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Rep. Dennis Ross Wants to Stop Suspected Terrorists From Playing Soccer

Ben Terris | June 14, 2013

The conservative Republican is trying to shut down the Guantanamo Bay ... soccer field.

Two Defense-Panel Chairmen Are Tightly Bonded

Billy House | June 12, 2013

House Armed Services' Buck McKeon and Defense Appropriations' Bill Young maintain a genuine mutual respect and a cooperative spirit in their roles in authorizing and appropriating roughly a half-trillion dollars in defense funding.

GOP Members of Homeland Security Subcommittee Fail Key Test

Norm Ornstein | June 12, 2013

By swallowing a poison-pill amendment, they proved they are intimidated by the extreme forces in their party.

Boehner Sings Kate Upton His Birthday Song

Chris Frates | June 12, 2013

Supermodel Kate Upton got a birthday surprise from House Speaker John Boehner when he serenaded her with his trademark birthday song.

The Scan - June 6, 2013

June 5, 2013

House Committees Kick Off Least Productive Session in More Than a Decade

Billy House | June 5, 2013

Besides oversight hearings, House panels are getting very little done.

The Things That God Tells Politicians

Matt Berman | June 4, 2013

Mostly, it's to run for president. But every now and then, the almighty may intervene in a leadership coup.

Bachmann's Departure Relieves GOP Headache

Reid Wilson | May 29, 2013

Rep. Michele Bachmann's decision to retire from Congress next year in the face of investigations by at least five different government agencies will bring to a close a political career full of sound and fury, signifying -- well, not much. Bachmann was first elected to the House of Representatives i...

The Cabal That Quietly Took Over the House

Tim Alberta | May 23, 2013

For 40 years, the Republican Study Committee has prized ideological purity over partisan loyalty. That mindset now dominates the GOP.

Republicans Are Watching Their Rhetoric on Obama Scandals

Michael Catalini | May 20, 2013

It's more likely to hear Nixon comparisons from Bob Woodward or Bob Schieffer than GOP leaders.

The U.S. Is Not ‘Credit-Positive’

Stacy Kaper | May 16, 2013

If the debt-ceiling debate doesn’t bring real reform, says the S&P analyst in charge of grading government creditworthiness, get ready for another downgrade.

Eric Holder Offers Little Information, Much Ire for Republicans

Shane Goldmacher | May 15, 2013

It only took Attorney General Eric Holder a few moments to make clear he wanted no part of congressional Republicans’ plans to turn his Capitol Hill appearance into a serious grilling about the scandals of the day.

Some Republicans Don’t Believe Austerity Is Enough

Nancy Cook | May 9, 2013

Strategists and wonks are urging House leaders to refocus their economic message on ideas that the middle class actually care about.

Meet the Yahoo Caucus

Norm Ornstein | May 1, 2013

Congress is filled with informal caucuses, from the Black Caucus to the Wine Caucus. I have a new one to propose, which might be among the largest: the Yahoo Caucus.

Yucca Mountain Casts a Long Shadow Over Nuclear-Waste Bill Introduced in the Senate

Amy Harder | April 25, 2013

The legislation is silent on whether a proposed agency to manage nuclear waste might consider the nixed Nevada site as a future option.

DCCC Memo Cites Advantages Over House GOP

Scott Bland | April 25, 2013

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is getting unprecedented fundraising help from its members -- especially freshmen -- in its early efforts in the 2014 election cylce. On Thursday, DCCC chairman Steve Israel took a moment to update his caucus on the campaign committee's progress. In a...

For House Republicans, It’s Fiscal First

Tim Alberta | April 23, 2013

If the fiscal fights that defined the opening act of the 113th Congress were supposed to suddenly take a backseat to other issues, someone forgot to tell House Republicans.

A Polarized Congress Tests Fred Upton’s Instincts

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

In the final days of the last Congress, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton spoke out against a bill to provide roughly $50 million to aid the victims of superstorm Sandy.

