2005
DECEMBER
December 30, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss Jack Abramoff's legal troubles, the winners and losers of 2005 and President Bush's performance over the last year.

December 30, 2005
Corruption Scandal
A reporter discusses the background of Jack Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist at the center of a far-reaching congressional corruption scandal.

December 23, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss Congress' last-minute action on the Patriot Act, the domestic surveillance controversy and other political developments of the week.

December 22, 2005
Patriot Act Squabble
The House on Thursday passed a one-month extension of the USA Patriot Act, following the Senate's six-month extension, forcing the Senate back into session Thursday evening.

December 21, 2005
Senate Showdown
In last minute votes on Wednesday, the Senate approved a bill to trim spending on social programs but rejected a military spending bill that included a controversial provision to drill for oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

December 19, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss executive powers and the revelations of domestic surveillance, along with the administration's efforts to bolster support for the war on Iraq.

December 16, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks analyze Jim Lehrer's interview with President Bush on progress in Iraq, his recent reversal on torture policy and a claim that he authorized the National Security Agency to monitor Americans without a court warrant.

December 14, 2005
Extended Session
Disputes on several key bills have kept Congress in session longer than usual. A congressional scholar explains the disagreements.

December 13, 2005
Patriot Act Debate
Congress remains divided over renewing sections of the controversial Patriot Act, a bill that allows access to personal records in terrorism cases but critics say infringes on civil liberties. Two senators discuss their differing views of the Patriot Act.

December 9, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss Iraq war political strategy, the confusion over U.S. rules for the treatment of terror suspects and the troubles of Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas.

December 8, 2005
House Debates Investment Taxes
A report on the debate in the House of Representatives over taxing income from capital gains and dividends.

December 5, 2005
9/11 Commission Gives Government Failing Grades
The panel charged with investigating the government response to 9/11 announced that the government has failed to adequately follow its recommendations to protect America against a future terrorist attack.

December 2, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss President Bush's Iraq strategy and the resignation of Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-Calif.

NOVEMBER
November 30, 2005
Iraq Strategy
President Bush reinforced his strategy in Iraq and rejected calls to set any timetables for a pullout in a speech Wednesday at the U.S. Naval Academy. Two members of the Senate Armed Forces Committee discuss the president's speech.

November 25, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the ongoing debate over pulling troops from Iraq.

November 21, 2005
Guilty Plea in Lobby Case
Michael Scanlon, a former press aid to Rep. Tom Delay and former partner to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, pleaded guilty in a government investigation on conspiring to bribe public officials. Two reporters discuss the case.

November 21, 2005
Debate over Iraq Withdrawal
Following a background report on the response to Rep. John Mutha's proposal to pull U.S. troops from Iraq, two retired lieutenant generals discuss how the plan would affect the situation on the ground.

November 18, 2005
War of Words
The White House defended its strategy in Iraq facing recent criticisms and calls for a withdrawal. Following a background report, New York Times columnist David Brooks and Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant discuss the accusations.

November 18, 2005
Making the Cut
Early Friday morning, the House narrowly passed a deficit-reduction bill. Congressional expert Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute discusses the battle on Capitol Hill over spending and taxes. Then, New York Times columnist David Brooks and Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant discuss taxes and spending cuts in the budget.

November 17, 2005
Call for Withdrawal
Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., ranking Democrat on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and a former supporter of the Iraq war, said Thursday that U.S. Troops should leave within six months. Following an interview with Murtha, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., offers a rebuttal.

November 15, 2005
Questioning the Iraq War
The Senate debated Iraq policy amid concerns over prewar intelligence and exit strategy. Two senators, Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner, R-Va., and Richard Durbin, D-Ill, share their views on the situation in Iraq.

November 14, 2005
Legal Rights of Detainees
Congress is debating an amendment limiting the rights of detainees at the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Two guests discuss the proposal.

November 11, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and Richard Lowry discuss President Bush's Veteran's Day speech and the national implications of November's local elections.

November 10, 2005
Budget Debate
As Congress wrestles with spending priorities and the latest round of budget cuts, two experts discuss the decisions lawmakers face.

