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The U.S. Wants to Inspect Your Catfish, Twice

Niraj Chokshi | 9:34 a.m.

The farm bill has a reputation, and it’s not a good one.

$hydraulic fracturing$

Proposed 'Fracking' Rules Anger Environmentalists, Annoy Industry

Coral Davenport | May 16, 2013

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

Natural-Gas Exports Loom Large Over Washington

Amy Harder | May 14, 2013

COVE POINT, Md.–Along the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, a little more than an hour south of the U.S. Capitol, sits a facility whose golden days of importing natural gas are gone. Back in 2004 and 2005, when fuel prices were high, ships hauling natural gas from overseas docked here two or three times a week.

What Moscow's Arrest Says About U.S.-Russia Relationship

James Kitfield | May 14, 2013

As the U.S. and Russia go through the motions of expelling each other’s “diplomats” in the coming days, it’s likely they will only be pawns in a much bigger game.

How Many House Committees Are Currently Probing the Obama Administration?

Chris Frates | May 14, 2013

A look at which House committees have inquiries into Obama Administration issues

H-1B Visas to Have Their Day in Committee

Fawn Johnson | May 13, 2013

The tech community will have its first chance Tuesday to weigh in, carefully, on major immigration legislation being debated in the Senate. The influential lobbying force that has for years scrambled for access to highly skilled foreign workers must now carry out a rough balancing act: making sure lawmakers know that the bill, as written, does not work for it, but that it doesn’t want to kill the process, either.

How Much Big Insurance Paid a Small-Business Group to Fight a Premium Tax

Chris Frates | May 13, 2013

The nation’s leading health insurance industry group gave $850,000 to a top small-business trade association as part of a campaign to repeal a key provision of President Obama’s health care law, National Journal Daily has learned.

5 Staffers to Watch Among House Freshmen

Amy Harder | May 12, 2013

Running an office of a freshman member of Congress is never easy, but certain lawmakers and their top aides have especially unique challenges. Meet the chiefs of staffs of five House members whose election to Congress is somehow notable or newsworthy.

New Fracking Rules Have Environmental Groups Worried

Coral Davenport | May 12, 2013

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

How 3D-Printed Guns Violate International Arms Controls (or Maybe Not)

Brian Fung | May 10, 2013

The State Department has ordered the world’s first manufacturer of the 3D-printed gun to take down his blueprints from the Internet.

Why Mexico Will Always Play Second Fiddle

George E. Condon Jr. | May 9, 2013

Like all presidents, Barack Obama says he wants a better relationship with his neighbors to the south. Then events get in the way.

Immigration Will Be Hot Topic During President Obama's Trip to Mexico

George E. Condon Jr. | May 2, 2013

President heads south of the border on Thursday.

What You Need to Know About Obama's Trade Pick Mike Froman

Matt Vasilogambros | May 1, 2013

President Obama nominated one of his top national security advisers, Mike Froman, as the next U.S. trade representative on Thursday. Froman would replace Ron Kirk, who stepped down last month.

Bloss-Baum Pushes for Artists' Rights in Her New Public-Affairs Firm

Christopher Snow Hopkins | April 29, 2013

As lawmakers mulled legislation to safeguard the rights of performing artists in 2010, two musicians sat in the office of then-Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-Texas, hopeful that he would support the bill.

What If Oil Lasts Forever?

Charles C. Mann - The Atlantic | April 25, 2013

New technology and a little-known energy source suggest that fossil fuels may not be finite. This would be a miracle—and a nightmare.

Why We Need to Move Ahead on IP

Ajit Pai | April 24, 2013

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

Is There Such Thing as Too Much Evidence?

Brian Resnick | April 24, 2013

Assembling the case against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev won't be as simple as it appears from the news.

The White House Is Right: Tsarnaev Should Be Tried As a Civilian

James Oliphant | April 23, 2013

The only surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bomb case will be represented by counsel and arraigned, just like any other criminal defendant.

Democrats Argue Over Who's Tougher on National Security After Boston Bombings

Beth Reinhard | April 23, 2013

National security was a contentious topic at Monday night's Democratic debate.

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.

