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Top Oversight Democrat: Forcing Lois Lerner Back to the Hill 'a Partisan Exercise in Futility'

Shane Goldmacher | May 23, 2013

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said Thursday he doubts the usefulness of forcing IRS official Lois Lerner back to Capitol Hill “just to have another standoff."

Bipartisanship on Water Projects in Senate Spurred by Freedom to Fish Act

Amy Harder | May 19, 2013

The senior energy aide to Mitch McConnell, the Senate Republican leader from the coal state of Kentucky, was praised last week by one of the Senate’s top environmentalists, Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. The compliment seems unusual amid the hyper-partisanship that’s now the norm in Washington, but when put into context it makes sense.

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.

Democrats in Triage Mode on White House Scandals

Shane Goldmacher | May 14, 2013

Congressional Democrats – knowing the fate of a progressive agenda and their own priorities lie with the continued political strength of the White House – hope to treat the emerging scandals independently.

Senate Faces Test on Small-Ball Energy Bills

Amy Harder | May 7, 2013

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., will soon have at his feet a small handful of bipartisan energy bills primed for passage, but whether he overcomes the politics that have felled similar efforts in past years is a lingering question.

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.

What the Energy Panel Would Look Like Under Chairwoman Landrieu

Amy Harder | April 29, 2013

If Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., takes over the gavel of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee next Congress, she is in a prime spot to lead on an issue that’s critically important to her state.

What You Need to Know About Obama Transportation Pick Anthony Foxx

Matt Vasilogambros | April 29, 2013

The White House made a smart political move choosing the young up-and-coming political star from North Carolina.

Landrieu Primed to Lead Energy Panel – If She Wins Reelection

Amy Harder | April 28, 2013

A domino effect prompted by Max Baucus’s coming retirement leaves her poised to chair what is arguably the most important committee to energy-rich Louisiana.

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.

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.

‘Independent’ in Name Only

Shane Goldmacher and Scott Bland contributed | April 18, 2013

He promised to chart his own course, but a National Journal vote analysis shows that Sen. Angus King of Maine aligns with Democrats.

Reid Appoints Besieged Regulator to Nuclear-Weapons Panel

Amy Harder | April 18, 2013

Late in the evening on Wednesday, one of the busiest and most unnerving times Washington has seen in a long while, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid quietly appointed Gregory Jaczko, a controversial former nuclear-energy regulator to a key but obscure panel.

David McCarthy, Majority Chief Counsel, Environment and Economy Subcommittee

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

David McCarthy is chief counsel for the majority on the Energy and Commerce Environment and Economy Subcommittee.

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.

Democrats Search for Next Move After Major Gun Defeat

Shane Goldmacher | April 17, 2013

After the Senate dealt a blow to one of President Obama’s top second-term priorities, voting down a bipartisan measure to expand background checks on gun purchases, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pledged that, “This was just the beginning.”

Senate Sets Wednesday Gun Vote

Shane Goldmacher | April 16, 2013

The Senate showdown on new gun-control legislation is officially set for Wednesday afternoon.

House Energy Committee’s Redux Agenda

Amy Harder | April 15, 2013

It’s a new Congress, but it’s hard to tell by looking at the agenda of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

North Korea: The Family Business Is Failing

Michael Hirsh | April 12, 2013

Kim Jong Un is a third-generation heir to a business his grandpa started. Like most heirs, he may be driving the firm into the ground.

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.

New Era for Energy Department Expected Under a Secretary Moniz

Coral Davenport | April 8, 2013

With stimulus funding for clean energy at an end, climate-change policy dead in Congress, and harsh budget cuts looming over all agencies thanks to the sequestration, the days of President Obama’s vision of the Energy Department as a green juggernaut have probably come to an end.

Sen. Wyden to Grill Obama's Energy Nominee on Nuclear-Waste Site

Amy Harder | April 7, 2013

On Tuesday, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Ernest Moniz, President Obama’s nominee for Energy secretary, are going to square off like it’s 1998.

U.S. Renewable Energy Production Now Tops Nuclear Power

Todd Woody and Quartz | April 1, 2013

How's the U.S. energy landscape looking?

The FCC Race to Replace Obama's Top Tech Wonk Just Got a Lot More Interesting

Brian Fung | March 27, 2013

The odds of President Obama nominating a woman to head a top federal agency just got much better. Dozens of Senate Democrats have jointly sent a letter to the White House recommending that he name the FCC's Jessica Rosenworcel to succeed outgoing Chairman Julius Genachowski.

Five Easy Pieces of Energy Legislation

Coral Davenport | March 25, 2013

There are hopeful signs that years of gridlock could be replaced by action on some small-scale bills.