November 10, 2005
Newsmaker: Sen. John McCain
U.S. Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., discusses the recent bombings in Jordan, winning the Iraq war, and U.S. prisoner abuse policy.

November 9, 2005
Local Election Results
Three guests look at the national implications of local elections and what they mean for the future of Democrats and Republicans.

November 9, 2005
Questions for the Oil Industry
Oil industry executives appeared before the Senate to defend record high third quarter profits and deny accusations of price gouging at the pump.

November 8, 2005
Congress Debates Torture Amendment
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. proposed and amendment that bans the use of torture on prisoners held by the United States on foreign soil. Two senators with opposing views discuss Sen. McCain's amendment.

November 7, 2005
Virginia Gubernatorial Race
A report on Virginia's closely contested race for governor. Many experts believe the race may offer clues about congressional races in 2006.

November 4, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the debate over the handling of pre-Iraq war intelligence, the arraignment of former vice presidential chief of staff Lewis Libby, and the state of the Alito nomination.

November 2, 2005
Drilling Debate
Following a background report, two experts discuss drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

November 1, 2005
Senators Discuss Alito Nomination
Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Mike DeWine, R-Ohio talk about Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito.

OCTOBER
October 28, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Libby indictment in the CIA leak case and the next Supreme Court nominee.

October 27, 2005
Miers Withdraws
Mark Shields, David Brooks and Jan Crawford Greenburg discuss the possible ramifications of Harriet Miers' withdrawal from consideration as a Supreme Court justice.

October 27, 2005
Miers Withdraws: Senate Reaction
Sens. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, discuss the Miers withdrawal.

October 27, 2005
Miers Withdraws
A report on Harriet Miers' withdrawal as a nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court.

October 26, 2005
Uncertainty Over Miers
Following a background report, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter and ranking Democrat Patrick Leahy discuss the state of the Harriet Miers Supreme Court nomination.

October 21, 2005
Political Wrap
David Brooks and Tom Oliphant discuss the indictment of Tom Delay, The Miers nomination, the CIA leak investigation, Iraq war strategy and the World Series.

October 19, 2005
More Questions for Miers
A report on the status of the Harriet Miers nomination. Senate Judiciary Committee members say they want more information on the Supreme Court nominee.

October 18, 2005
Supreme Questions
Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers supplied the Senate with on Tuesday shed more light on her opinions. Following a background report, two senators discuss the new information about the candidate.

October 14, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the role of religion in Harriet Miers' nomination as a Supreme Court justice and the political ramifications in the United States of the impending vote on a new constitution in Iraq.

October 7, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the rift among conservative ranks over the nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court, President Bush's recent remarks on terrorism and the Senate's vote against harsh interrogation tactics.

October 6, 2005
Interrogation Tactics
A review of Wednesday's Senate vote on how to regulate the detention, interrogation and treatment of prisoners held by the U.S. military.

October 3, 2005
The Miers Nomination: Senate Reaction
Two senators discuss the Miers nomination.

SEPTEMBER
September 30, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the indictment of House Majority Leader Tom Delay, the investigation into stock sales by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Judge John Roberts' confirmation as chief justice of the United States.

September 29, 2005
Iraq War Hearings
A report on the the Iraq war hearings presented before the Senate and House Armed Services committees, followed by an interview with Sens. John Warner, chairman of the Senate committee, and Carl Levin, ranking Democrat, about their views on the situation in Iraq.

September 28, 2005
Indicted House Leader
A Texas grand jury indicted House Majority Leader Tom Delay, R-Texas, on Wednesday in connection with an alleged illegal campaign finance scheme. Two experts discuss the impact.

September 27, 2005
Investigating FEMA
A report on the House committee probe into the government's Hurricane Katrina response and the tough questions asked of former FEMA Director Michael Brown.

September 23, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the cost and politics surrounding hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the Senate committee stamp of approval for John Roberts to become chief justice of the United States.

September 22, 2005
Roberts Vote Heads to Full Senate
The Senate Judiciary Committe voted 13-5 in favor of passing the nomination of Judge John Roberts as chief justice of the United States to a vote by the full Senate.

