National Journal Topics | NationalJournal.com

White House Threatens Veto as House Takes Up Farm Bill

Jerry Hagstrom | 5:43 p.m.

The Obama administration opposes deep cuts proposed to the food-stamp program.

Is a Sequester Tipping Point Coming?

Niraj Chokshi | 9:39 a.m.

When spending cuts went into effect in March the world didn't end. Sequestration was overhyped and the deluge never came. But it may begin to pour this summer.

Senate Energy Chairman Has a Broad Agenda and an Eye Toward a Dream Job

Amy Harder | June 16, 2013

Ron Wyden wasn’t fast enough for the NBA, but he’s plenty quick on his feet in the Senate.

House Faces Off on Farm Bill, Late-Term Abortions

Billy House | June 16, 2013

The Senate continues its floor focus on amendments to its immigration-reform bill.

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.

Americans Know They’ve Already Lost Their Privacy

Ronald Brownstein | June 13, 2013

In an exclusive poll, many say they're anxious about the brave new world of connectivity and surveillance.

Economy Expectations May Be Giving Obama a Lift

Ronald Brownstein | June 13, 2013

The recovery may be offsetting any recent controversies that would otherwise hurt the president's approval rating.

Why We Lack Good Privacy Guidelines

Ronald Brownstein | June 13, 2013

Technology innovations have served to strip away privacy. They could also be the key to restoring it.

Farm Bill Could Pass the House Next Week, Agriculture Committee Chairman Says

Jerry Hagstrom | June 13, 2013

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., said Thursday he believes that the farm bill will come up on the House floor next week and could be finished in two days.

The Mammoth Building Plan to Make Atlanta More Green

Stephanie Czekalinski | June 13, 2013

The BeltLine will reclaim 22 miles of railroad, lay down 33 miles of walkable trails, encircle 45 neighborhoods, and cost $3 billion dollars.

What Happens When 30 Craft Distillers Descend on Capitol Hill?

Ben Terris | June 13, 2013

The booze will flow in an effort to keep taxes low.

Sandy Hook Families Try to Revive Gun-Control Debate With Hill Visits

Elahe Izadi and Fawn Johnson contributed | June 12, 2013

Advocates think there may be a path to make changes to the Senate legislation to satisfy some lawmakers who voted against it.

Rep. Adam Smith Takes a Realistic View on Funding

Sara Sorcher | June 12, 2013

House Armed Services' ranking member acknowledges some defense cuts are inevitable in tight fiscal times, and he says he is committed to helping the Pentagon make reductions.

Legislative Comrades-in-Arms Tend to Put Politics Aside

Tim Alberta | June 12, 2013

A long line of former active-duty military personnel have sought an Armed Services Committee post after winning election to Congress. Each brings something that can’t be taught to nonveterans: first-person knowledge.

Defense Industry Focused on Sequestration

Sara Sorcher | June 12, 2013

No one has been able to successfully wrangle Congress into reaching a grand bargain to reduce the deficit. But it’s not for lack of trying.

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.

A Hollow Military Again?

James Kitfield | June 12, 2013

The looming postwar drawdown of the U.S. armed forces will prove the most challenging of modern times.

Major Battles in the House Armed Services Committee

Sara Sorcher | June 12, 2013

On Aug. 1, 2011, hours before the government was set to default on its debt, House Speaker John Boehner convened Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee in his office to discuss a legislative solution.

A Committee Chairman’s Job Is Never Easy

Sara Sorcher | June 12, 2013

It’s tough to chair a 62-member panel responsible for authorizing roughly half a trillion dollars that funds America’s defenses. Just ask Rep. Buck McKeon.

Insiders: House Armed Services Committee Not as Powerful as in the Past

Sara Sorcher | June 12, 2013

Some of National Journal's National Security Insiders point to the "emasculation of the chairman" as a key reason the panel has lost influence.

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.

Why the GOP Isn't Attacking Obama Over Data Collection

Michael Catalini | June 10, 2013

Recent reports that showed the breadth of the government’s secret information-gathering have divided congressional Republicans.

Lawmakers Need to Show Strong Leadership to Move Forward With Farm Bill

Jerry Hagstrom | June 9, 2013

Cutting through the thicket of rhetoric in time to pass new legislation will be a challenge.

Senate Gears Up for Floor Fight on Immigration

Billy House and George E. Condon Jr. and Nancy Cook and Amy Harder and Catherine Hollander and Fawn Johnson and and Sara Sorcher contributed | June 9, 2013

Following a scheduled vote on its farm bill, the Senate this week will press ahead with major legislation to legalize 11 million undocumented immigrants.

What Happened to Eric Holder?

Matthew Cooper | June 7, 2013

He was a Reagan-appointed judge and a Clinton-appointed prosecutor respected by both sides. Then it all fell apart.

Why the IRS Scandals Make It Hard to Fix the IRS

Nancy Cook | June 6, 2013

On the one hand, it helps the momentum for tax reform. On the other hand, wonks are now investigating alleged wrongdoing rather than devising new policy.

