All Politics
Jacob Lew: Is 'safe' choice for Treasury also a good choice?Jacob Lew is valued by Obama as a Beltway numbers guy able to endure high-stakes budget fights. But some critics worry he won't tackle fast-rising debt. And the Treasury job could demand big duties beyond fiscal strategizing.
NRA coming to White House: Will there be fireworks?On Thursday, the nation's biggest gun-rights organization will be represented at a meeting on gun violence with Vice President Joe Biden. The NRA's presence makes both sides look open-minded.
Debt-ceiling showdown: 4 reasons it's not a replay of 2011 In 2011, Congress and President Obama went to the brink of government default when congressional Republicans balked at raising the nation's debt ceiling. The spring of 2013 appears to have another debt ceiling fight in store. Here are the top four things that have changed.- Debt-ceiling showdown: 4 reasons it's not a replay of 2011 In 2011, Congress and President Obama went to the brink of government default when congressional Republicans balked at raising the nation's debt ceiling. The spring of 2013 appears to have another debt ceiling fight in store. Here are the top four things that have changed.
That didn't take long: AIG decides not to sue US over bailout termsAIG, which said it had been legally bound to consider the interests of shareholders, appears to have concluded that damage to its public image would outweigh any benefits of joining the suit.
Why is Sen. Lindsey Graham now Obama's antagonist in chief?Not long ago, the Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina was seen as a 'maverick' Republican willing to work across the aisle. But there appears to be a clear reason for his rightward shift.
Congress more unpopular than Donald Trump, head liceA new poll shows just how deeply, eye-poppingly unpopular Congress has become. But are voters partly to blame for lawmakers' failures?
Tax reform: If both parties love it, why doesn't it go anywhere?A speech by the an oil industry lobbying group Tuesday showed how interest groups are influencing the process, worried that they could be the big loser in tax reform.
With John Brennan, Obama doubles down on drone strikesPresident Obama wants John Brennan to head the CIA. In the confirmation process, he could face questions from the left and right about his past at the CIA and his vision for the war on terror.
Chuck Hagel: why Obama is using political capital on Pentagon pickPresident Obama just made it by one 'fiscal cliff,' with more to come. But he has shown he won't shy away from a fight in nominating former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel to run the Pentagon.
Obama's 'in your face' cabinet picks: why he chose Chuck Hagel, John BrennanPresident Obama officially nominated Chuck Hagel for Defense secretary and John Brennan for CIA chief Monday. Each brings a unique view of the organization he would lead.
Republicans talk up a 'government shutdown.' Do they mean it?With a series of fiscal deadlines approaching, some Republicans in Congress say they're ready to shut down the government to get real spending cuts, a reprise of the famous shutdowns of 1995.
Hagel, Brennan, and history: How often does Senate reject cabinet nominees?The Senate has only rejected two presidential cabinet picks since World War II – though six others have withdrawn their names, and the process is becoming more contentious.
White House idea with bipartisan appeal: Give Joe Biden a reality showA petition on the White House website proposes giving Joe Biden his own reality show on C-SPAN. The vice president's 'cool' factor has never been higher.
Debt-limit fight takes shape: Will Mitch McConnell ever be satisfied?Some Republicans say they're ready to take the debt limit hostage in order to get spending cuts. Sound familiar? But there's a good reason this political cycle keeps repeating itself.
- Gun owners push back: a former marine's letter to Dianne Feinstein
Sen. Dianne Feinstein is proposing an assault weapons ban, but many Americans are ready to defend the Second Amendment at all costs. A former marine's open letter provides a window into the heated debate taking place.
Obama hints at big debt-ceiling brawl, but can he win this one?On Saturday in his weekly address, President Obama warned of a 'dangerous game' ahead if Congress resists raising the debt ceiling. US debt has hit the current limit – $16.4 trillion.
Reasons the House delayed approval of Sandy disaster reliefThe House passed, 354 to 67, a $9.7 billion bill to top off the National Flood Insurance Program and help victims of superstorm Sandy. The timing has been delicate for the GOP-controlled House.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
Jobs report finds little overall progress. Why is recovery so slow?Jobs report says the unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in December – the same as for November. Employment growth is notably slower than in past recoveries from recession.