September 21, 2005
Able Danger
A report on the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on allegations that a secret Pentagon program, dubbed Able Danger, turned up valuable information about the alleged ringleader of the Sept. 11 attacks, Mohammed Atta, more than a year before the attacks occurred.

September 20, 2005
Paying for Katrina
Following a report on the growing price tag on recovery costs for Hurricane Katrina, two experts discuss the costs and the federal government's commitment.

September 19, 2005
Conversation: Jimmy Carter and James Baker
Former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James Baker, co-chairmen of the National Commission on Federal Election Reform, talk about their newly released recommendations for federal election reform.

September 16, 2005
Political Wrap
David Brooks and Tom Oliphant discuss the federal government's role in rebuilding the Gulf Coast as well as the confirmation hearings for chief justice nominee John Roberts.

September 15, 2005
Brooks and Oliphant
New York Times columnist David Brooks and Boston Globe columnist Tom Oliphant join Jim Lehrer to discuss the Roberts hearings and preview President Bush's Katrina speech.

September 15, 2005
Final Day of the Roberts Hearings
A report on the final day of John Roberts' confirmation hearings for chief justice of the United States.

September 14, 2005
Third Day of the Roberts Hearings
Judge John Roberts completed the second day of questioning in his confirmation hearings to become the chief justice of the United States. Two legal scholars discuss his responses.

September 13, 2005
Highlights from the Second Day
Chief justice of the United States nominee John Roberts faced the first round of questions from the Senate Judiciary Committe. Two scholars assess Roberts' responses on the issues of abortion, the right to privacy and racial and gender discrimination.

September 12, 2005
The Roberts Hearings: Day 1
John Roberts faced the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday in the first day of hearings to see if he should become the nation's top jurist. Following two reports on the day's statements, two experts talk about the direction the hearings will take throughout this week.

September 9, 2005
Political Wrap
David Brooks and Tom Oliphant discuss the federal response to Hurricane Katrina and the upcoming confirmation hearings for Supreme Court chief justice nominee John Roberts.

September 8, 2005
Storm in Congress
Following a background report on the debate in Congress over investigating the federal response to Hurricane Katrina, Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., the two leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, talk about the investigation into the disaster.

September 6, 2005
Katrina's Political Fallout
President Bush and congressional leaders each announced Tuesday that they would investigate the federal government's highly criticized response to Hurricane Katrina.

September 2, 2005
Political Wrap
David Brooks, Tom Oliphant and NewsHour essayist and Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page talk about about the week's horrific events, including its political ramifications and racial tensions that have arisen.

AUGUST
August 29, 2005
Newsmaker: Patrick Leahy
Senate Judiciary Committee ranking Democrat Patrick Leahy of Vermont discusses the upcoming confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.

August 26, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss how the constitutional conflict in Iraq may weigh on the political standing of President Bush, and the latest round of base closures.

August 24, 2005
Newsmaker: Arlen Specter
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa., talks about the confirmation hearings on Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.

August 19, 2005
Political Wrap
Tom Oliphant and Bill Kristol discuss the newly released writings of Supreme Court justice nominee John Roberts reveal, and the ongoing campaign in Texas by mothers of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq.

August 18, 2005
U.S.-Mexico Border Disputes
The governors of New Mexico and Arizona have declared states of emergency in response to continued gang violence and drug smuggling along the states' 350-mile border with Mexico.

August 15, 2005
Clearing the Air
Correspondent Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Television looks at why some American cities are voluntarily complying with the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.

August 12, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss growing sentiment against the Iraq war, a possible U.S. exit strategy and President Bush's role as a wartime leader.

August 10, 2005
Transportation Bill
President Bush signed a major highway bill Wednesday, which he said would provide a much-needed economic boost to the nation. Critics of the bill say it contains too many "pork barrel" projects.

August 5, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the recess appointment of John Bolton as the U.S. envoy to the United Nations, mounting casualties in Iraq, and Supreme Court nominee John Roberts.