All Those People Who Were Supposed to Get Insurance Probably Won’t

Margot Sanger-Katz | June 6, 2013

The decision holding that "Obamacare" was legal was seen as a victory. But it eviscerated Obama's plan to cover poor and disabled Americans.

Play of the Day: A Delicious, Dangerous Use for Drones

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | June 6, 2013

Fast forward to 2:15 to see Letterman explain how the FAA and Domino's got into some recent trouble with the drones.

Congress Could Use a Few More Members Like Rep. John Dingell

Norm Ornstein | June 5, 2013

The fair-mindedness and diligence of the legendary lawmaker starkly contrasts the unfairness in the response to the activities at the IRS conferences.

House GOP Leaders Limit Revenue Bills to Stall Senate

Billy House | June 5, 2013

By withholding action on revenue bills, House leaders can limit the Senate's options.

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.

Play of the Day: Great Moments in Dance-Related Government Scandals

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | June 5, 2013

Fast forward to 3:15 to see Letterman's archive of dance-related government videos.

Vacancy Packing: Obama Emerges From His Five-Year Appeals-Court Nap

Major Garrett | June 4, 2013

Picking a judicial nomination fight used to be rare. But in the past two decades, it has become a burdensome and often ugly blood sport.

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.

Play of the Day: The IRS Says 'Lets Dance!'

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | June 4, 2013

Fast forward to 3:20 to see the some possible jobs for Holder, based on "his look."

Here Are Some of the Questions the IRS Asked Conservative Groups

Niraj Chokshi | June 4, 2013

It's been two and a half years since Kevin Kookogey first asked the Internal Revenue Service to grant nonprofit status to Linchpins of Liberty, his group aimed at teaching children conservative political principles and American history. He's still waiting.

Back in Session, Congress Returns Attention to IRS

Shane Goldmacher | June 2, 2013

Congress returns from a weeklong recess with inquiries into the Internal Revenue Service still atop its agenda, as three more hearings have been set and a lawsuit has been filed in federal court.

CBO Details Top 10 Most Expensive Tax Breaks

Nancy Cook | May 29, 2013

The biggest tax expenditures will cost the federal government roughly $900 billion in 2013 and close to $12 trillion over the next several years through 2023—about 5.4 percent of the gross domestic product.

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...

4 Cases the Supreme Court Must Still Decide

Matt Vasilogambros | May 28, 2013

With a little less than a month remaining in the current Supreme Court term, several major cases are still outstanding that could have widespread political impact.

How We Could Do More For Our Vets

Major Garrett | May 28, 2013

We need to go into debt to pay our debt to U.S. veterans to make sure they get the care and services we owe them.

The Curious Case of Rick Renzi

Billy House | May 28, 2013

With the long-awaited corruption trial in Arizona of former three-term Rep. Rick Renzi as the legal battleground, House Republican and Democratic leaders are accusing the Justice Department of seeking to undercut special constitutional protections afforded to federal lawmakers and their legislative acts.

Jersey Shore Reunion: What's in It for Obama and Christie?

Michael Catalini | May 28, 2013

The president and the GOP governor get together on the coast for a visit freighted with politics.

Inside the Cover: The Cabal That Quietly Took Over the House

National Journal Staff | May 24, 2013

In this week's National Journal cover story, Tim Alberta looks at the cabal that has taken over the House of Representatives. In this video, get inside the story with the author himself.

‘Obamacare’ Ads to Begin Airing in Mitch McConnell’s Home State

Chris Frates | May 23, 2013

As part of the multimillion-dollar implementation of "Obamacare," the health exchange where Kentucky residents can shop for insurance will launch a media campaign next month, and the state’s senior Republican is none too pleased about it.

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.

The IRS Was Built to Be Tone Deaf

Nancy Cook | May 23, 2013

Insularity and autonomy were once thought to be key ingredients for a nonpartisan tax-collecting agency.

Can You Still Win an Election If You’re Against Gay People?

Alex Roarty | May 23, 2013

A candidate for lieutenant governor in Virginia who might have done well a decade ago now faces an increasingly tolerant electorate.

Republican Blueprint for 2014? Scandal, Most of the Time

Alex Roarty | May 23, 2013

Republicans are downplaying the need to retool the party, anticipating Obama's second-term struggles.

The Romney-fication of Gabriel Gomez

Kevin Brennan | May 23, 2013

Gabriel Gomez often gets compared to Scott Brown, whose 2010 special election victory he hopes to duplicate. But Gomez's opponents are starting to link him to a different Bay State Republican: Mitt Romney. A story in Thursday's Boston Globe reported that six years worth of Gomez's tax returns revea...

