All DC Decoder
- What the Keystone XL pipeline means for Obama's legacy
President Obama is now playing for the history books, and climate change will be a key chapter. The Senate votes Tuesday on the Keystone XL pipeline, setting the stage for Obama's next move.
- Obamacare 2.0: So far, so good?
Sign-ups for the Affordable Care Act, which began Saturday for 2015, are going much better than last year’s healthcare.gov website meltdown. Still, the administration has a lot to do to convince Americans that Obamacare is a good thing.
- Nothing to lose on immigration, Obama pushes ahead on his own
President Obama plans to reduce the threat of deportation for as many as 5 million illegal immigrants. If Republicans come up with an immigration reform proposal, he says, “I'll crumple up whatever executive actions that we take and we'll toss them in the wastebasket.”
- Keystone XL pipeline: Obama says he 'won't budge'
A Keystone bill swept to easy approval in the House Friday, with 31 Democrats joining the Republican majority, and a parallel bill is scheduled for Senate action next week.
- Could Obama be impeached over immigration order?
Many Republicans are furious about reports the president is considering executive action that would remove the threat of deportation for upward of 5 million immigrants in the US illegally.
- Keystone pipeline: Does Louisiana Senate race finally give it a chance to pass?
Facing a December run-off to keep her seat, Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu has won the go-ahead to bring the controversial pipeline project to a vote, perhaps as soon as Friday.
- What Obama’s big push for ‘net neutrality’ means
President Obama urged the FCC Monday to adopt strict rules favoring 'net neutrality,' or equal treatment of Internet traffic. The goal is to prevent big players like Netflix and Google from squeezing out smaller companies.
- George W. Bush weighs in on brother Jeb's political future. Dynasty, anyone?
Jeb Bush has been getting family advice on running for president in 2016 – some yea, some nay. Former president George W. Bush says there’s a '50-50 chance' his younger brother will run. Meanwhile, George P. Bush just won statewide office in Texas.
- Why Republican midterm sweep might be less impressive than it seems
Republicans stole the show during the midterm elections. But their victory might point to a similarly emphatic Democratic win in 2016. Welcome to Seesaw Nation.
- Obama, Republican leaders on collision course over immigration
President Obama hosted a lunch Friday with congressional leaders aimed at finding common ground. But House Speaker John Boehner warned Obama that a unilateral move on immigration would be harmful.
- On White House, congressional lunch menu Friday: compromise
The president and Republican leaders, who will have complete control over Congress come January, all say they want to work together on areas where they think they can find agreement.
- Rand Paul is in a bind about 2016. What’s the problem?
Sen. Rand Paul (R) of Kentucky wants to run for reelection in 2016, but he's also considering a presidential bid. Kentucky won't allow him to run for both. But he's exploring options.
- Why New York's Democratic governor may prefer a Republican state Senate
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who many believe has presidential aspirations, could make a strong case as a governor who works well with Republicans while also keeping progressive Democrats in check.
- Obama, McConnell talk cooperation. This big issue may derail that.
Before New Year’s Day 2015, congressional Republicans and the White House are likely to be engaged in a policy battle that promises to be one of the most bitter and divisive fights of the entire Obama era.
- Can Mitch McConnell handle Ted Cruz? Just maybe, he can.
Sen. Ted Cruz has already flexed his influence in the House with last year's government shutdown. Now, he'll be part of the Senate majority and presumed majority leader Mitch McConnell might have his hands full.
- McConnell's message to Obama: 'We have an obligation to work together'
A tough negotiator and seasoned tactician, Mitch McConnell also wants to show that Republicans can govern. As presumptive new majority leader, now is his chance.
- Votes on state ballot measures run counter to tide of GOP victories
Voters approved minimum wage boosts and went against the antiabortion movement. In all, more than 140 ballot measures up for state-level votes. Here’s a rundown of major ones.
- Midterm elections exit poll: It was the economy, stupid
The national exit poll of midterm election voters showed massive dissatisfaction over the economy and nation's direction. But there were warning signs for Republicans, too.
- Republican wave extends to governors' mansions in bright blue states
Maryland, Massachusetts, and Illinois are among the Democratic-leaning states who elected Republican governors Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the tea party backlash that had been predicted in Wisconsin and Kansas failed to emerge.
- With 2014 won, GOP looks ahead to next race: 'to turn this country around'
More than anything else, the 2016 presidential election will determine how Republicans manage their new majority in the US Senate and their even stronger grip on the House.