President to announce federal benefits for same-sex partners

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is about to extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.
   
Presidnet Obama has been under growing criticism for not seeking to end the ban on openly gay men and women in the military and the decision is a political nod to a reliably Democratic voting bloc.
In recent weeks, they’ve grown frustrated with the White House’s slow movement on their priorities.
   
Several powerful gay fundraisers withdrew their support from a June 25 Democratic National Committee event where Vice President Joe Biden is expected to speak. Their exit came in response to a June 12 Justice Department brief that defended the Defense of Marriage Act, a prime target for gay and lesbian criticism.
   
A White House official says Obama plans to announce his decision in the Oval Office later today and also release more details.