House Immigration 'Gang' Struggles, GOP Hints at Republican Bill

Rebecca Kaplan and Chris Frates contributed | May 23, 2013

As the House group struggling to write a bipartisan immigration bill huddled in the Capitol, Republican leadership indicated its wait-and-see approach was over. They'll consider legislation, but it won't be the Senate bill, and no matter what the House gang does, the bill will run through a largely conservative Judiciary Committee.

How Reince Priebus Crossed the Line

Ron Fournier | May 23, 2013

By arguing Obama is part of "lawlessness," he's undermining the credibility of the opposition.

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.

State of Play: Where the IRS Case Stands After 3 Hearings

Shane Goldmacher | May 22, 2013

Three IRS hearings are in the books. Two senior IRS officials are on their way out. And one key witness has invoked the Fifth Amendment. Here are the story lines to follow next.

10 Times the Fifth Amendment Has Been Used Before Congress

Matt Vasilogambros | May 22, 2013

IRS official Lois Lerner is not the only one to invoke her rights before a congressional committee.

How, Exactly, Did Apple Shelter $44B From Being Taxed?

Niraj Chokshi | May 21, 2013

It's simple: Funnel your foreign profits through an umbrella company in a low-tax country.

Schauer Assembling Campaign Team in Preparation for Governor's Race

Alex Brown | May 21, 2013

Former Rep. Mark Schauer is getting his campaign team in place as he prepares to launch a gubernatorial bid in the coming weeks. A Michigan Democratic operative told Hotline Tuesday that Schauer will tap BJ Neidhardt to manage his campaign, reprising his role from Schau...

Oklahoma Tornado Fallout: Disaster Assistance, Weather Detection Spending Cut in Sequestration

Matt Vasilogambros | May 21, 2013

As disaster personnel and volunteers comb through the havoc left by the tornadoes that tore through Oklahoma on Sunday and Monday, they are going to rely on critical federal funding that was severely reduced by the massive cuts known as sequestration and which raises the possibility that Congress will have to cough up more money on future disasters.

How Much Does Debt-Limit Brinksmanship Cost? Last Time, More Than $1B

Niraj Chokshi | May 21, 2013

Here’s how the last debt-ceiling saga played out.

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.

Top White House Aides Informed of IRS Troubles, but Didn't Tell Obama

Shane Goldmacher | May 20, 2013

Top White House aides, including chief of staff Denis McDonough, were informed of the forthcoming report on the IRS' targeting of tea party group but decided not to inform President Obama in advance, White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday.

Is The White House Obscuring the Truth?

Josh Kraushaar | May 20, 2013

White House spokesman adds more confusion to the administration's response to IRS scandal, Benghazi response on Sunday shows.

More Scrutiny Ahead for the IRS

Nancy Cook | May 19, 2013

Think the Internal Revenue Service scandal will fade away in time for summer? That may be wishful thinking on the part of the White House and congressional Democrats, who are poised to endure another week of congressional hearings in both the House and Senate.

S&P Warns Congress of Risks of Political Brinkmanship on Debt

Stacy Kaper | May 19, 2013

The group's top analyst for the U.S. government's credit rating says making big fiscal decisions in a crisis setting raises chances of another downgrade.

House Republicans Say They Can Legislate and Investigate at the Same Time

Tim Alberta | May 19, 2013

House Republicans are pushing back against a prominent conservative group’s suggestion that congressional leaders should avoid scheduling potentially divisive votes which could shift the media spotlight away from the White House’s recent woes.

Dardenne Kicks Off Fundraising Tour

Sarah Mimms | May 17, 2013

Don't think it's a done deal that Sen. David Vitter will be Louisiana's next governor; he still has to get through Lieutenant Gov. Jay Dardenne. And Dardenne is making moves to show he's ready for a fight. Dardenne is crisscrossing the state raising money for a likely gubernatorial bid, according t...

How Republicans Will Try to Pin the IRS Scandal on Obama

Shane Goldmacher | May 17, 2013

They plan to connect the dots between the agency's chief counsel and the White House.

Tea Party Victims Detail Intimidation, Claim Vindication

Michael Catalini | May 17, 2013

The tax collector's actions confirm the worst fears of conservatives.

Why You Should Feel Sorry for the IRS

Nancy Cook | May 16, 2013

Employees there don’t just collect taxes. They also implement America’s social policy and regulate different kinds of groups—without the money, training, or staff to do so.

Congressional Republicans Are Milking the Scandals for Everything

Alex Roarty | May 16, 2013

GOP members in both chambers finally feel like they have something to hang around the president’s neck.

The GOP Energy Tent Is Slowly Getting Bigger

Coral Davenport | May 16, 2013

House members like Rep. Kevin McCarthy are still avid fossil-fuel proponents, but they’ve begun to advocate for renewables, too.

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.

Senate Confirms Energy Secretary, Stalls on EPA and Labor Nominees

Amy Harder | May 16, 2013

The Senate unanimously confirmed Obama’s choice for Energy but nominees for EPA administrator and Labor secretary are still on hold.

