projects.