Immigration Debate May Grow More Complicated

Billy House and George E. Condon Jr. and Nancy Cook and Coral Davenport and Fawn Johnson and Margot Sanger-Katz and and Sara Sorcher | April 21, 2013

With Congress focused on immigration reform this week, the national security aspects of the issue are moving to the forefront amid efforts by some conservatives to inject the Boston Marathon bombing suspects into that debate.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | April 20, 2013

Friday night's capture of the second suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing will be the prominent topic for the Sunday shows, including the national security implications of the attack. Sunday Meet the Press hosts Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin. Face the Nation h...

Is it Illegal to Impersonate the Boston Marathon Bombing Suspects (or Anyone Else) on Twitter?

Catherine Hollander | April 19, 2013

After video of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects were released, journalists and citizen-sleuths turned to social media to find their digital footprint. They were greeted with a wealth of information. Not all of it was true.

After Boston Marathon Bombings, What Next For Immigration Reform?

Fawn Johnson | April 19, 2013

“We screwed up. We can’t afford to screw up again,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said on Friday.

The Boston Bombings Could Help a State Get Beyond Its Liberal Stereotype

Jill Lawrence | April 18, 2013

Massachusetts really did invent America, so stop making fun of it.

Gary Andres, Majority Staff Director

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

In leading a staff of almost 70, Gary Andres says he gets the best of all the previous jobs he’s held throughout his career.

Michelle Ash, Minority Chief Consumer Protection Counsel

Catherine Hollander and Brian Fung | April 17, 2013

A Pittsburgh native, Michelle Ash, 45, had originally planned to go into law. But after a year at a local law firm, she decided on the world of policy instead.

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 Christian, Majority Chief Counsel, Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

Karen Christian, chief counsel for the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, is best known for her lead role in the Solyndra investigation, which dominated much of the GOP agenda on the committee during the last Congress.

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.

U.S. and E.U. Will Gnaw on Trade Agreement

Catherine Hollander | April 17, 2013

Late last month, the White House notified Congress that it planned to begin negotiating a comprehensive trade and investment agreement with the European Union. Talks on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership are expected to begin in June—and that’s when the House Energy and Commerce Committee will step up its involvement.

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.

Manufacturers, Ag Interests Will Lobby for Trade Deal

Catherine Hollander | April 17, 2013

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership won’t be focused on already-low tariffs between the U.S. and European Union. It will be focused on so-called “behind the border” measures, like regulation—and that means there will be plenty of stakeholders with strong opinions.

Companies Fight to Influence Auction Rules

Brian Fung | April 17, 2013

On spectrum issues, wireless carriers and cable companies account for the most active lobbying. The top three are AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast, followed by trade groups such as the National Cable and Telecommunications Association.

Keystone Pits Oil Companies Against Environmentalists

Coral Davenport | April 17, 2013

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

How Much Natural Gas Should the U.S. Export?

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

The Energy and Commerce Committee’s leaders and aides are unsure how to tackle one of the biggest debates in the energy space right now: natural-gas exports.

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.

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.

5 Things Immigration, Gay Marriage, and Gun Control Have That Climate Change Doesn't

Amy Harder | April 17, 2013

The amount of change happening in Washington is impressive, but this kind of sea change can’t happen right now with energy and climate policy. Here's why.

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.

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.

Why Those Wellness Programs Don't Work

Margot Sanger-Katz | April 11, 2013

Obama's workplace health incentive was supposed to save money and make you fit. Instead it penalizes the poor.

Natural-Gas Exports Dominate Moniz Confirmation Hearing

Amy Harder | April 9, 2013

Tuesday’s confirmation hearing for President Obama’s nominee to be Energy secretary, Ernest Moniz, was dominated by the energy industry’s topic du jour: natural-gas exports.

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.

What's Next for Immigration Reform

Rebecca Kaplan | April 7, 2013

With Congress back in session, House and Senate working groups will be putting finishing touches on their immigration plans. But there are many issues still outstanding.

The Man Who Could Put Climate Change on the Agenda

Coral Davenport | April 4, 2013

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough has a record against global warming—and the president's ear.