A New Budget for a New Party

Ronald Brownstein | April 11, 2013

Obama's fiscal proposal aligns him with the politics of minority, millennial, and college-educated voters.

What to Expect in Obama’s Budget

Nancy Cook | April 8, 2013

Apart from the president’s plan to formalize cuts that he has already proposed, what else can Americans expect from a budget that’s roughly two months late and that follows both parties’ congressional budget proposals?

How Margaret Thatcher Changed Iraq, the USSR, and the Oil Industry

Steve LeVine and Quartz | April 8, 2013

Thatcher had an exceptionally broad foreign policy impact, on big and smaller topics, as Great Britain’s prime minister. Much could be different were it not for her place on the global stage.

House Republicans Map Out Strategy for Debt-Ceiling Battle

Nancy Cook | April 4, 2013

When the House Republicans return from recess next week, one of their top priorities will be charting out the next fiscal battle—the debt ceiling.

Don't Give Up on Guns, Immigration, or a Debt Deal

Jill Lawrence | April 2, 2013

It's unfair to accuse Obama and Congress of foot-dragging, and too soon to assume failure.

Matheson, Amash Split From Parties Most Often

Scott Bland | March 28, 2013

The Democrat and Republican have voted against their parties more often than any other House members in the 113th Congress.

Short-Term Flexibility Won't Help Long-Term Impact of Sequestration

Nancy Cook | March 26, 2013

President Obama signed legislation on Tuesday to keep the government funded through the end of September and to give greater flexibility to a handful of agencies as they roll out the mandated across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration.

Five Small Business Committee Staffers to Know

Amy Harder and Stacy Kaper | March 24, 2013

Here are the people you need to know on the Small Business Committee staffs on both sides of the Capitol.

Armed With Excuses, Lawmakers Head Home to Sequester Complaints

Stacy Kaper and Rebecca Kaplan and Amy Harder contributed | March 24, 2013

As lawmakers were preparing to go back home to their districts for a two-week recess, many were already getting an earful of grievances from constituents about the sequester’s impact and were bracing to hear far more in meetings and town halls.

The One Word You Can't Say in Washington

Niraj Chokshi | March 21, 2013

Democrats agree on the need for stimulus. Just don't call it that.

Sparks, Politics, and Amendments Will Fly in Vote-a-Rama

Shane Goldmacher | March 21, 2013

Senators will offer a raft of amendments Friday as the chamber debates its first budget in 4 years, taking advantage of the rare chance to force the opposing party into an unlimited number of tough votes.

Senate Reaches Deal on Bill to Fund Government Through End of Fiscal Year

Billy House | March 20, 2013

Senate Democrats and Republicans have reached a deal on proceeding this afternoon with a bill to fund government through Sept. 30, the remainder of the fiscal year.

From Kennedy to Obama, A Look at Irish-Americans in U.S. Politics

Matt Vasilogambros | March 19, 2013

House GOP Committee's New Budget Plan: Faster, Deeper Cuts

Tim Alberta and Nancy Cook | March 18, 2013

The Republican Study Committee's new plan balances the federal government in just 4 years, whereas Paul Ryan’s balances it in 10.

Nondefense Slice of Domestic Spending on Track to Hit 50-Year Low

Niraj Chokshi | March 15, 2013

Both the Senate Democratic and House Republican budgets project funding for things like welfare programs and government operations will reach a 50-year low as a share of economic activity.

In New Budget, Senate Democrats Offer Alternative Political Vision

Nancy Cook | March 13, 2013

For the first time since 2009, Senate Democrats on Wednesday introduced a budget resolution, which promised to stabilize the debt over the next decade and raise new revenue and cut spending in equal parts.

After Snag, Senate Moving on Bill to Avert Shutdown

Billy House | March 13, 2013

The Senate on Wednesday morning was opening its debate on a bill to keep government funded through Sept. 30, after Republicans dropped objections to proceeding.

Deal in Sight to Keep the Government Open

Stacy Kaper | March 12, 2013

The House appears willing to accept the Senate's proposal to keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year, avoiding a protracted fight that could lead to a government shutdown by the end of the month.