How the White House Scandals Could Hurt Republicans, Too

Ronald Brownstein | May 16, 2013

By enraging the base and strengthening the faction least willing to compromise with Obama, the IRS and Benghazi affairs could hurt a GOP shot at the presidency.

Scandals Tailor-Made For GOP Base

Reid Wilson | May 16, 2013

George W. Bush lost control of Congress when voters lost trust of his ability to manage government. Obama faces the same threat in 2014.

Next Stops for Farm Bill: Senate and House Floors

Jerry Hagstrom | May 15, 2013

The House Agriculture Committee prides itself on bipartisanship, but when the panel met Wednesday to consider a new farm bill, the deep cultural divides between its Republican majority and Democratic minority members were in full relief.

Holder Holds Up in House Judiciary Hearing, but More Attacks Coming

Billy House | May 15, 2013

The face-off between Attorney General Eric Holder and some Republican House members during Wednesday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing seemed more like the opening shots of a battle than any real showdown.

How Obama Could Start Fixing the IRS

Jill Lawrence | May 15, 2013

Step one, name a Republican—preferably a prominent one—to head the agency.

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.

With the IRS Scandal Ablaze, How Does that Special-Prosecutor Thing Work?

Matt Vasilogambros | May 15, 2013

While the Justice Department has started an investigation into whether the IRS broke any laws by signaling out conservative groups, administration critics will likely continue their call for a special prosecution to further investigate any criminal wrongdoing from top officials.

Are Health Care Costs Healing Themselves?

Niraj Chokshi | May 15, 2013

A mysterious shift in health spending patterns could have major implications for the fiscal policy debate—if only experts could figure out what’s behind it.

Democrats See the IRS Scandal as the Most Toxic

Shane Goldmacher | May 14, 2013

In triage mode, Congressional Democrats want to treat (and separate themselves from) the trio of this week's scandals one-by-one.

Senate Agriculture Committee Plows Forward on Farm Bill

Jerry Hagstrom | May 14, 2013

The Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday approved a five-year farm bill that reveals a new consensus on crop and nutrition policy, but it emerged over the objections of three Republican senators from the Plains—Pat Roberts of Kansas, Mike Johanns of Nebraska, and John Thune of South Dakota—who offered amendments on food stamps and commodities that a majority of the panel rejected.

Republican Immigration Critic Gets Slapped Down

Fawn Johnson | May 14, 2013

The most potent illustration that Republicans have shifted their attitudes on immigration came Tuesday morning when all GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee rejected an amendment from Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., to severely limit the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country.

Good News for Doctors and Budget Hawks

Catherine Hollander | May 14, 2013

The price tag for repealing a flawed Medicare doctors' pay formula will remain near a recent record low, according to a new estimate from the independent Congressional Budget Office released on Tuesday. It’s good news for the physicians and lawmakers who hope to see a permanent “doc fix” in 2013, and suggests the momentum behind achieving repeal is likely to continue this year.

Why Is It So Hard to Keep the IRS Out of Politics?

Garrett Epps - The Atlantic | May 14, 2013

Government officials need a refresher course in the First Amendment "anti-retaliation" principle.

How Can Conservatives Win Over Young Voters? Go For Their Guts.

Ben Terris | May 14, 2013

It's a lot easier to get young voters to care about government overreach if you're talking about food trucks.

IRS Scandal Throws Max Baucus New Challenges on Tax Reform

Stacy Kaper | May 13, 2013

The unfolding Internal Revenue Service scandal could complicate Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus’s No. 1 goal of enacting comprehensive tax reform before he retires at the end of this Congress.

5 Questions About That Obama IRS Mess

Nancy Cook | May 13, 2013

Here's what you need to know about the alleged targeting of conservative groups' tax status.

Obama's Outrage Focused on Republicans More Than IRS

George E. Condon Jr. | May 13, 2013

At press briefing with British Prime Minister David Cameron, Obama slams Benghazi investigation as partisan.

Benghazi, IRS Create Perfect Storm Threatening Obama's Credibility

Ron Fournier | May 13, 2013

What does it mean when a president's people can't get their stories straight?

Did David Plouffe Justify IRS Targeting Conservatives?

Ron Fournier | May 12, 2013

Obama adviser says he was addressing impact of 'dumb' actions, but tweet is likely to fan flames.

'Obamacare' Repeal: Will the 37th Time Be the Charm?

Billy House and Nancy Cook and Coral Davenport and Fawn Johnson and Sara Sorcher and and George E. Condon Jr. contributed | May 12, 2013

With tensions over fiscal issues building, and the three-month suspension of the nation’s debt limit set to expire Sunday, lawmakers this week will be rehashing on the House floor their messaging war over repealing President Obama’s three-year-old health care law.

Congress Poised to Move on Farm Bill

Jerry Hagstrom | May 12, 2013

The atmosphere on Capitol Hill for the farm bill suddenly seems to be full speed ahead.

