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Letter From Judiciary: How to Survive a Markup

Fawn Johnson | May 23, 2013

Rule One—Empty your bladder. Rule Two—Charge your phone. These are the lessons in survival for anyone covering, lobbying or staffing lawmakers who "mark up" an 800-plus-page bill.

GOP’s Switch on Financial Disclosure Wins Gold Medal in Hypocrisy Olympics

Norm Ornstein | May 22, 2013

First, let me be clear: There has been political intimidation of the Internal Revenue Service and other government agencies for partisan purposes.

Good-Bye, MetroPCS: Only Verizon Now Opposes Net Neutrality

Brian Fung | May 17, 2013

Now Verizon is the only remaining petitioner in the case.

$hydraulic fracturing$

Proposed 'Fracking' Rules Anger Environmentalists, Annoy Industry

Coral Davenport | May 16, 2013

The Obama administration on Thursday unveiled a new proposal for its first major regulation of hydraulic fracturing on public lands, attempting to address at least a portion of the controversial drilling practice that’s unlocked vast new supplies of U.S. oil and gas but has also raised fears about its environmental impact, particularly on local water supplies.

New Fracking Rules Have Environmental Groups Worried

Coral Davenport | May 12, 2013

The energy industry is optimistic about new regulations for hydraulic fracturing expected to be issued as soon as Tuesday.

IRS Blunder Gives Republicans Ammunition in Effort to Defund the Agency

Nancy Cook | May 10, 2013

The Internal Revenue Service’s admission that it inappropriately targeted conservative political groups for special scrutiny during the 2012 presidential election only gives congressional Republicans more ammunition as they try to defund and weaken the agency.

The Coming GOP Civil War Over Climate Change

Coral Davenport | May 9, 2013

Science, storms, and demographics are starting to change minds among the rank and file.

Inside The American Crossroads And Koch Post-Mortems

Reid Wilson | May 9, 2013

Conservatives identify what went wrong in 2012 -- and how to fix their problems.

Why It's So Hard to Trust the Chain of Command in Military Sexual-Assault Cases

Ben Terris | May 7, 2013

A day after a high-profile arrest, a new Pentagon report shows sexual assaults have jumped by a third since 2010.

After the Obama Administration's Morning-After Pill Decision

Margot Sanger-Katz | May 2, 2013

President Obama has made a series of speeches in recent weeks, delighting scientists who work on controversial areas of research and advocates for reproductive and abortion rights.

Obama's FCC Pick Has Some Surprising Allies

Brian Fung | May 1, 2013

Obama's pick for FCC chair is more than what his résumé shows, unexpected allies say.

You (Yes, You!) Can Now Pay to Promote Your Change.org Petitions

Brian Fung | May 1, 2013

"Crowd-promoted" petitions will give ordinary users even more of a voice -- so long as they've got the cash.

A Playbook for Undoing the Sequester

Nancy Cook | April 28, 2013

When Congress voted last week to give the FAA more flexibility with its cuts, it set off a race among other special interests to push for exemptions.

Gun-Control Groups March on Lobby Firms That Represented the NRA

April 25, 2013

Round Two for Gun Control May Take a ‘Next Newtown’

Shane Goldmacher | April 24, 2013

A week after gun legislation suffered a stinging defeat in the Senate, an uncomfortable realization has settled over the Capitol that it will likely take another mass shooting or similar tragedy to reignite momentum for gun control.

Immigration-Reform Opponents Lack Strategy

Rebecca Kaplan | April 24, 2013

In the week since the “Gang of Eight” released its 844-page immigration bill, there have been three days of hearings featuring 26 witnesses. The compressed time frame has left opponents of the bill little time to read it, let alone formulate a strategy to alter the measure to their liking or kill it entirely.

Why We Need to Move Ahead on IP

Ajit Pai | April 24, 2013

When it comes to communications technology, federal regulations shouldn’t discourage innovation. They have to keep up with the times.

How Will Texas Explosion Impact Chemical Security Laws?

Douglas P. Guarino | April 23, 2013

Industry officials 'appalled' by those who say the incident suggests a need for tougher chemical security laws.

The 'Obamacare' Rollout Will Be a Bureaucratic Nightmare

Margot Sanger-Katz | April 18, 2013

When the last major government insurance plan launched in 2006, it was a disaster. The president’s health law will be even worse.

The Silver Lining in the Gun-Control Defeat

Fawn Johnson | April 18, 2013

Advocates believe that, even though background checks failed in the Senate debate, public sentiment will eventually vindicate them.