The Real Budget Battle

Tim Alberta and Stacy Kaper | March 7, 2013

In Washington, all financial skirmishes lead to the same place.

Will a Bargain Be Struck to Reverse the Sequestration Cuts?

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | March 7, 2013

In Washington, all financial skirmishes lead to the same place.

Obama's Dinner Out With Senators Didn't Solve the Budget Mess, But It Did Ease Tensions

Nancy Cook | March 7, 2013

Want the partisan acrimony between Democrats and Republicans to fade? Turns out all you need to do is buy people a fancy meal.

Disgraced Ex-Congressman Attacks John Boehner in New Book

George E. Condon Jr. | March 5, 2013

Imprisoned for his role in the Abramoff scandal, former Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio has some scores to settle.

Meet the Newly Appointed OMB Director, Sylvia Mathews Burwell

Matthew Cooper | March 4, 2013

Appointed OMB Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell's modest style belies her accomplishments. Can she deal with sequestration and a feisty Congress?

How Long Can Boehner Contain the Rebellion?

Tim Alberta | March 3, 2013

Conservatives will give him a chance for now, but their patience is almost out.

Why House Conservatives Cheered the Sequester

Tim Alberta | March 3, 2013

There probably weren't any champagne bottles uncorked in the Capitol on Friday, but there's no question that House conservatives saw the arrival of automatic spending cuts known as the sequester as cause for celebration.

Pittsburgh Mayor Won't Seek Reelection

Steven Shepard | March 1, 2013

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced Friday we won't seek reelection this year, setting up a competitive Democratic primary to replace him this May. "I'm dropping my bid for reelection," Ravenstahl said at a press conference at Pittsburgh City-County Building. Ravenstahl, a Democrat, denied...

Effects of Federal Budget Cuts on the Latino Community

Stephanie Czekalinski | March 1, 2013

Under the sequester, programs that offer preschool, nutritional assistance to pregnant women and their babies, and rental subsidies that are important to many of the country’s Latinos will face funding cuts.

Don't Expect Any Backroom Deals on Sequester — For Now

Chris Frates | February 28, 2013

Chances are Congress will address the cuts after they've kicked in, using the regular legislative process.

How the Sequester Could Play Out

Stacy Kaper | February 28, 2013

With sequestration all but certain to kick in Friday, there are several scenarios that may unfold. Here are some possibilities for the ensuing policy and politics.

How Both Sides Botched the Sequester Fight

Ronald Brownstein | February 28, 2013

The White House and congressional Republicans each notch tactical wins but fail on strategy.

Risk Is the Sequester's Only Certainty

Jill Lawrence | February 27, 2013

You might have to wait longer in an airport line if the guillotine falls as scheduled Friday on $85 billion in federal spending. Your nearby national park might close earlier, and your schools might lose teachers.

Some Republicans Think They Can’t Lose on Sequestration

Chris Frates | February 26, 2013

President Obama has been barnstorming across the country warning that if automatic, across-the-board spending cuts are allowed to take effect Friday, economic calamity would not be far behind.

U.S. Fiscal Future Likely Hinges on Public Reaction to Sequester

Billy House | February 25, 2013

Don’t expect Congress and President Obama to reach agreement on how to turn off the sequester’s $85 billion in across-the-board federal spending cuts before they kick in Friday.

After the Sequester, Government Shutdown Looms

Stacy Kaper and Amy Harder | February 25, 2013

Congressional leaders are already shifting their focus to the next spending battle after the automatic budget sequester takes effect on Friday—how to keep the government running—but the Democratic strategy on this fight is far from set.

Who To Watch on Capitol Hill During the Sequestration Fight

Stacy Kaper and Amy Harder | February 24, 2013

Here are 5 leadership staffers critical to developing the policy proposals and political strategy of the sequestration battle.