Why the IRS Abruptly Apologized to the Tea Party

Connor Simpson - The Atlantic Wire | May 12, 2013

It came as a surprise when the Internal Revenue Service apologized, seemingly out of the blue, to a number of Tea Party groups for unfairly scrutinizing their tax exempt status on Friday. Now we know why the apology came when it did.

What Jay Carney Could Have Said About Benghazi and Those IRS Probes

George E. Condon Jr. | May 11, 2013

It is never a good week for a president when twice in seven days the political opposition is trying to liken your administration to that of Richard M. Nixon.

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.

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.

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.

Why Obama Can Ignore the House of Representatives

Shane Goldmacher | May 9, 2013

By courting senators and shaping public opinion, the president thinks he can pressure lower-chamber Republicans to accept bipartisan compromises.

Overhauling the Tax Code With 'Max and Dave'

Nancy Cook | May 9, 2013

Max Baucus and Dave Camp, Congress's top tax-writers, are taking their message to the Internet in hopes of building public support for their efforts.

Can Bipartisan Cooperation Save Us From Stalemate?

Ronald Brownstein | May 9, 2013

Polarization and the breakdown of the committee system have helped spawn the “Gang of Eight” and its cousins.

The Quiet Charm Offensive of Obama Chief of Staff Denis McDonough

Shane Goldmacher | May 9, 2013

For an administration that has had a hard time creating and maintaining relationships on Capitol Hill, President Obama's new chief of staff, Denis McDonough, has emerged as a bridge builder early in the administration’s second term.

Who Says Fiscal Policy Is Hurting the Economy? (Almost) Everyone.

Niraj Chokshi | May 9, 2013

OK, not everyone thinks that the recent spending cuts and tax hikes are slowing the recovery, but plenty of experts say current fiscal policy will slow growth in 2013—by anywhere from 0.3 percent to 2 percent.

The Myth of Presidential Leadership

Norm Ornstein | May 8, 2013

It is past time to abandon selective history and wishful thinking, and realize the inherent limits of presidential power.

The Myth of Presidential Leadership

Norm Ornstein | May 8, 2013

It is past time to abandon selective history and wishful thinking, and realize the inherent limits of presidential power.

The Budget Debate in 6 Simple Graphics

Niraj Chokshi | May 8, 2013

There are hundreds of ways to slice up the budget, but some of the simplest come from the Congressional Budget Office.

Immigration Law May Be Tough on the Poor

Fawn Johnson | May 7, 2013

Don’t expect Congress to dive too deeply into the politically unforgiving topic of how the United States treats poor people as it begins debating immigration legislation. But that question is always lurking beneath the surface.

Obama to Host Dinner for Top House Democrats

Shane Goldmacher | May 7, 2013

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A New Life For Chris Christie

Marc Ambinder | May 7, 2013

The political and psychological aftermath of weight-loss surgery -- the skinny from a journalist who's been there.

What if the Internet Sales Tax Doesn't Make it Through Congress?

Brian Fung | May 6, 2013

Legislation allowing states to collect sales taxes on purchases made over the Internet—approved by the Senate in a 69-27 vote Monday evening—faces an uncertain future in the House.

Heritage Foundation Warns of Steep Costs of Immigration Reform

Rebecca Kaplan | May 6, 2013

The Heritage Foundation released a study Monday saying that legalizing the current population of illegal immigrants could cost $6.3 trillion in entitlements and social programs in the long run. But the report came as no surprise, given that the conservative think tank issued a similar warning in 2007, and it’s unlikely to substantially change the fate of immigration reform in the Senate.

Why an Online-Sales Tax May Not Help Brick-and-Mortar Retailers After All

Niraj Chokshi | May 6, 2013

Taxes are all about changing behavior, and legislation establishing sales taxes for Internet commerce, which is expected to pass the Senate on Monday, is no different. But it’s not clear that the online-sales tax will achieve its goal.

Debt-Ceiling Fight May Flare This Week

Billy House and George E. Condon Jr. and Nancy Cook and Amy Harder and Fawn Johnson and Margot Sanger-Katz and and Sara Sorcher contributed | May 5, 2013

House Republicans will push action on a bill signaling no retreat from their demand for spending cuts as a condition to any ceiling hike.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | May 3, 2013

This week the Sunday shows are focusing on Syria and the continuing investigation on the Boston Marathon Bombing. The specter of immigration reform will also have a role in the programming. Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., who hasn't ruled out a bid against Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., in 2014, will be on Meet...

The Cajun Comeback

Adam B. Kushner | May 2, 2013

Eight years after Katrina, New Orleans is finding new ways to address old problems. Scenes from a turnaround.

The GOP’s ‘Obamacare’ Ploy

Margot Sanger-Katz | May 2, 2013

One House Republican is willing to sacrifice an insurance program conservatives love—for the sake of a political sound bite.

Poll: What Are the Chances Congress Will Pass a Major Tax-Reform Bill?

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | May 2, 2013

A majority of Insiders say prospects are poor.