How Gabrielle Giffords and Michael Bloomberg Can Succeed on Guns

Michael Hirsh | April 18, 2013

Small, determined interests win out over large, diffuse ones. But their task is not impossible.

How Obama Misread the Politics of Gun Control

Josh Kraushaar | April 18, 2013

Reality check: Gun-control opponents hold the upper hand politically in 2014.

Karen Lightfoot, Minority Communications Director

Coral Davenport | April 17, 2013

After 25 years on Capitol Hill, Karen Lightfoot has a wealth of experience communicating complicated policy issues. Indeed, her experience began before she even got to college.

Companies Battle, With Gas Prices at Stake

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

The lobbying fight over how much natural gas the United States should export has picked up considerably this year.

Keystone Pits Oil Companies Against Environmentalists

Coral Davenport | April 17, 2013

It’s likely that more corporations, coalitions, and advocacy groups have lobbied, rallied, and written letters about the Keystone XL oil pipeline than about any other pipeline ever built in the United States.

Long List of Lobbies Oppose Renewable-Fuels Standard

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

It’s hard to rival the diversity and sheer number of groups and companies with a vested interest in the renewable-fuels standard, from food and livestock businesses to those in the environmental and energy sectors.

Utilities, Enviros Tracking New Rules

Coral Davenport | April 17, 2013

The Environmental Protection Agency has embarked on a historic undertaking: writing a sweeping set of regulations aimed at slowing global warming by dramatically cutting pollution from the nation’s fleet of coal-fired power plants.

3 Strong Pro-Gun Arguments to Watch

Fawn Johnson | April 11, 2013

Republicans are raising complex questions about mental health, federal enforcement, and gun-purchase records that deserve the thorough and intense debate they are about to receive.

Background Checks Take Center Stage in Gun Debate

Fawn Johnson | April 10, 2013

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino wanted background checks when background checks weren’t cool.

Has Obama Done Enough for Black Americans?

George E. Condon Jr. and Jim O’Sullivan | April 4, 2013

For many, this is still a land of unequal opportunity. A history-making president may not be enough.

The Rubio Trap

Fawn Johnson and Shane Goldmacher | April 4, 2013

Liberal groups have one message for Democrats negotiating with the Florida Republican: Don't give in.

Once Again, the NRA Is Winning the Gun-Control Debate

Fawn Johnson | April 2, 2013

At dueling press conferences, gun-rights supporters sound confident.

Curious Friends: How Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg Can Help Republicans

Elahe Izadi | March 29, 2013

By zeroing in on issues where bipartisanship is possible, Zuckerberg’s political efforts can soften the GOP’s edges.

Drone Lobbyist: 'I Don't Use the Word Drone'

Sara Sorcher | March 27, 2013

Drones are coming to U.S. skies. The Federal Aviation Administration is charged with finding a safe way for drones to fly for commercial purposes by 2015, but civil liberties advocates worry privacy rights might suffer.

Mayor Bloomberg, The Great Liberal Ally? Not So Fast.

Elahe Izadi | March 26, 2013

A billionaire who pours money into backing gun control and also endorsed President Obama because of his stance on climate change -- New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg seems to have positioned himself as the perfect liberal ally, right?

Why the White House Loves Natural Gas

Coral Davenport | March 14, 2013

While green groups protest outside, the president huddles inside the White House with oil and gas executives.

Dropping in the Polls, Obama Seeks to Rally the Grassroots

Beth Reinhard | March 13, 2013

The president delivered a pep talk to supporters of his new advocacy group trying to lift a gridlock-defying agenda of immigration reform, gun control, and climate change.

Obama's Liberal Goals Collide With 2014 Campaign Map

Beth Reinhard | March 12, 2013

A tough mid-term election could be an awkward time to test-drive an outside advocacy group closely linked to the president.

Harry Reid: The Closet Environmentalist

Amy Harder | March 6, 2013

He doesn’t tout it, but the Senate majority leader is one of the greenest members of Congress.

America's $1.6 Billion Trade Surplus With China (Yes, China)

Todd Woody and Quartz | March 6, 2013

For those who fret over the US trade deficits and that China’s dominance of the solar industry, here’s some good news: The US is in the black with a massive $1.6 billion green technology trade surplus with China.

Can Climate-Change Denier Ken Cuccinelli Win a Swing State?

Coral Davenport | March 3, 2013

In storm-battered Virginia, the Republican candidate for governor still doubts the science.