Healthy Benefits

Jerry Hagstrom | April 3, 2013

Nonprofit hospitals could reap credit for improving the eating habits of their patients and communities.

Mary Schapiro and Lanny Breuer Give Us the Ultimate Dog-Bites-Man Story

Michael Hirsh | April 3, 2013

They failed to prosecute a single Wall Streeter over the 2008 disaster. Now it's home to mama.

Sequestration Hurting Your Budget? It Didn't Stop a 13-Day Overseas Congressional Trip

Billy House | April 2, 2013

Roughly 16 Senate Finance Committee staffers are wrapping up a whirlwind 13-day trip to Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, even as federal agencies have been forced by sequestration to limit employee travel and participation in out-of-town conferences.

EPA Finds Sweet Spot to Release Controversial Gas Rule

Amy Harder | March 29, 2013

After facing election-year delays, the Obama administration on Friday announced a controversial rule that requires cleaner gasoline.

Ethanol Debate Has Glimpse of Bipartisanship

Amy Harder | March 27, 2013

The top Republican and Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are finally on the same page about a controversial energy policy after reading from two completely different playbooks the last four years.

Big Labor and Big Business Have One Big Issue: Immigration Reform

Fawn Johnson | March 26, 2013

It's a sign of the times: Immigration reform is now the number one issue for both the AFL-CIO and the Business Roundtable.

Why the Fight Over Work Visas Won't Doom the Immigration Bill

Fawn Johnson | March 25, 2013

Make no mistake. The immigration bill being crafted by the “Gang of Eight” senators will include foreign work visas despite warnings from both business and labor that their talks over the issue have broken down.

Upton, Waxman Launch Debate on Biofuels Mandate

Amy Harder | March 20, 2013

For the first time since President Obama won the White House in 2008, the top Republican and Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are working collaboratively on a controversial piece of energy policy: the renewable-fuels standard.

Why the White House Loves Natural Gas

Coral Davenport | March 14, 2013

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

Opinion: Immigration Reform Faces Hurdles, but Steadily Moves Forward

Tyler Reny | March 11, 2013

The debate over immigration reform may have been overshadowed by coverage of the sequester and Washington dysfunction, but the issue has hardly disappeared. In fact, the immigration reform bill is marching steadily forward.

What Undocumented Workers Really Want

Fawn Johnson | March 7, 2013

It's not always citizenship. They just want to do their jobs, cash their paychecks, and be left alone. A view of the immigration debate from the kitchen of your favorite restaurant.

Why the Republican Plan to Reform Medicare Could Really Make It More Expensive

Margot Sanger-Katz | March 7, 2013

Republicans like Paul Ryan want more market competition in federal health care programs. Trouble is, those plans don't save money.

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

Todd Woody and Quartz | March 6, 2013

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

How Did These Kids Score Good Jobs Right Out of High School?

Sophie Quinton | March 5, 2013

A public-private partnership in San Antonio lets students earn college credits--and a job in the aerospace industry.

Gina McCarthy, Obama's 'Green Quarterback,' Has a History of Working With Industry

Coral Davenport | March 4, 2013

Gina McCarthy, President Obama’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, has been called the president's "green quarterback." But she also has a reputation as a political pragmatist who works well with industry and listens to concerns. If confirmed she will become the face of Obama’s sweeping ambitions to tackle climate change as a legacy issue and will write rules to force the coal industry to change its ways.

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

Coral Davenport | March 3, 2013

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

What Is a Gene And How Does it Apply to the Law? The Supreme Court Still Doesn't Know.

Brian Resnick | March 1, 2013

DNA was discovered 60 years ago this week, and since then it's been muddling up the legal system.

How Did These Kids Score Good Jobs Right Out of High School?

Sophie Quinton | February 28, 2013

Frank Pena doesn’t have much time to chat, because he’s repairing a jet engine. The 24-year-old technician at Lockheed Martin is a big guy, but even he looks tiny compared with some of the engines—from the Air Force’s C-5 to the commercial 727—arrayed in the factory. Pena is here, and not flipping burgers at McDonalds, because of a decision he made when he was a sophomore in high school. He enrolled in the Alamo Area Aerospace Academy.