Tea Party Hopes for a Peachy 2014 in Georgia

Shane Goldmacher | May 2, 2013

Three open House races and an open Senate seat make Georgia one of the nation’s best opportunities.

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.

Lobbyists: Max Baucus' Retirement Isn't a Game Changer for Tax Reform

Chris Frates | May 1, 2013

“I don’t think the landscape has changed because of Baucus’s announcement. He’s got 18 months to get it done, and he had 18 months to get it done before.”

Why Isn't Boehner a Target in Congressional Elections?

Billy House | May 1, 2013

Democrats haven't gotten around to demonizing the House speaker the way Republicans have with Nancy Pelosi.

The 'Obamacare' Rollout's 'Glitches and Bumps' Won't Doom Health Reform

Margot Sanger-Katz | April 30, 2013

Medicare Part D had them, too.

With Amash and Rogers Mulling Senate Race, a Look at GOP's Potential House Hopefuls

Alex Brown | April 29, 2013

While Rep. Gary Peters seems to have a clear path to the Democratic nomination, we still don't whether the GOP's Senate nominee in Michigan will be Rep. Justin Amash, Rep. Mike Rogers or someone else entirely. That doesn't mean it's too early to look at the possible House candidates should Rogers or...

Black Voters Are Key to a Colbert Busch Win in South Carolina

Beth Reinhard | April 28, 2013

The Democrat is airing a radio ad accusing Mark Sanford of voter suppression.

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.

Treasury Department's Chief Economist Bids Farewell

Catherine Hollander | April 26, 2013

A Q&A with the Treasuary Department's cheif economist on her last day on the job.

Two Completely Different Ways to Deal With the Upward-Mobility Crisis

Ronald Brownstein | April 25, 2013

Top economists from the Clinton and Bush administrations debate how to revive the economy to keep people from getting stuck.

Five Cool Innovations to Lift Workers Into the Middle Class

Sophie Quinton | April 25, 2013

From rent-subsidized apartments for single moms to an online medical clinic that saves $88 per diagnosis, American ingenuity works.

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.

In the Aftermath of Gun-Bill Loss in Senate, Liberals Put Incumbent Democrats on Notice

Alex Roarty | April 25, 2013

After last week’s failed gun-control vote in the Senate, in which a handful of moderate Democrats defected from their party, a coalition of progressive groups is warning those at-risk incumbents to start avoiding votes that make them look too conservative.

Get Ready for Political Pursuit!

Sarah Mimms | April 25, 2013

We at the Hotline are preparing to head over to the Newseum for our fifth annual Political Pursuit trivia night. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., fifteen of the District's top political minds will battle it out for glory, bragging rights and the highly coveted Genius Trophy. The teams are: Members Only: Rep...

What an Internet Sales Tax Could Mean for Your Bitcoin Stash

Brian Fung | April 25, 2013

How will states collect taxes on bitcoin transactions if they're anonymous and untraceable?

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...

Being In the Middle Class Means Worrying About Falling Behind

Ronald Brownstein | April 25, 2013

After years of economic turmoil, most families now believe the most valuable—and elusive—possession in American life is economic security.

What Will Max Baucus Do With His New Political Freedom?

Nancy Cook and Stacy Kaper and Chris Frates and Rebecca Kaplan contributed | April 23, 2013

The Montana senator's retirement could affect legislation on guns, taxes, immigration, and the debt ceiling. If only he'll agree with his fellow Democrats.

Conservatives Come Out for Renewable-Energy Projects

Amy Harder | April 23, 2013

Defying conventional wisdom in the era of Solyndra, conservatives in Washington are coming out to back renewable energy.

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.

Obama’s Pick for Energy Secretary Blocked Over Cuts at S.C. Nuclear-Waste Plant

Amy Harder | April 23, 2013

In his recent confirmation hearing, Ernest Moniz told senators that one of his very first trips as Energy secretary would be to Hanford, the troublesome nuclear-waste site in Washington state. But Moniz might be wise to detour down to South Carolina on his way in light of a move Tuesday by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to block his confirmation.

Reid Set to Push for Conference on Budget

Stacy Kaper | April 23, 2013

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, is expected to ask the Senate for consent to move to a conference on the budget, according to a Democratic aide.

Get Ready To Be Taxed on Internet Purchases

Nancy Cook | April 22, 2013

The Senate is scheduled to debate the Internet sales-tax legislation this week. The bill is expected to pass.

Hydropower Bills Enjoy Bipartisan Support in Congress

Amy Harder | April 22, 2013

With a pair of bills on hydropower, lawmakers are reviving two pieces of conventional wisdom long forgotten in gridlocked Washington: Energy issues tend to be more geographical than ideological, and Republicans can (and do) support renewable energy.

Bob Corker Charts Leadership Course

Stacy Kaper | April 22, 2013

Sen. Bob Corker's independent voice on high-profile issues and scholarly devotion to studying policies he is interested in have made GOP leaders take notice of him and want to keep the Tennessee Republican close at hand — both to capitalize on his expertise and to watch his moves.

