The president meets Tuesday evening with Hong Kong Democratic leader Martin Lee -- a proponent of China's entrance into the World Trade Organization (WTO) -- and separately with a group of Democratic lawmakers who are either undecided or considered soft proponents or opponents of the legislation.

CNN: White House steps up lobbying effort for China trade bill

While a small trade-off may take place for a new subway entrance or refurbished park, Governor's Island, an enormous opportunity, has languished in picturesque desuetude since its transfer from the federal government in 2003.

WSJ: New York Stadium Deals: Good and Bad

Earlier on Monday, the Pentagon said the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, as well as a British Royal Navy frigate and a French warship, had passed through the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf without incident, following Iranian threats to block the trade route.

BBC: Iran: EU oil sanctions 'unfair' and 'doomed to fail'