Are the 1% Driving the Economic Debate?

Niraj Chokshi | March 25, 2013

The very rich may be partially responsible for the current deficit debate in Washington, according to academics who have researched the policy views of the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans.

How Democrats Could Finally Win the 'Obamacare' Debate

Jill Lawrence | March 23, 2013

Republicans are enjoying the health law's birthday week. But there's a lot Democrats could say if they got in the game.

What Is a Vote-A-Rama?

David Graham - The Atlantic | March 22, 2013

The old, weird Senate procedure that Harry Reid will use to pass the continuing resolution to fund the government.

Early Reviews of Obama’s Outreach Are Positive

Billy House and George E. Condon Jr. | March 12, 2013

Whether President Obama’s get-together on Tuesday with Senate Democrats and other planned Capitol Hill visits with Republicans and Democrats reflect a genuine determination to listen, engage, and promote compromise—or whether they are mere theater—the early reviews seem positive.

Poll: Markey Holds Big Lead in Mass. Senate Primary

Kevin Brennan | March 7, 2013

For the second time in a week, a new poll shows Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., holding a significant lead over fellow Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch in the race to succeed Secretary of State John Kerry in the Senate. A UMass Lowell-Boston Herald poll shows Markey ahead 50 percent to 21 percent among p...

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.

Will Rand Paul Break the Filibuster Record?

Brian Resnick | March 6, 2013

The Kentucky Senator wonders "are you just going to drop a hellfire missile on Jane Fonda?" as he questions the Administration's ethics on drone issues.

The Sequester is Here. Now What?

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | March 4, 2013

Fast forward to 3:40 to see Fallon go blow-by-blow on the conflict.

Who Is Ernest Moniz, Obama's Choice for Energy Secretary?

Niraj Chokshi | March 4, 2013

President Obama on Monday nominated MIT professor Ernest Moniz to become the next Energy secretary, succeeding Steven Chu. Here's what you need to know about him.

Fearing Blame Will Shift to Obama, Democrats Oppose Flexibility in Sequester Cuts

Amy Harder and Shane Goldmacher and Stacy Kaper | February 26, 2013

Top lawmakers spent Tuesday searching for leverage points in the coming public-relations war over the automatic spending cuts that almost everyone agrees will now occur even though they were never designed to go into effect.

Snow Could Affect Tuesday's Ill. House Primary

Steven Shepard | February 25, 2013

Snow is in the forecast for Tuesday's Democratic primary in Illinois' Second Congressional District, raising the possibility that lower turnout could affect the results of the race. The National Weather Service office in Romeoville, Ill., has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Chicagoland area on...

Nuclear Waste in the Age of Climate Change

Coral Davenport | February 21, 2013

Concerns about global warming are giving a boost nuclear power. And that's bringing new focus—and a possible solution—to the problem of radioactive waste.

How Will Senate GOP Lead as Boehner Takes a Back Seat? Exploit the Process

Chris Frates | February 20, 2013

When Senate Republicans gathered at the Library of Congress earlier this month to plot strategy, they were joined by a special guest, John Boehner.

Who's In and Who's Out in Obama's Cabinet

Catherine Hollander | February 15, 2013

President Obama has chosen many of the candidates for his second-term Cabinet, but he still has eight positions left to fill. Here's a look at which positions are open, the leading contenders to fill them, and the Cabinet choices he has already made.

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.

Why Japan Can't Quit Nuclear Power

Olga Belogolova | February 14, 2013

Since the Fukushima meltdown, the country has tried to reduce its reliance on nuclear reactors. But with nearly a third of its energy needs powered by the atom, change is difficult.

Reid: Hagel Vote to be Held Friday

Shane Goldmacher | February 14, 2013

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will go ahead on a confirmation vote for defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel on Friday morning, accusing Republicans of playing politics while the nation is at war.

Democrats Push for Hagel Vote

February 14, 2013

CongressWhite HouseNational SecurityPoliticsEnergyEconomy & BudgetHealth Care TOP FIVE FACING GOP OPPOSITION, DEMOCRATS PUSH FOR HAGEL VOTE. After Republican senators pushed back against even allowing Defense secretary-designate Chuck Hagel’s Senate confirmation to reach a vote, Senate Maj...

Why It's a Good Sign for Jack Lew That His Hearing Was So Bland

Niraj Chokshi | February 13, 2013

Jack Lew could hardly have asked for a better confirmation hearing: It was bland, civil, and almost forgettable. Even the activists in attendance didn’t interrupt the proceeding.