JULY
July 29, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and Ramesh Ponnuru discuss the passage of an energy bill by the Senate and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's backing broader stem cell research.

July 29, 2005
Senate Passes Energy Bill
The Senate passed a $14.5 billion energy bill Friday that includes tax breaks and other incentives to encourage increased domestic production of energy.

July 29, 2005
Energy Bill Winners and Losers
Experts discuss the likely impact of a broad energy bill passed Friday by the Senate.

July 29, 2005
Stem Cell Pioneers
A report on the latest developments in the controversial field of stem cell research.

July 29, 2005
Rush to Recess
Congress pushes to wrap up legislation, including the passage of a new energy bill and highway spending bill Friday, as it prepares for the month-long August recess.

July 27, 2005
Gun Liability Bill
A report on Wednesday's Senate debate on a bill to protect the gun industry from potential lawsuits over misuse of its weapons.

July 27, 2005
The CAFTA Debate
President Bush visited Capitol Hill Wednesday to urge lawmakers to pass the Central American Free Trade Agreement, which some legislators fear will threaten jobs.

July 22, 2005
John Roberts' Legal Legacy
As Judge John Roberts and U.S. Senators prepare for confirmation hearings in September, three legal experts examine the judge's legal record on issues that may come before the Supreme Court.

July 22, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the nomination of John Roberts Jr. to the Supreme Court and the latest developments in the CIA leak controversy.

July 21, 2005
Renewing the Patriot Act
The House of Representative met Thursday to vote on renewing the Patriot Act with some minor changes designed to increase judicial and political oversight of some of its most controversial provisions.

July 20, 2005
Supreme Court Choice
Supreme Court nominee John Roberts Jr. began meeting senators from both parties Wednesday as the Senate floor begins talking about the nominee.

July 20, 2005
President Bush's Selection
An analyst talks about Supreme Court nominee John Roberts' legal ideology and why President Bush selected him for the nomination.

July 20, 2005
Newsmaker: Andrew Card
White House chief of staff Andrew Card talks about President Bush's choice of Appellate Judge John Roberts Jr. for the Supreme Court.

July 20, 2005
Newsmaker: Sen. Charles Schumer
Judiciary Committee member Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., discusses John Roberts' chances of getting Senate confirmation to sit on the Supreme Court.

July 20, 2005
Cultivating Controversy
The House is set to vote on the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Some U.S. dairy farmers believe CAFTA will help business, while some sugar farmers disagree.

July 19, 2005
Supreme Court Pick
President Bush will introduce his choice to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court Tuesday evening in a speech to the nation.

July 18, 2005
Newsmaker: Ken Mehlman
Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman talks about the current state of the Republican Party and the controversy surrounding White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove.

July 15, 2005
Under Pressure
The controversy surrounding White House top aide Karl Rove and his potential role in the leak of a CIA operative's name to the media grows as the Senate takes action.

July 13, 2005
Media Relations
The White House press corps applied pressure this week on administration mouthpiece Scott McClellan to explain prior assertions that presidential adviser Karl Rove had no involvement in the CIA leak case.

July 13, 2005
Under Pressure
Two former White House officials discuss the revelation that President Bush's senior political adviser Karl Rove may be involved in the leak of a CIA operative's name to the media.

July 11, 2005
Public Broadcasting Hearings
A Senate subcommittee held hearings on the future of funding for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting and alleged biases in PBS programming.

July 8, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the U.S. response to the bombings in London's transportation system, the results of the Group of Eight summit in Scotland, the Supreme Court nomination process and the investigation into the leak of the CIA operative's identity.

July 6, 2005
Supreme Court Test
Two leading members of the Senate Judiciary Committee discuss the upcoming confirmation battle over who should replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

July 6, 2005
Balancing Act
Correspondent Spencer Michels reports on California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who recently reached an agreement with legislative leaders over the state's budget but whose approval rating still continues to slide.

July 5, 2005
Supreme Court History
In a prelude to the expected battle over the next Supreme Court justice nomination, a legal expert discusses the selection and confirmation process.