Rumors Over Food Aid Spark Controversy Among Groups Fighting World Hunger

Jerry Hagstrom | February 27, 2013

There is no nobler cause than feeding hungry people in poor countries and helping them develop their own farms so they can produce more of their own food.

Who Tops the Club for Growth Conservative Scorecard? The GOP's 2016 Potentials

Shane Goldmacher | February 26, 2013

If the 2016 GOP presidential field includes both Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Rand Paul of Kentucky, there won’t be much room to their political right. The latest congressional scorecard from Club for Growth, the influential conservative pressure group, shows those two senators ranked among the most conservative lawmakers in the Senate last year.

Mr. Abe Goes to Washington: Japan PM Talks Autos, North Korea With President Obama

Matt Vasilogambros | February 22, 2013

The five things you need to know about their meeting on Friday

It's Been Almost 3 Years Since the Senate Passed a Major New Law

Molly Ball - The Atlantic | February 20, 2013

If you're wondering whether President Obama's ambitious second-term agenda has a chance to make it through Congress, that might be worth keeping in mind.

What Former Rep. David Dreier is Up To Next

Shane Goldmacher | February 20, 2013

David Dreier, the recently retired Republican congressman from California, has landed a gig to lead a new commission focused on trade for an arm of the nonprofit Annenberg Foundation.

The Hidden Obstacles to Legal Immigration Reform

Major Garrett | February 19, 2013

If you think questions of legalization, border security, and fundamental party politics are the biggest obstacles to immigration reform, think again.

Key Votes Used to Calculate the Ratings

February 19, 2013

The 116 Senate votes and 116 House votes on which National Journal’s 2012 vote ratings are based.

The Valerie Jarrett Moment

Jim O’Sullivan | February 14, 2013

As other inner-circle players move on, this longtime friend of the Obamas is poised to gain even more influence in the White House.

Voting Rights Act Faces a Supreme Test

Matthew Cooper | February 14, 2013

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

Free Trade: Obama Takes Up Romney's Banner

Michael Hirsh | February 14, 2013

How the president could tally more political victories than the experts think.

Mica to U.S. Chamber Chief: Find a New Job

Shane Goldmacher | February 13, 2013

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., the former chairman of the House transportation committee, said Wednesday that the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce should “seek other opportunities for employment” after advocating for a gas-tax increase to solve the nation’s transportation needs.

Obama Cites Storms, Drought to Build Case For Climate Action

Coral Davenport | February 13, 2013

Fifteen years ago, when President Clinton raised the specter of climate change in his State of the Union address, he spoke of a “gathering crisis” that would need to be stopped “at some point in the next century.” Now scientists say that crisis is starting to arrive – and President Obama has noticeably shifted his rhetoric, describing an urgent problem that’s here now, already harming American people.

Breakthrough Nears on Tapping Offshore Energy Supply

Coral Davenport | February 5, 2013

In a season of political gridlock, a breakthrough could be near on legislation to promote energy production off the nation’s coastlines.

The GOP's Senate Fight Is About Personality, Not Ideology

Michael Catalini | February 5, 2013

All of the weak Republican nominees are known as much for their confrontation as their conservatism.

Health Care: Great for the Economy Today, Terrible Later

Margot Sanger-Katz | January 31, 2013

Hospitals like Pittsburgh’s UPMC created enough jobs to end the recession. If they keep it up, they’ll wreck the economy.

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.

The Politics of John Cornyn's 'No' Vote on Kerry

Dan Roem | January 30, 2013

Of the three senators to vote on Tuesday against President Obama's nomination of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to be the next secretary of state, two are up for re-election in 2014: Sen. John Cornyn, the GOP minority whip from Texas, and Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. The other is Cornyn's fellow Texan, the n...

Gasoline Rule Emerges From Election-Year Obscurity

Amy Harder | January 30, 2013

After facing election-year delays, an environmental rule requiring cleaner gasoline is now back in the regulatory pipeline, and a top Environmental Protection Agency official said Wednesday the agency expects to propose the rule by March.