Why Michael Bloomberg Won't Be Able to Reshape Congress

Alex Brown | February 27, 2013

Why Michael Bloomberg's ability to elect a gun control-supporting Democrat in Chicago is unlikely to translate for the 2014 midterms.

Opinion: Have Mortgage Settlements Left Communities of Color Behind?

Janet Murguía and Marc H. Morial and and Lisa Hasegawa | February 27, 2013

On the one-year anniversary of the $25 billion national mortgage settlement, questions remain about the implementation and the affect on communities of color.

Grover Norquist: George W. Bush Said He Would Have Backed Cliff Deal

Amy Harder | February 25, 2013

Former President George W. Bush told Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that he would have supported the fiscal-cliff deal that McConnell struck with Vice President Joe Biden late last year, antitax advocate Grover Norquist told National Journal Daily on Monday.

Why Medical Providers Don't Mind the Sequester

Margot Sanger-Katz | February 21, 2013

A grand bargain to reduce the budget deficit would sting health care providers. The sequester, by contrast, won’t really hurt.

Voting Rights Act Faces a Supreme Test

Matthew Cooper | February 14, 2013

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority may modify a key part of the Voting Rights Act. But it’s unlikely to eviscerate it.

Courting the Twenty-Somethings

Ronald Brownstein | February 14, 2013

In many ways, the president steered his party toward issues that matter to that growing generation.

Traditional Federal College Aid Needs Overhaul, Education Group Says

Doris Nhan | February 14, 2013

The rapid growth of the Hispanic population, among minorities needing better access to higher education, leads an advocacy group to suggest that the federal financial-aid structure is outdated.

In GOP Shift, Rubio Shows Power of Español

Beth Reinhard | February 13, 2013

By delivering the Republican response to the State of the Union speech in Spanish, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on Tuesday broke through an increasingly powerful language barrier between the political establishment and the nation’s fastest-growing demographic.

In a Shift for GOP, Marco Rubio Demonstrates the Power of Spanish

Beth Reinhard and George Condon contributed | February 12, 2013

By delivering the Republican response to the State of the Union speech in Spanish, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on Tuesday broke through an increasingly powerful language barrier between the political establishment and the nation’s fastest-growing demographic.

LG Mark Darr Won't Run for Governor in Arkansas, Endorses Hutchinson

Jordain Carney | February 12, 2013

Arkansas Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Darr ended speculation about his own 2014 gubernatorial ambitions Tuesday by endorsing former GOP Rep. Asa Hutchinson. "I have fielded many questions over the past few months from friends and supporters concerning the 2014 gubernatorial race," Darr said in a statem...

There’s No Such Thing as Political Capital

Michael Hirsh | February 7, 2013

The idea of political capital—or mandates, or momentum—is so poorly defined that presidents and pundits often get it wrong. With Obama’s State of the Union upon us, it’s time to rethink the term.

The Scary Truth About How Much Climate Change is Costing You

Coral Davenport | February 7, 2013

While policymakers fiddle, the threat of economic harm posed by rising sea levels, devastating storms, and drought is growing every day.

It Was Declared Unconstitutional. So Why Is the Stolen Valor Act Getting Another Go?

Ben Terris | February 6, 2013

Much to the eye roll of the ACLU, Congress is pushing forward to make it (again) illegal to lie about military service.

4 Takeaways From Obama's Gun-Control Speech

Elahe Izadi | February 4, 2013

The president's remarks revealed signals on where the politics of the gun-control debate are headed, and how the administration is trying to take on the NRA.

With New Support Base, Obama Doesn't Need Right-Leaning Whites Anymore

Ronald Brownstein | February 1, 2013

For decades, Democrats shaped their policies around fears of the culturally conservative white voters to the GOP. But Obama’s winning coalition has altered that calculus.

Why Obama Is Giving Up on Right-Leaning Whites

Ronald Brownstein | January 31, 2013

For decades, Democrats shaped their policies around fears of losing right-leaning white voters to the GOP. But Obama’s winning coalition has altered that calculus.

Democrats Grumbling About Obama Lobbying Shop

Beth Reinhard | January 23, 2013

Even as Democrats relish President Obama’ second inauguration, some party leaders are worried about whether the campaign’s decision to form its own advocacy group will hamstring future generations of Democratic candidates.

How Obama Can Tackle Climate Change Without Congress

Coral Davenport | January 22, 2013

President Obama’s Inaugural Address was his boldest, clearest signal to date that he intends to take on the challenge of fighting climate change as a signature achievement of his presidency.