July 1, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and Ramesh Ponnuru discuss Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement Friday and the political battle over choosing a replacement for her.

July 1, 2005
Pivotal Justice
Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor resigned Friday after 24 years on the bench. Margaret Warner talks with Jan Crawford Greenburg of the Chicago Tribune about O'Connor's role on the court.

July 1, 2005
O'Connor Legacy
Experts debate the legacy and Supreme Court career of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who announced her retirement Friday.

JUNE
June 30, 2005
The Fight Over CAFTA
The Senate is slated Wednesday to vote on the much-debated Central American Free Trade Agreement, which would open the markets of six South American nations to the United States.

June 29, 2005
Newsmakers: Hadley And Biden
Some prominent congressional Democrats criticized President Bush's speech Wednesday, saying he shouldn't have invoked the memory of the Sept. 11 attacks when urging support for Iraq.

June 28, 2005
Political Wrap
Rich Lowry and Tom Oliphant discuss what President Bush hopes to accomplish in his address to the nation as public support for the war in Iraq is waning.

June 28, 2005
Energy Plans
The Senate passed an energy bill Tuesday that would double the use of corn-blended ethanol, bolster electricity grid reliability and offer $16 billion in tax breaks and incentives to improve domestic production.

June 24, 2005
Political Wrap
Rich Lowry and Tom Oliphant discuss the war in Iraq, the Senate deadlock over the nomination of John Bolton and controversial comments from top presidential advisor Karl Rove.

June 23, 2005
Iraq Strategy
Senior Pentagon and military officials testified before the Senate Thursday about Iraq's military strategy and troop training.

June 22, 2005
Newsmaker: Howard Dean
Gwen Ifill speaks with Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean about the future of the Democratic Party and controversial statements made by the former presidential candidate about the Republican Party.

June 22, 2005
Emissions Limits
After hours of debate, the Senate on Wednesday agreed to voluntary emissions reductions rather than mandatory cuts in a sweeping energy policy bill.

June 22, 2005
Newsmaker: Howard Dean
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean speaks about the future of the Democratic Party.

June 21, 2005
CPB: Under Pressure
The House of Representatives is expected to vote by the end of the week on an appropriations bill recommended by its subcommittee to cut the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's federal funding by 45 percent in 2006.

June 20, 2005
The Bolton Battle
President Bush urged the Senate Monday to end debate on U.N. ambassador nominee John Bolton and allow an up-or-down vote.

June 17, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss Democratic Senator Dick Durbin's comments regarding Guantanamo Bay and the Republican response.

June 16, 2005
Liberty and Security
The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to block a Patriot Act provision allowing the FBI to search library and bookstore records. A number of the Patriot Act's provisions will expire at 2005's end.

June 15, 2005
Guantanamo Bay Hearings
Pentagon officials at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Wednesday defended detention policies at Guantanamo Bay, citing laws of war allowing for the indefinite holding of enemy combatants.

June 14, 2005
Energy Policy Reform
The Senate began a floor debate over a broad energy bill the House of Representatives passed in April earlier this year.

June 13, 2005
Lynching Apology
Gwen Ifill looks at the Senate's vote to apologize for not outlawing lynching as a federal crime.

June 10, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss President Bush's meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean's controversial comments about Republicans and Guantanamo Bay.

June 8, 2005
Tobacco Trial
A federal judge Wednesday questioned the Justice Department's decision to require tobacco companies to fund a five-year, $10 billion nationwide stop-smoking program, rather than a recommended 25-year, $130 billion plan.

June 7, 2005
Pension Problems
Following the collapse of United Airlines' employee pension plan, members of Congress and the White House are pushing for an overhaul of the rules governing pension-funding benefits.

June 3, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the revelation of Watergate source Deep Throat, the Guantanamo abuse allegations and SEC chairman nominee Christopher Cox.

June 1, 2005
Deep Throat Reflections
In the wake of W. Mark Felt's admission that he was the source for much of the Watergate information, analysts debate how knowing the source's identity will impact how we remember Watergate.