Graphs: American Colleges Don't Reflect American Diversity

Derek Thompson - The Atlantic | January 23, 2013

In the last 30 years, the country has become steadily more racially diverse -- and so have many American colleges. In 1980, more than 80% of the country was white, and whites accounted for about eight in ten students at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Today, less than 65% of the country is white, and it's non-whites who now account for a majority at all three of those institutions.

Team Boehner Announces Political Staff Assignments

Alex Roarty | January 23, 2013

John Boehner names longtime aide Kevin McGrann as executive director of his political operation, one of several personnel changes announced this week by the House speaker.

The Second-Term Inaugural Jinx

George E. Condon Jr. | January 20, 2013

It's rare for a re-elected president to deliver a memorable inaugural address.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | January 18, 2013

The Sunday shows will preview President Obama's second term this week on the eve of the inauguration. White House adviser David Plouffe will appear on Face the Nation, This Week, Fox News Sunday and State of the Union to discuss the challenges ahead in Obama's second term. Meet the Press will host...

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

Jill Lawrence | January 18, 2013

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

6 Potential Roadblocks to Immigration Reform

Rebecca Kaplan | January 16, 2013

There's no shortage of political will to get immigration reform done in this Congress, but attempts at an overhaul of the system have failed before, and lawmakers still have several major hurdles to overcome this time.

What Gets in the Way of Immigration Reform

Rebecca Kaplan | January 16, 2013

There's no shortage of political will to get immigration reform done in this Congress, but there are still some major roadblocks that could get in the way. Here's a look at the hurdles ahead.

Who Pays for Congress’s Big-Money Party Retreats?

Shane Goldmacher | January 14, 2013

It boils down to this catch-22: Either the special interests pay, or you do.

Is There Truly a Path to Major Immigration Reform?

Fawn Johnson | January 14, 2013

President Obama is moving full speed ahead on a broad immigration proposal that Congress will debate in the coming months.

How a Big Immigration Bill Could Actually Pass

Fawn Johnson | January 14, 2013

President Obama is proceeding full speed ahead on a broad immigration proposal that Congress will debate in the coming months. The plan from the White House will be comprehensive, seeking a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, creating new temporary-visa programs for low-skilled foreign workers when American workers aren’t available, mandating electronic verification of all new hires, and giving more green cards to foreign math and science graduates at U.S. universities.

What Treasury Secretary Jack Lew Needs to Do

Niraj Chokshi | January 11, 2013

If confirmed as the next Treasury secretary, White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew will be tagging into an immediate three-round fight, with a long tournament ahead.

Citi Hires Tax Lobbyist

Stacy Kaper | January 9, 2013

Bill Rys has joined Citi's lobbying shop to help build Citi’s tax and revenue advocacy in Washington.

State of the Union Stakes: Guns, Debt, and Climate Change Give Obama Shot at Immortality

Ron Fournier | January 9, 2013

The only thing Obama could do worse than failing on the big issues is failing to try on a big way.

Lots of Holdovers on DCCC Staff

Alex Roarty | January 9, 2013

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s retention of so many staffers from the last election cycle indicates that, by and large, House Democrats were happy with a performance that saw them gain eight seats last year. Here's the DCCC staff announcement.

Matt Walker Heads to the National Restaurant Association

Alex Roarty | January 8, 2013

The National Restaurant Association picks former Senate aide as its new vice president of government affairs. Matt Walker will lead the group’s advocacy efforts in the Senate.

Battle Over Wind Subsidy Leaves Industry Bruised

Amy Harder | January 3, 2013

The battle to get Congress to renew the wind-energy production tax credit before year’s end strained relationships among utilities, splintered support within the industry’s biggest trade group, and is setting up the industry—and its supporters in Congress—for a 2013 that's even more contentious than 2012.

Congress Pushes to Prevent Spike in Milk Prices from 'Dairy Cliff'

Niraj Chokshi | December 31, 2012

It was one of the best-received bits of news on Sunday, a day that saw little progress in talks to avert the fiscal cliff: Congress may yet avoid the “dairy cliff.”

The Bright Side of Falling Off the Fiscal Cliff

Zachary Karabell for The Atlantic | December 29, 2012

As 2012 sputters to a close, it wraps up with a yawning gap between widespread economic pessimism and the actual state of economic affairs.