Congress and Obama Assign Blame as Sequester Deadline Approaches

Billy House | February 24, 2013

Just four days remain until Friday’s start date for federal spending cuts that were supposed to be too painful to ever let happen, but lawmakers return to Washington on Monday with little hope for an eleventh-hour deal to avert or reshape them—or any let-up in the fighting over who is to blame.

Insiders: Yes, Sequestration Will Really Hurt U.S. National Security

Sara Sorcher | February 22, 2013

Insiders also support arming Syria's rebels.

The Young and the Powerless

Ronald Brownstein | February 21, 2013

Social Security and most of Medicare are exempt from automatic spending cuts. That means the sequester falls hardest on America's youth.

DCCC Hopes to Capitalize on Sequestration With New Web Ads

Scott Bland | February 21, 2013

Amid signs of rising Republican worry over the politics of sequestration, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released digital ads in 27 congressional districts targeting House Republicans over the coming budget cuts and layoffs. The online ad, which the DCCC indicated was the first par...

Was the 2010 'Wave' of GOP Freshmen Any More Conservative Than the Rest of the Party?

Peter Bell | February 21, 2013

Fueled by tea-party momentum, Republicans took the House in 2010. Did that shift ideology in the chamber?

Senate Democrats Get Ready to Defend Obama's Climate-Change Rules

Amy Harder | February 20, 2013

Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Sen. Barbara Boxer is mounting a relentless defense of Obama’s global-warming rules.

How the Continuing Resolution Got Pegged to March 4

Tim Alberta and Stacy Kaper and Chris Frates contributed | February 20, 2013

The House will not take up a continuing resolution to keep the government funded before the week of March 4, but how it came to that starting date is the subject of some debate.

'Most Liberal' Label Probably Won't Hurt Sen. Tom Udall

Scott Bland | February 19, 2013

With New Mexico voters shifting to the left, his 90.7 percent composite liberal score for 2012 will likely have little effect on his reelection bid next year.

Lawmakers Draw Fire for Taking Breaks Amid Fiscal Crises

Billy House | February 14, 2013

Questions about the House and Senate work schedules are being raised as key deadlines loom on how to address the automatic sequester spending reductions, keep the federal government funded, and perhaps deal with another debt-ceiling crisis.

Lautenberg Announces Retirement

Kevin Brennan and Elahe Izadi | February 14, 2013

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., announced Thursday that he won't seek reelection in 2014, potentially paving the way for Newark Mayor Cory Booker to succeed him.

Republican Leaders Worry Their Party Could Divide in Two

Ron Fournier | February 14, 2013

Behind the scenes, Republican leaders are sourly predicting a party-busting independent presidential bid by a tea-party challenger, like Sen. Rand Paul, in 2016.

In Private Fundraising Letter, Broun Brags About Labeling Obama a Socialist

Sarah Mimms | February 13, 2013

Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., may have dialed down his fiery rhetoric in public since announcing his Senate bid, but in a private fundraising letter obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he's still bringing the heat. "I was the first Member of Congress to call (Pres. Obama) a socialist who embrac...

Will House Conservatives Support Rogers' Spending Proposal?

Billy House | February 13, 2013

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers, R-Ky., says he is preparing to introduce a bill to keep government agencies funded through the end of the fiscal year that will be written with a spending level beyond what Speaker John Boehner has promised rank-and-file conservatives.

What History Tells Us About the Future of Obama’s Agenda

Jill Lawrence | February 13, 2013

President Obama had little choice but to lay out his priorities in his State of the Union address and hope they wouldn’t be sidelined by an unreceptive Republican-controlled House. What are his odds?

Why State of the Union Addresses Are Hopelessly Long

Garance Franke-Ruta - The Atlantic | February 12, 2013

Nobody loves workmanlike laundry lists, but four former presidential speechwriters say there's little hope for shorter speeches any time soon.

Don’t Call Them Moderates, but Centrist Republicans Are Emerging in the House

Billy House | February 11, 2013

Much has been written about the hard-line House Republicans who have been making life tough for Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. But what about the collection of GOP colleagues who have stuck by his side, even when many in their own party are voting the other way?