June 1, 2005
Making History in Los Angeles
Antonio Villaraigosa made history last month when he was elected as Los Angeles' first Hispanic mayor in over 100 years. The mayor-elect discusses his goals for the city and the challenges he will face.

MAY
May 30, 2005
Baath Party Conference to Open Amid Calls for Democratic Reform
Members of Syria's Baath Party will meet in June for the first time in five years to discuss party politics. Among the topics to be addressed, mounting international pressure for President Bashar Assad to institute steps toward reforming the authoritarian regime.

May 27, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Senate vote to delay John Bolton's nomination to the United Nations, the Senate compromise on judicial nominations and the House bill on stem cell research.

May 27, 2005
Filibuster Fight
The vote to end debate on the nomination of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations fell four votes short on the Senate floor Thursday night, delaying a final vote.

May 26, 2005
Embattled U.N. Nominee John Bolton
Until the White House releases classified information about U.N. ambassador designate John Bolton, Democrats have promised to try to delay a vote on the embattled nominee until next month.

May 25, 2005
Judicial Battle
The Senate on Wednesday voted 56-43 mostly along party lines to confirm Priscilla Owen as a federal appeals judge.

May 24, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the political implications of the Senate compromise on judicial nominations.

May 24, 2005
Senate Compromise
A Senate showdown over barring filibusters for judicial nominees was averted Monday when 14 Republicans and Democrats forged a last-minute compromise.

May 23, 2005
Stem Cell Research Politics
The House is set to consider a bill that would allow federal funding of stem cell research using human embryos donated by fertility clinics. President Bush has promised to veto the measure.

May 20, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Senate debate over judicial nominee Priscilla Owen, the possible showdown over blocking the filibuster for judicial nominations, and the Newsweek story about the Quran that sparked deadly protests in Afghanistan.

May 19, 2005
Judging Judges
The Senate debate over controversial judicial nominee Priscilla Owen entered a second day Thursday.

May 18, 2005
Senate Showdown
The U.S. Senate began contentious floor debate Wednesday over the fate of judicial nominee Priscilla Owen, bringing closer the potential showdown over the use of the filibuster.

May 18, 2005
Los Angeles' New Mayor
Residents of Los Angeles elected city councilman Antonio Villaraigosa as the mayor of the second largest city in America on Tuesday. Villaraigosa, the first Latino mayor in Los Angeles in more than a century, beat the incumbent James Hahn by a wide margin.

May 17, 2005
Senate Showdown
Talks between Senate Democrats and Republicans over President Bush's judicial nominees broke off late Monday after party leaders failed to reach a compromise for voting on the controversial nominees. An update on the potential Senate showdown.

May 17, 2005
U.N. Oil-for-Food Probe
British Parliament Member George Galloway testified Tuesday before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations over allegations of wrongdoing in the U.N. oil-for-food program and denied any involvement in the scandal.

May 16, 2005
Filibuster Facts
Talks between Senate Republican and Democratic leaders over President Bush's judicial nominees came to a halt Monday, days before Congress is expected to vote on a controversial proposal to ban judicial filibusters.

May 13, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the battle in the Senate over John Bolton's nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and the Senate's standoff over judicial nominees.

May 13, 2005
The Senate Standoff Over Judicial Nominees
A report on the Senate's potential showdown over President Bush's judicial nominations.

May 12, 2005
The Bolton Battle
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Thursday sent John Bolton's nomination as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to the full Senate without an endorsement.

May 11, 2005
Judges Weigh in on Nomination Battle
As the battle over President Bush's judicial nominees moves closer to a heated debate on the Senate floor, two federal court judges recount their own confirmation hearing experiences.

May 6, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks are joined by Daily Telegraph correspondent Alec Russell to discuss the re-election of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his party's diminished majority.

May 3, 2005
Medicaid Squeeze
The U.S. House and Senate passed new federal budget plans last week that will cut Medicaid spending by $10 billion over the next five years.

APRIL
April 29, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss the ethics battle over House Majority Leader Tom Delay, President Bush's Social Security plan and the GOP proposal to ban filibusters for judicial nominees.