4 Ways to Increase Immigration, Cultivate Highly Skilled U.S. Workforce

Peter Marber, Quartz | December 27, 2012

Immigration, long the backbone of American innovation, entrepreneurism, and human talent, has become a dirty word in recent years. This is unfortunate, because strategically conceived and well-targeted immigration should be seen as a precision tool for America to insure the best, optimal human capital needed to compete in the 21st century.

Heitkamp to be Key Energy Voice Among Moderate Democrats

Amy Harder | December 27, 2012

Heidi Heitkamp—the Democrat who surprised everyone and beat her Republican challenger Rick Berg to win the North Dakota Senate seat in this year’s election—will be an important leader in a growing group of moderate Democratic senators hailing from energy-rich states.

What Did Congress Do for You This Year? 10 Bills the 112th Passed

Matt Vasilogambros | December 25, 2012

You wouldn’t know it from the rhetoric in Washington, but Congress actually passed a few bills this year.

Today's Influence Ads: Clinical Oncologists, Aerospace Industries Tackle Sequester

Erin Mershon | December 21, 2012

With the sequester looming, several agencies took to advertisements to remind Congress what's at stake. The American Society of Clinical Oncologyhighlighted the effects of sequestration on cancer patients who could lose access to care and research in two new ads Friday, and the Aerospace Industries Association pushed against defense cuts.

Job Moves: American Health Care Association GR Shop Grows

Elahe Izadi | December 21, 2012

The American Health Care Association has grown its government relations shop with the addition of three new employees.

When It Comes to Fiscal-Cliff Policy, Boehner and Obama Are Close

Nancy Cook | December 18, 2012

The dirty little secret about the current state of play of the fiscal-cliff negotiations is that Democrats and Republicans aren’t very far apart in their proposals.

Transit to Jobs Equals Economy

Fawn Johnson | December 10, 2012

"Trying to market a city without transit is like trying to sell a cell phone without a camera." That was one of the take-home messages from a speaker at an urban planning conference earlier this year, according to my friend who was there. The room was full of city planners who are trying to convince businesses to settle in their areas. Transit is considered key not just because it gives people an easy way to get to work, but it also signals to the private sector that a city is healthy enough to invest in itself.

Challenges Ahead for Obama in Japan

Olga Belogolova | November 12, 2012

Much of Japan cheered last week’s reelection of President Obama—especially one small city in this island nation that shares his name. But his reelection doesn’t come without a number of challenges in the region and with its longtime ally.

Solar Perplexus

Olga Belogolova | October 4, 2012

Many in domestic solar power don’t want the United States to slap tariffs on the country, fearful it will raise prices and cripple U.S. demand.

Against the Tide

Olga Belogolova | July 26, 2012

Republicans are almost always in tune with the oil and gas industry, but they’re singing a different song on the drydocked Law of the Sea Treaty.

Hot Ticket

Michelle Bloom | March 18, 2012

On the agenda this week: Talking natural gas at the Newseum, artsy cocktails at the Corcoran, and a new film on black Republicans.

The New Goliaths

Margot Sanger-Katz | February 16, 2012

The health care reform law, which was designed to lower costs, could end up raising them instead. The law is triggering a wave of hospital mergers and acquisitions, and decades of data show that hospital consolidations almost always lead to higher prices for patients.

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.

Lipitor Fights Back

Margot Sanger-Katz | December 1, 2011

Pfizer’s strategy to fend off competition from generics may be paving a path for the pharmaceutical industry.

Obama Threads the Needle With Drilling Plan

Olga Belogolova | November 9, 2011

Nobody is really happy with the Obama administration’s new five-year oil-and-gas drilling plan, which took a few steps back from the president’s pre-BP-spill drilling proposal of 2010 but also a few steps forward from what environmentalists wanted by allowing more exploration off the coast of Alaska. But neither is anyone really all that angry about the new proposal, which Interior Secretary Ken Salazar unveiled on Tuesday.

Hot Ticket

Michelle Bloom | April 10, 2011

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

Hot Ticket

Michelle Bloom | November 14, 2010

Who turns down a free lunch? The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is hoping that members of Congress just can’t say no to its Congressional Luncheon on Wednesday.

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