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.

No, Oncologists Are Not Going Broke

Margot Sanger-Katz | April 18, 2013

Cancer doctors say the sequester forces them to turn away dying patients. Nonsense.

Why John McCain Is Barack Obama’s New Best Friend

Jill Lawrence | April 18, 2013

The two have their eyes on history as they transcend years of friction. The upshot could be good for the country.

Routes to a Budget Deal Appear Stalled

Nancy Cook | April 18, 2013

The two routes to an agreement—regular order or schmoozing—do not seem to be working, despite Washington's deep dive into fiscal issues.

Mike Bloomquist, Majority General Counsel

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

Lobbying may earn more money, but Mike Bloomquist is drawn to other things Capitol Hill has to offer. And as general counsel to the Energy and Commerce Committee—which has jurisdiction over everything from health and energy policy to amusement-park safety—there’s a lot.

Karen Nelson, Deputy Minority Staff Director on Health, Full Committee

Margot Sanger-Katz | April 17, 2013

For more than 30 years, Karen Nelson has been the Democrats’ go-to health aide on Rep. Henry Waxman’s staff.

Manufacturers Focus on Reforming Tax Code and Reducing Barriers to Trade

Catherine Hollander | April 17, 2013

Manufacturers are, naturally, the biggest stakeholders in the committee’s discussion of improving the manufacturing sector.

Health Care Interests Have Much to Monitor

Margot Sanger-Katz | April 17, 2013

Because entitlement reform could touch nearly every medical lobby, all will keep eyes and ears on the Energy and Commerce Committee’s doings.

A Polarized Committee Reflects a Gridlocked Congress

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

Shortly after Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., won the chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in December 2010, he invited all the former committee chairmen and their wives to dinner at Carmine’s in downtown Washington.

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.

Time Looks Right for Permanent ‘Doc Fix’

Margot Sanger-Katz | April 17, 2013

Since 1997, when Congress passed legislation with the dreaded “sustainable growth rate” formula, the problem of how to compensate doctors who treat Medicare patients has been a perennial issue before the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Congress as a whole.

How Can Congress Help Manufacturers?

Catherine Hollander | April 17, 2013

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade kicked off 2013 with a focus on its middle name. It’s fitting. After all, Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who chairs the committee, changed the subcommittee name when he took over in 2011 to include an explicit reference to manufacturing.

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.

The ‘Liberal Bulldog’ Takes on His Biggest Challenge

Coral Davenport | April 16, 2013

Rep. Henry Waxman, the California liberal who has spent decades battling the tobacco, coal, and pharmaceutical industries, is taking on what appears to be the most insurmountable challenge of his long career.

Experts Skeptical Homegrown Terrorists Were Behind Boston Bombings

Matt Vasilogambros | April 16, 2013

While officials are still investigating who was behind the deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon, President Obama made it clear on Tuesday that authorities are still unclear whether domestic or foreign actors are responsible for the attack.

Play of the Day: Tax Day

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | April 16, 2013

Fast forward to 3:10 to see exactly the programs your tax dollars are funding.

‘Chained CPI’ Could Hit Middle-Class Retirees Hardest

Nancy Cook | April 15, 2013

Which programs are exempt from chained CPI? And do proposed protections go far enough to protect low-income people?

The Income Tax Form Turns 100

Niraj Chokshi | April 15, 2013

One hundred years ago, Congress was granted the authority to tax income. Here's the 1040 tax form from that year.

Why a Messed Up Immigration Bill Could Still Pass

Fawn Johnson | April 14, 2013

Only one thing really matters in the immigration bill that a bipartisan group of eight senators will unveil this week—11 million immigrants living in the United States without papers who fear deportation every day. Give them a break, and the rest will sort itself out.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | April 12, 2013

A deal on gun control, President Obama's budget proposal and the Senate's Gang of Eight pending immigration proposal are at the top of the Sunday show agenda. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is hitting the airwaves with a "Full Ginsburg," including Univision's Al Punto. Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa. and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., will appear on State of the Union and Face the Nation talking about their bipartisan gun control deal. Check out the full listings after the jump.

The O'Malley Factor

Ronald Brownstein | April 11, 2013

Can Gov. Martin O'Malley ride his Maryland success to the White House?

It's Easy to Fix Social Security

Nancy Cook | April 11, 2013

Unlike Medicare and Medicaid, it's simple arithmetic. If only the politics added up.

Obama's Mixed Message on Austerity

Michael Hirsh | April 11, 2013

His Treasury secretary lectures Europe on the perils of thriftiness while his own budget agenda is driven by cuts.

Poll: Is It Politically Advantageous for Obama to Cut Medicare and Social Security?

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | April 11, 2013

Insiders from both parties say it is, though more Democrats are skeptical.