Chuck Hagel's Confirmation as Pentagon Chief Could Be in Doubt

Stacy Kaper | February 12, 2013

Growing unease about Chuck Hagel as Pentagon chief could lead Republicans to force the nomination to clear a 60-vote threshold on the Senate floor, lawmakers said Tuesday.

Easy Ride Expected for Jack Lew at Confirmation Hearing

Niraj Chokshi | February 11, 2013

Jacob Lew is nothing if not prepared.

Scenes From John Brennan's Confirmation Hearing

Chet Susslin | February 7, 2013

Obama and Democrats Kiss and Make Up

Michael Catalini | February 7, 2013

A president criticized for not showing his party enough love is now hitting the fundraising circuit.

In Massachusetts, All Eyes on Tagg Romney

Elahe Izadi | February 4, 2013

Republicans are scrambling to find a viable candidate to run in the Senate special election.

Five Energy/Environment Hill Staffers to Watch

Amy Harder | February 3, 2013

Congress is unlikely to tackle any major energy and environment legislation through regular order. So if any sliver of policy does get through either or both chambers, it will be thanks to the small cadre of energy and environment aides in congressional leadership offices. Here’s who you need to know.

Frustrated Aides Leaving Capitol Hill

Amy Harder | January 24, 2013

Fed up with gridlock, legislative staffers who specialize in energy and environment are fleeing.

Filibuster Deal Leaves It Fundamentally Intact

Shane Goldmacher | January 24, 2013

Senate leaders have reached a deal that will impose new limits on the filibuster to ease the path for majority Democrats to begin floor debate on legislation while maintaining the minority Republicans’ ultimate veto power over final passage.

Cruz to Oppose Boehner’s Debt-Limit Fix

Amy Harder | January 24, 2013

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, will not vote for the House-passed debt-ceiling bill because it does not include spending cuts, his office said on Wednesday.

Who Is Mary Jo White, Obama's Choice for Top Wall Street Cop?

Niraj Chokshi | January 24, 2013

The president nominates an outsider with an insider past to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission.

7 Pressing Foreign Policy Challenges for Obama’s 2nd Term

Caren Bohan and Matt Vasilogambros | January 21, 2013

Now that President Obama's inaugural festivities are over, he will turn his attention to tackling gun control, immigration, climate change and a series of looming budget confrontations with Republicans. Obama and his aides hope that the winding down of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will help him maintain a focus on domestic priorities.

The Education of Steven Chu

Coral Davenport | January 17, 2013

The Nobel physicist was brought in to transform the energy economy, but faced political battles.

The Next Treasury Secretary Doesn’t Trust Wall Street With His Own Money

Tim Fernholz and Quartz | January 16, 2013

Jacob Lew, the White House chief of staff whom President Obama nominated to replace Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary, is considered a change of pace for the department: He is known as a budget wonk and political fixer, not a financial-marketsr.

What Obama's Chief of Staff Pick Will Say About His Management Style

Caren Bohan | January 15, 2013

Denis McDonough, who has the inside track to succeed Jacob Lew as White House chief of staff, has years of experience on Capitol Hill and is part of an inner circle of trusted aides who have worked with President Obama since his 2008 campaign.

Thankless Job Awaits Jack Lew If He Heads to Treasury

Nancy Cook and Caren Bohan contributed | January 4, 2013

President Obama is likely to nominate Geithner's replacement as early as next week and never has the top Treasury job seemed so thankless.

Parties and Cliques: The First Day of Congress Is Like the First Day of College

Ben Terris | January 3, 2013

Family members roam the hallways, everybody is lost, and nobody is really sick of being here yet.

DesJarlais Gets First Official Primary Opponent

Julie Sobel | January 2, 2013

Embattled Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., has his first official primary opponent. State Sen. Jim Tracy, who in 2010 very narrowly lost an open-seat primary to now-Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., launched his campaign, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports, saying that DesJarlais “has betrayed and...

McConnell, the Master Tactician, Emerges as Closer in Cliff Deal

Elahe Izadi | January 1, 2013

Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate Minority Leader, has once again reprised his role as a behind-the-scenes power broker who can step in and save the day when Washington descends into partisan chaos.

How to Delay a National Default in 3 Steps

Niraj Chokshi | December 28, 2012

So how does a country that can’t borrow anymore stave off default? Mostly, it needs to just stop investing in things.

Obama Asks Congress for Pared-Down Bill

National Journal Staff | December 21, 2012

President Obama on Friday asked Congress to pass a bare-bones bill that would stop tax rates from rising on income of $250,000 or less while also extending unemployment insurance and laying the groundwork for deficit reduction discussions in 2013.

