Politics

Follow PBS NewsHour’s complete coverage of politics, Congress, the Supreme court and the presidency.

The stakes are high as Iraqis head to the polls to vote on the country's first permanent parliament. Experts debate what impact the elections might have on the attempt to build a democracy in the war torn country.

Disputes on several key bills have kept Congress in session much longer than usual. A congressional scholar explains sticking points in the Patriot Act, defense appropriations bills, the budget and tax bills.

Medicare's prescription drug benefit program is set to begin in less than three weeks. An expert discusses the multitude of available options for seniors.

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.

President Bush delivered a speech emphasizing the need for economic reform and increased security in Iraq and expressed optimism for upcoming elections but said Iraq will continue to face challenges after the vote. After a background report, a reporter discusses…

A report on the tax debate in the House of Representatives that ending with the passage of a Republican bill that extends the 15 percent tax rate for income on capital gains and dividends.