Obama's Budget Garners Anger From All Sides

Nancy Cook | April 11, 2013

Roughly 24 hours after the White House released its budget, liberal Democrats were furious about its so-called chained CPI provision, which would change the cost-of-living calculation for federal benefits like Social Security. Meanwhile, Republicans were criticizing President Obama's fiscal 2014 blueprint for not going far enough on its tweaks to Medicare and other cuts.

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.

Changing Sides on Medicare and Social Security Is a Time-Honored Tactic

Jill Lawrence | April 11, 2013

That's especially true for Republicans, and for Greg Walden in particular.

Club for Growth Urges Primary of NRCC Chair

Alex Brown | April 11, 2013

Club For Growth added a big target to its primary challenge list Thursday: National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden of Oregon. Walden "has a long record of supporting increases in government spending and opposing fiscally conservative proposals," the group wrote on its websi...

The Upside of Obama's Tobacco Tax Hike

Niraj Chokshi | April 11, 2013

Obama's proposed tobacco tax hike could do even more good than his budget gives it credit for. Here’s how.

Progressives Fight Obama on Entitlements with Eye on 2014

Rebecca Kaplan | April 10, 2013

For progressive Democrats in Congress, a fight with President Obama over the inclusion of cuts to Social Security in his budget proposal may be just a warm-up for the real looming battle: the 2014 midterms.

Food Stamps Are Key Component to Getting Farm Bill Passed

Jerry Hagstrom | April 10, 2013

Senate Agriculture Committee ranking member Thad Cochran, R-Miss., defended federal nutrition programs Tuesday to a group of agricultural journalists, and in the process demonstrated why dealing with food stamps may be harder this year than in 2012 when it comes to writing a farm bill.

Hutchinson Officially Begins Ark. Governor Campaign

Jordain Carney | April 10, 2013

Former Rep. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., announced Wednesday that he has raised more than $350,000 for his nascent gubernatorial campaign. "In January I publicly stated that I would be a candidate for Governor in 2014. Today, I make that candidacy official and will formally begin the campaign with activ...

Is the GOP Preparing to Attack Dems on Social Security?

Alex Roarty | April 10, 2013

Are Republicans preparing to cudgel Democrats with, of all things, Social Security? That was the explicit impression left by Greg Walden, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, during a Wednesday interview on CNN. The Oregon congressman said President Obama's budget – which...

The Hottest Book Drop in Town: Behind the Scenes at Today's Budget Release

Brian Resnick | April 10, 2013

Here's one intern right of passage: Collect 90-lbs of fiscal outlines for the bosses.

Why Rand Paul Was Right to Reach Out to Black Voters

Josh Kraushaar | April 10, 2013

It's political malpractice for the GOP to ignore the constituency that is critical to its long-term success.

7 Things to Know About Obama's Budget

Matthew Cooper | April 10, 2013

You’ll see a lot about the aggregate budget size of $3.8 trillion. But here are the things that are really worth knowing.

The Real Budget Action Won't Come Until Tonight's Dinner With the GOP

Nancy Cook | April 10, 2013

Contrary to popular belief, the real budget action on Wednesday won’t begin until the early evening, when 12 Republican senators are scheduled to arrive at the White House for a private dinner with the president.

It's Debt-Ceiling Madness Again. Why You Should Stay Calm (Sort Of)

Catherine Hollander | April 10, 2013

Fighting over the debt ceiling? Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

Beware Obama's Budget Predictions: Many Forecasts Are Wrong

Niraj Chokshi | April 10, 2013

CBO forecasts are bound by current law, not future policies, while White House forecasts reflect a president's hopes. Both have been wildly amiss.

Is Obama’s Budget Gamble Thawing the GOP?

Stacy Kaper | April 9, 2013

President Obama’s decision to include in his budget proposal cuts to Social Security and Medicare—two entitlement programs central to the Democratic base—has set off a fierce debate in Washington about whether the White House strategy will prove to be shrewd or a giant mistake.

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?

Sen. Murray Keeps Hanford Nuclear Site Safe From Budget Cuts

Amy Harder | April 8, 2013

She may not attend Tuesday’s confirmation hearing for Ernest Moniz, President Obama’s nominee for Energy secretary, but you can bet Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., will make sure the department has all the money it needs to keep the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in her home state running safely.

GOP Health Experts Agree: Don't Count on 'Obamacare' to Fail

Jill Lawrence | April 8, 2013

Is the Obama administration totally bungling implementation of its signature universal health care law? The White House gets some surprising backup from top health officials from two GOP administrations.

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.

Agenda Is Stacked for Return of Congress; Obama Will Pile on More With His Budget

Billy House and George E. Condon Jr. and Nancy Cook and Coral Davenport and Fawn Johnson and Margot Sanger-Katz and and Sara Sorcher contributed | April 7, 2013

The prospects for renewed talks on a long-term deficit-reduction deal reach a pivotal point this week with the release Wednesday of President Obama’s budget plan, which offers cuts to Social Security and Medicare in the hope of softening Republican opposition to tax hikes.

NJ Topics Budget