¿GOP en Español? Not So Fast

Ben Terris | February 11, 2013

While the House Republican Conference tries to court some voters in Spanish, some of their own are fighting the effort.

Heritage Lobbies Against Children's Hospital Funding—and House GOP Leadership

Chris Frates | February 10, 2013

House Republicans are none too happy with the Heritage Foundation, saying the conservative group’s political arm used skewed data to lobby against a bill to fund children’s hospitals.

Obama's Best Jobs Play for the State of the Union: Think Big

Jill Lawrence | February 10, 2013

Obama's best hope is to go big. He'll only make progress toward his goals if there's room to let Republicans move toward some of theirs.

The Math Behind the GOP Goal of Balancing the Budget in 10 Years

Nancy Cook | February 8, 2013

The plan spearheaded by Paul Ryan could prove to be an ingenious move for his party — or a disaster.

How Republicans Came to Love Automatic Spending Cuts

Major Garrett | February 5, 2013

Congressional Republicans work to prove they are tough enough to take the sequester.

Alaska's Begich Makes His Reelection Case

Scott Bland | February 1, 2013

"Alaskans do not like outsiders coming in," Democratic Sen. Mark Begich says. He is sitting at a conference table in his Senate office, where the desk is decorated with a yellow bumper sticker that reads: "We don't care how they do it in the Lower 48." Begich continues, "'Outsider' in Alaska has a h...

New Issues and Crisis Comms Firm Launches

Chris Frates | January 31, 2013

A bipartisan team of Washington messaging veterans is launching a new public affairs and crisis communications firm today, National Journal has learned.

Senate to Vote on Debt Deal

Billy House | January 31, 2013

The Democratic-controlled Senate is set to give final passage Thursday to a bill allowing the U.S. Treasury to keep borrowing money until May 19 and ward off the risk of default, putting off one battle as other fights loom with Republicans in upcoming weeks over automatic spending cuts and keeping the government operating.

Mia Love Wants the GOP to 'End Slavery from the Federal Government'

Michael Catalini | January 27, 2013

Mia Love, the Republican mayor of Sarasota Springs, Utah, wowed conservatives in Tampa at the Republican National Convention this summer. After a failed fall campaign that resulted in losing a congressional race to Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson, she's again making an appeal to conservatives.

GOP Senator: We Are the Party of the 47 Percent

Michael Catalini | January 26, 2013

Freshman Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas on Saturday chided the GOP over its 2012 electoral losses, saying "Republicans are and should be the party of the 47 percent," a clear allusion to the remarks caught on video by presidential candidate Mitt Romney during the campaign.

How Boehner Tamed an Unruly GOP Caucus

Billy House and Amy Harder contributed | January 23, 2013

John Boehner is finally learning how to tame the rebellious House GOP caucus. The passage on Wednesday of a measure allowing the Treasury to keep borrowing money until May 19 warded off the risk of a debt default that could have been politically disastrous for Republicans.

Honesty is Needed to Save the Great Society

Major Garrett | January 22, 2013

President Obama placed the “makers” versus “takers” debate squarely before Congress and the country. In its own way, Obama’s stout defense of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid served as the preamble to the coming clashes over the debt ceiling, the sequester, and a soon-to-expire continuing resolution funding the government. This trio of fiscal deadlines must, necessarily, concentrate legislative and political minds.

Conservative Republicans Losing Steam on Default Dare

Stacy Kaper | January 22, 2013

House Republican leadership appears to have quieted naysayers on their right who recently seemed hungry to threaten default and defy conventional arguments that such a hardline stance would trigger crisis.

Leahy to Boehner: Get Your Own House in Order

Rebecca Kaplan | January 18, 2013

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy had some choice words in response to an announcement by House Speaker John Boehner that the House of Representatives would predicate a long-term debt-limit increase on the Senate passing a budget that cuts spending. Another incentive from the Republican leader: No budget from the Senate, no paychecks for the senators.