Washington Parties, K Street Pays

Chris Frates | January 21, 2013

Inauguration Day in Washington is really just one big party, college graduation, and New Year’s Eve all rolled into one. And as anyone who’s ever picked up the tab knows, an open bar ain’t cheap.

For 9/11 Relatives, Newtown Brings Grim Sense of Deja Vu

Jill Lawrence | January 18, 2013

Three relatives of people killed on 9/11 describe their reactions to the Sandy Hook shootings.

What the Sandy Hook Families Can Learn From 9/11 Families

Jill Lawrence | January 17, 2013

Speed, urgency, and persistence: The keys to turning national tragedy into good public policy.

Full Text: President Obama and Joe Biden's Statements on Gun Violence Proposals

January 16, 2013

The White House released the following transcript of the statements President Obama and Vice President Biden made on the gun control proposals announced Wednesday.

From Guns to Immigration, Obama Circumventing GOP

Ron Fournier | January 15, 2013

New White House strategy reflects the President's inability to work with House Republicans

Lawyers, Guns, and a Sex Scandal: How an NRA Ally Became a Front-Runner for Governor

Elahe Izadi and Jordain Carney | January 15, 2013

A sordid political sex scandal in Arkansas involving a popular Democrat is increasing the odds that the NRA's leading emissary against gun control will be the state's next governor.

Rubio Tries to Outduel Obama on Immigration

Beth Reinhard | January 15, 2013

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio’s newly unveiled proposal for sweeping immigration reform looms as a daunting leadership test for a freshman member of Congress on the fast track to the 2016 presidential campaign.

'No Labels' Vows Full Disclosure of Donors

Ron Fournier | January 14, 2013

In reversal, 'problem-solving" group embraces transparency

'No Labels' Adds Washington Muscle to Reform Washington

Ron Fournier | January 14, 2013

Centrist and squishy no more? Grassroots advocacy group shifts focus in bid to fix political system.

Gun-Buyer Background Checks Both Effective and Politically Achievable

Fawn Johnson | January 10, 2013

Lawmakers are too focused on banning assault weapons. Improved access to information about potential gun owners could be more effective.

Obama Faces Dilemma on 'Mother of All’ Climate-Change Regulations

Coral Davenport | January 10, 2013

How President Obama could clean up carbon emissions—alone.

At Least One Gay-Advocacy Group Won't Forgive Chuck Hagel

Ben Terris | January 7, 2013

In a move other LGBT groups have called "bizarre," the Log Cabin Republicans ran a full-page ad blasting his nomination.

Winners and Losers from a Fiscal-Cliff Deal

Sophie Quinton | January 1, 2013

Middle and lower-income taxpayers are the main beneficiaries of the fiscal-cliff deal, but there are other winners—and losers—of the last-minute scramble to avert scheduled tax increases and spending cuts.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Terminator, Body-Builder, and Global Leader on Climate-Change

Coral Davenport | December 30, 2012

If the United States ever enacts a major climate-change law, it will owe a debt to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Republicans Aren't the Only Gun-Control Obstacle

Beth Reinhard | December 23, 2012

President Obama’s call for Congress to show the “courage” to consider new gun-control laws was aimed at Republicans, but the president’s most pressing political concern is with members of his own party who have a long-standing history of cowering from the gun debate.

The Evolution of the NRA's Defense of Guns

Cory Bennett | December 21, 2012

Since 1934, when the first major federal weapons regulation was enacted, the National Rifle Association has significantly shifted its rhetoric and tactics regarding federal gun control.

Trouble for Boehner's Speakership?

Billy House and Elahe Izadi and Shane Goldmacher contributed. | December 20, 2012

John Boehner’s speakership is suddenly “on the ropes,” declared at least one outside conservative group after Thursday night’s head-spinning developments.

Much Grief, but Little Action From Congress on Guns

Fawn Johnson | December 14, 2012

Thoughts and prayers. That’s what you get from members of Congress. They said it after the Aurora, Colo., shooting in July. They said it after the Trayvon Martin killing in Florida, the assassination attempt on former Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona, and the massacre of 32 people at Virginia Tech in 2007.

Hot Ticket

Michelle Bloom | April 10, 2011

Foodies—brace yourselves. On Tuesday, the annual Embassy Chef Challenge brings together cuisines from around the world into one hunger-satisfying tasting sure to make your stomach happy.

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