All DC Decoder
- Obama, Biden pitch job training: Do reforms go far enough?
Job training is an important component of getting Americans back to work and the economy humming again. President Obama and Republicans offered dueling messages Wednesday.
- Obamacare's next chapter: More insurance firms opting 'in' than 'out'?
Early indicators signal more competition among private insurance firms in the Affordable Care Act exchanges in the next cycle, a shift expected to help curb the rate of Obamacare price increases.
- Why Rand Paul didn't really blast Jeb Bush on immigration
Sen. Rand Paul got headlines Sunday for criticizing the Jeb Bush comment that illegal immigration was sometimes an 'act of love.' But his rebuke was gentle, perhaps because 2016 is looming.
- Senate report: Interrogation methods 'far worse' than CIA acknowledged
Lawmakers and the CIA are wrangling over releasing details of a Senate report on the “enhanced interrogation” techniques used on terrorist suspects. Leaked portions of the report say such techniques were “brutal and far worse” than the agency acknowledged.
- Who is Sylvia Mathews Burwell? The likely new face of Obamacare.
Health secretary nominee Sylvia Mathews Burwell, from small-town West Virginia, has served in numerous government posts, including Obama's budget director. Republicans praise her low-key manner.
- Kathleen Sebelius departs: 10 flash points in her stewardship of Obamacare
Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of Health and Human Services, had the task of implementing the incredibly complex Affordable Care Act. President Obama has named Sylvia Mathews Burwell to replace her.
- Obama rejects call by 11 Democrats to move on Keystone pipeline
But President Obama still faces a tough political choice: Reject the Keystone XL oil pipeline and risk tipping the Senate to Republicans, or support it and alienate elements of his party's base.
- Obamacare enrollment at 7.5 million. But how are exchanges really doing?
Obamacare has now significantly exceeded its enrollment goal, but the bigger question has always been 'who signs up,' not 'how many.' It's still early, but the contours are beginning to emerge.
- In LBJ’s shadow, Obama honors civil rights legacy
President Obama praised President Johnson for his ability to charm and horse-trade in enacting a major civil rights law 50 years ago – skills where critics say Obama falls short.
- Abortion war twist: spike in measures favoring access
State legislators have introduced 64 measures aimed at protecting or expanding access to abortion this year. That's the biggest number in 25 years. But anti-abortion measures still outnumber them by far.
- In battle for crucial senior vote, health care could be decisive
Seniors are expected to account for a significant majority of voters in November elections and both parties are trying to win support by using health-care issues – often combined with scare tactics.
- More Americans have health insurance: why Obamacare doesn't get full credit
The portion of Americans without health insurance has fallen amid the Obamacare registration drive, two polls find. But the largest source of gains in coverage has been employer-sponsored plans.
- Equal pay: Can Obama's action overcome a cultural taboo?
Obama signed a measure Tuesday barring federal contractors from retaliating against employees who talk pay with colleagues. But its potential impact is unclear: Such talk is generally taboo.
- Senate extends unemployment insurance. Why such a tough sell in the House?
The Senate voted 59 to 38 to extend benefits for the long-term unemployed. But House Republican leaders say the measure addresses only symptoms of joblessness, not the cause.
- Why Scott Brown may have a shot at US Senate from New Hampshire
If Scott Brown wins the GOP Senate primary in New Hampshire, he would face the incumbent, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. The state leans Democratic but harbors anti-Obama sentiment.
- Illegal immigration: Is Obama 'deporter in chief'? A rundown of the numbers.
On Saturday, pro-immigrant groups are protesting the 2 millionth deportation under President Obama, expected to take place this month. Republicans take a different view of efforts to combat illegal immigration.
- Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance: How many donors will it affect?
For the 2013-14 election cycle, individual donors had been limited to a total of $123,200 in hard money federal donations. With this week's Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance, that cap is gone with the wind.
- Whether the IRS is ready or not, Obamacare has arrived
The IRS is tasked with enforcing Obamacare's penalties and policing its subsidies. Problem is, it was already stretched. IRS officials are confident they can handle the load, but it will be tough, experts say.