April 29, 2005
Budget Blueprint
Congress this week approved a $2.6 trillion budget plan for 2006, which calls for new tax cuts and spending reductions in the next five years.

April 27, 2005
House Ethics Battle
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., said Wednesday that he is prepared to retract controversial ethics rules passed earlier in the year aimed at shielding House Majority Leader Tom Delay, R-Texas, from a probe into the outside funding of some of his travels.

April 26, 2005
Tom DeLay Under Fire
President Bush was joined by embattled House Majority Leader Tom DeLay at a Social Security event in their home state of Texas Tuesday. Afterward, the president praised Delay and in a show of support gave the congressman a ride back to Washington on Air Force One. Kwame Holman gives an update on DeLay's ongoing ethics troubles.

April 26, 2005
Social Security: Solving the Problem
The Senate Finance Committee began holding hearings Tuesday on whether Social Security needs an overhaul, while President Bush continued making his case for changes at an event in Texas and demonstrators took to Capitol Hill to protest the idea of allowing personal accounts.

April 25, 2005
Judicial Wars
On Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., delivered a taped speech to a nationwide broadcast in which Christian conservatives, during other segments, attacked Democratic senators for blocking judicial nominees described in the program as "people of faith."

April 22, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the protracted approval process of President Bush's judicial nominees, the controversial nomination of John Bolton as U.N. ambassador, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's ethics allegations and whether the momentum to reform Social Security is flagging.

April 21, 2005
Judicial Wars
The Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday approved two of President Bush's controversial judicial nominees, setting up a confrontation between the Republican majority and Democrats who can use filibusters to block nominations.

April 21, 2005
Off the Tracks?
Amtrak, facing steep money woes after shelving its high-speed Acela trains for months due to brake problems, asked Congress for a 50 percent increase in budget Thursday.

April 20, 2005
The John Bolton Battle
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee delayed voting on the embattled nomination of John Bolton as U.N. ambassador for three weeks to review allegations of misdeeds.

April 18, 2005
Rally to End Judicial Filibusters
Republican senators are lobbying for the use of a "nuclear option" to ban filibusters for judicial nominations, claiming Democrats will use the tactic to unfairly defeat President Bush's judicial nominees.

April 15, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss House Majority Leader Tom Delay and the Senate Republicans' proposal to use a "nuclear option" to ban filibusters in judicial nominations.

April 14, 2005
Battle Over John Bolton
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee delayed the confirmation vote of U.N. Ambassador designate John Bolton until next week. Senators Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and George Allen, R-Va., discuss the confirmation hearings and the opposition to Bolton's nomination.

April 11, 2005
Bolton Faces Tough Senate Inquiry
U.N. ambassador designate John Bolton appeared before a Senate committee Monday, facing tough questions from Democrats and Republicans over his past criticisms of the United Nations.

April 11, 2005
Tough Questions for John Bolton
U.N. Ambassador designate John Bolton faced a tough confirmation hearing Monday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Former U.S. ambassadors to the U.N. discuss the hearing and debate the pros and cons of Bolton's nomination.

April 8, 2005
Political Wrap
David Brooks and Washington Post columnist Harold Meyerson discuss the formation of an Iraqi government, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's ethics scandals and the pope's funeral.

April 5, 2005
Patriot Act
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and FBI Director Robert Mueller urged Congress to renew key provisions of the Patriot Act Tuesday during Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the controversial anti-terrorism law.

April 5, 2005
Renewing the Patriot Act
Legal experts debate the Patriot Act following Congressional hearings Tuesday over the future of the controversial anti-terrorism law.

April 1 , 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Terri Schiavo case, Tom DeLay and the presidential commission's report on prewar Iraq intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction.

April 1, 2005
Tom DeLay Under Fire
A report on the troubles of House Republican Leader Tom DeLay of Texas over allegations of fund-raising irregularities and his vocal presence in the case of severely brain-damaged Florida woman Terri Schiavo.

MARCH
March 25, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Terri Schiavo case, the president's Social Security Plan and possible 2008 presidential candidates.