GOP Says It Can Threaten Senate Pay in Budget Fight

Billy House | January 18, 2013

House Republican leaders said Friday that they will schedule a vote next week on a plan to extend the nation’s debt ceiling for three months, but that it would also require the Democratic-controlled Senate to pass a budget by April 15 for the first time in four years or see senators’ pay withheld.

The Next Fiscal Showdowns That Could Ruin Us

Caren Bohan and Billy House | January 17, 2013

Both parties fantasize about a grand bargain. In the real world, they’ll be lucky to avoid a fiscal catastrophe.

Blocking Lew Gets the GOP Nowhere in Debt Ceiling Fight

Stacy Kaper | January 8, 2013

Republicans have made it clear. They are looking for a pound of flesh in the form of spending cuts in exchange for solving the next fiscal-crisis-in-waiting -- the debt ceiling. And while some aides might whisper about blocking a Treasury nominee to gain leverage, the GOP won't win on the debt ceiling -- even optically -- by employing that tactic.

Against Boehner, Conservatives Shoot a Big Blank

Billy House | January 4, 2013

So, this was the big House conservative rebellion that has been plotted for several weeks against John Boehner? C’mon. It was more like one of those clown guns that only shoots out a flag that says, “Bang!” Many House conservatives – there are more than 100 Republicans who describe themselv...

Emotional Boehner Retains Speaker’s Gavel

Billy House | January 3, 2013

The process wasn't easy, but John Boehner is again speaker of the House. Here's what happened.

Boehner Reelected as House Speaker

Billy House | January 3, 2013

The U.S. House on Thursday formally reelected John Boehner of Ohio to a second term as speaker in a mostly party-line vote of 220-192 over Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California. Ten other candidates also received votes among the total 426 cast. Speculation about a potential conservative insurrection against Boehner, 63, failed to materialize to a significant extent during the voiced roll-call vote for Speaker. Boehner, the nation’s 53rd House speaker, was still able to obtain the majority all votes cast. Nine House Republicans did voice support for other candidates — ranging from Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., to Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, to former Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., to former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker. Boehner is soon to address the chamber.

Why Hurricane Sandy Threatens House GOP More Than Fiscal Cliff

Josh Kraushaar | January 3, 2013

House Republicans have taken a political hit over their positioning on the fiscal cliff. But for campaign committee officials looking to hold the House, the controversy over funding for Hurricane Sandy, could do more to threaten the GOP's House majority.

Boehner Agrees to Votes on Sandy Disaster Relief

Billy House | January 2, 2013

Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, reacting to criticism over his decision to adjourn the House without passing a $60 billion Superstorm Sandy aid bill, has agreed to take action on an aid package after all, lawmakers say.

How John Boehner Finally Got the Fiscal Cliff Deal to Obama

Michael Catalini | January 1, 2013

A last-ditch deal to spare Americans from big tax increases in the new year that seemed in danger of falling apart earlier today has a renewed chance to make it to the president's desk.

Senate GOP Hopeful for Monday Night Vote

Niraj Chokshi | December 31, 2012

Senate Republicans hope to vote Monday night on a package to avert the fiscal cliff, according to members leaving an evening caucus meeting.

The Senate Chaplain's Pointed Prayers

Shane Goldmacher | December 31, 2012

It was 10 days ago that House Speaker John Boehner declared that “God only knows” how Congress would resolve the fiscal cliff. It’s still not clear. But with lawmakers still shy of an accord, Senate Chaplain Barry Black has taken to opening the Senate’s session each of the last two days with some pointed words of wisdom and requests for divine inspiration for the deadlocked chamber.

How Cliff-Jumping Could Play Out for the Economy

Catherine Hollander | December 28, 2012

With Washington deadlocked over the mix of automatic tax hikes known as the "fiscal cliff," worries are rising about the impact on the economy. But many economic forecasters say a brief slide off the fiscal cliff might not be catastrophic. The cliff is more like a slope, those experts say, and the most damaging effects won't be felt immediately—though they would be felt quickly. The slope only gets steeper as the early days of 2013 tick away with no deal in sight.

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