Daley Considering Run for Governor in Illinois

Julie Sobel | December 21, 2012

Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley told reporters he is "seriously" considering mounting a bid for governor in 2014, setting up a potential primary challenge to Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn. Daley spoke to reporters after making a speech at the City Club of Chicago, and contrasted his seriou...

'Lincoln' Cast and Crew Visit Capitol For Special Screening

Elahe Izadi | December 19, 2012

This fiscal cliff chatter sure is getting tiresome. So senators likely welcomed a bipartisan break to enjoy a screening of Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” in the Capitol Visitor Center tonight.

Senator Daniel Inouye, 'One of the Giants of the Senate,' Leaves Long Legacy

Billy House and Elahe Izadi and Michael Catalini | December 17, 2012

Sen. Daniel Inouye, the Senate Appropriations chairman whose panoramic and compelling life story brought him from World War II hero to third in line in succession to the presidency, died on Monday.

Should Congress Support Wind Tax Credit?

Sen. Lamar Alexander and R-Tenn. | December 17, 2012

[Editor's note: Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., is guest-moderating and providing the question this week. Alexander is a member of the committees on Appropriations and Environment and Public Works.] Should Congress extend wind power's federal tax credit for six years at a cost of about $50 billion...

Almost 2 Years Later: Japan's Slow Rebound From Fukushima

Olga Belogolova | November 16, 2012

Final Chapter Written in Yearlong NRC Saga

Olga Belogolova | June 29, 2012

The Senate voted by unanimous consent on Friday to confirm a new chairwoman for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and to approve a second term for another NRC commissioner, ending a year of drama at the once-obscure federal agency.

GOP Pressure Led to Deal That Remade NRC

Olga Belogolova | June 27, 2012

On April 17, seven Senate Republican staffers sat in a room in the Capitol with Kristine Svinicki, a GOP member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission whose term was set to expire at the end of June. The aides had one question for Svinicki: Do you want us to fight for your job? Her answer was a firm yes.

Outgoing NRC Chairman Jaczko Criticized for 'Bullying' in Inspector General Report

Olga Belogolova | June 26, 2012

The Office of the Inspector General at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission found “more than 15 examples” of outgoing NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko using “intimidating and bullying tactics” in order to push his own objectives at the regulatory agency that oversees the nation’s 104 nuclear plants.

Academic in Line For NRC Post Under Scrutiny

Olga Belogolova | June 3, 2012

Allison Macfarlane, the college professor tapped to lead the federal agency that oversees the nation’s nuclear power industry, is seen by most observers and colleagues as an intelligent and amiable choice, but many are unsure if she is ready to take the helm of a ship that has been listing for months.

White House Expected to Seek Fresh Face to Head NRC

Olga Belogolova | May 21, 2012

Democrats want to end the long-running drama that has been playing out at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission under the leadership of Chairman Gregory Jaczko, a former aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. That means President Obama is likely to look for someone from outside the commission to replace Jaczko, who announced on Monday that he will step aside as soon as a successor is confirmed.

Some Saw NRC Chairman's Exit Coming

Olga Belogolova and Dan Friedman contributed | May 21, 2012

Waking up to the news on Monday morning that Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Gregory Jaczko would be stepping down from his post was not exactly a surprise for many lawmakers and those plugged into the NRC's ongoing saga.

Eastern Market

Olga Belogolova | May 10, 2012

The country's decision to walk away from nuclear power has it scrambling for natural gas, giving the U.S. a chance to be a large-scale exporter.

NRC Chairman Jaczko Goes on Offense

Olga Belogolova | April 20, 2012

The embattled chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Gregory Jaczko, went before reporters on Friday to deny allegations that he has created a hostile work environment—especially for women—that has undermined oversight of the nation’s nuclear-power industry.

Reid on the Ropes With NRC Nominee

Olga Belogolova and Dan Friedman contributed | April 19, 2012

At odds with the president, senators in his own party, and Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., is backpedaling on his strong opposition to granting a new four-year term to Republican Kristine Svinicki on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

NRC on Hot Seat a Year After Japan Disaster

Olga Belogolova | March 11, 2012

While it may be easy to dismiss last year’s nuclear accident in Japan as an unpredictable act of God or even the result of irresponsible actors on the other side of the globe, the calamity raises the question, are U.S. nuclear plant operators and their regulators taking all possible threats seriously?

Nuclear Industry Hails Approval of First New U.S. Plant in 34 Years

Olga Belogolova | February 9, 2012

A decades-long freeze on construction of new nuclear reactors in the United States thawed suddenly on Thursday, when the Nuclear Regulatory Commission voted 4-1 to approve a license for two new reactors at Southern Company’s Vogtle plant in Georgia.

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