March 21, 2005
Terri Schiavo's Life Support
Federal lawmakers met Monday to determine whether a judge will consider reinserting the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo, a severely brain-damaged woman.

March 18, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the political climate surrounding the Terri Schiavo case, the baseball steroid hearings on Capitol Hill and the nomination of Paul Wolfowitz as the next president of the World Bank.

March 18, 2005
Terri Schiavo's Life Support
Despite Republicans' efforts on Capitol Hill Friday, a Florida judge ordered the removal of a feeding tube that was keeping Terri Schiavo, a severely brain-damaged woman, alive.

March 16, 2005
Drilling for Oil
The Senate's voted Wednesday 49-51 to defeat a measure that would have banned oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

March 15, 2005
Tom DeLay's Troubles
House Majority Leader Tom Delay, R-Texas, on Tuesday categorically denied allegations that two of his overseas trips were paid for by special interest groups.

March 11, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss Tom Delay's ethics investigation, next Thursday's congressional baseball-steroids hearings, Social Security and judicial nominees.

March 10, 2005
Prisoner Abuse Report
The Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony Thursday on a Pentagon report about prisoner abuse by U.S. forces around the world.

March 4, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss President Bush's plan to overhaul the Social Security system and a proposal by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan to introduce a national sales tax.

March 2, 2005
Bankruptcy Changes
A bill up for debate in the Senate will make it harder for people to walk away from personal debts such as credit cards after they have declared bankruptcy.

March 1, 2005
Newsmaker: Sen. Bill Frist
Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., speaks about President Bush's Social Security plan, the Democrats' use of the filibuster against the president's judicial nominees and his plans in 2008.

FEBRUARY
February 25, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss President Bush's trip to Europe, his commitment to expanding democracy and plans to overhaul Social Security.

February 18, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss the appointment of John Negroponte as the new director of national intelligence, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's comments about Social Security and the brewing fight over judicial nominees.

February 17, 2005
Newsmaker: Reid
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., talks about the current political climate, his role as Senate minority leader and where the Democratic Party is headed.

February 16, 2005
Threats and Policy
President Bush's top advisers spoke at congressional hearings Wednesday to discuss Iraq, the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and terrorist threats within the United States. A report about the security discussions.

February 15, 2005
Judging Judges
President Bush renominated 20 candidates for federal judgeships who had been previously blocked by Senate Democrats as being too controversial. A discussion with two members from the Senate Judiciary Committee about the president's nominees.

February 11, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and Rich Lowry discuss Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's overseas visit, President Bush's $2.57 trillion budget and Social Security reform.

February 11, 2005
Class Actions
The Senate, by a vote of 72-26, approved legislation Thursday that would send large, multi-state class action lawsuits to federal courts.

February 4, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss President Bush's Social Security proposal and the likely selection of Howard Dean to head the Democratic National Committee.

February 2, 2005
State of the Union
Mark Shields and David Brooks preview the State of the Union address by President Bush.

February 1, 2005
Forum: Social Security
President Bush's call for reforms to Social Security is part of a broader philosophical effort to promote an "ownership society" in the United States. Two experts answer your questions about the philosophical differences in the Social Security debate.

February 1, 2005
Forum: Fixing Social Security
President Bush has launched a national campaign to generate support for his plans to reshape Social Security, including the controversial option of personal investment accounts for younger workers. Two experts answer your questions about the personal accounts and other aspects of the president's plan.

JANUARY
January 28, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the elections in Iraq and the confirmation of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

January 21, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the week's political news, including Condoleezza Rice's confirmation hearings, Social Security and the nuclear impasse with Iran.

January 20, 2005
Implications of Presidential Inauguration
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the political impact of Thursday's inauguration.

January 14, 2005
Political Wrap
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss inspectors failing to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Michael Chertoff's nomination as Homeland Security secretary and the independent review of CBS' handling of the 60 Minutes National Guard story.

January 7, 2005
Confirmation Hearings
Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Gonzales Senate confirmation hearings, tax reform and House ethics changes.

January 4, 2005
New Congress
Ray Suarez reports on the first day of the 109th Congress.