Sep 14 GOP leaders face difficult battle to avert federal shutdown By Alan Fram and Andrew Taylor, Associated Press A band of conservatives say they won't back legislation financing government agencies unless the bill blocks federal payments to Planned Parenthood. A partial shutdown will occur Oct. 1 unless lawmakers provide money to keep government functioning. Continue reading
Aug 10 Pope Francis expected to challenge lawmakers in U.S. trip By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press WASHINGTON — A political pope is sure to seize his opportunity when he addresses a political body. So both Democrats and Republicans are looking forward to Pope Francis' remarks to Congress next month — and bracing for them, too. Continue reading
Jul 30 Senate on track to approve 3-month extension to highway bill By Joan Lowy, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Facing a Friday deadline, the Senate is on track to shore up federal highway aid and veterans' health care, leaving a raft of unresolved issues for a jam-packed congressional agenda in the fall. Continue reading
Jul 29 Conservative move against Boehner a sign of discontent By Matthew Daly and Alan Fram, Associated Press WASHINGTON -- An effort by a conservative Republican to strip House Speaker John Boehner of his position as the top House leader is largely symbolic, but is a sign of discontent among the more conservative wing of the House GOP. Continue reading
Jul 15 Boehner wants hearings on Planned Parenthood video By Alan Fram, Associated Press The political conflict over abortion flared anew Wednesday as congressional Republicans said they will investigate whether Planned Parenthood is selling organs from aborted fetuses. Continue reading
Jul 01 Obama aims to change conversation around the health care law By Darlene Superville, Associated Press WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is aiming to use the momentum from a recent Supreme Court victory for his health care law to change the conversation from talk about undoing his signature domestic achievement to talk about how to improve… Continue reading
May 22 Senate expected to act on NSA collection of phone records By Ken Dilanian, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The fate of the bulk collection of American phone records by the National Security Agency is now before the Senate, in what is increasingly looking like a game of legislative chicken. Continue reading
Apr 25 House GOP rebels blame party leaders as contributions falter By Alan Fram, Associated Press Tea party Rep. Thomas Massie and some other conservatives say the reason their business contributions have fallen is simple: GOP leaders are retaliating for their defiance. Continue reading
Mar 20 DOJ opens investigation into Rep. Aaron Schock’s finances By Jack Gillum, Stephen Braun, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Justice Department is investigating the congressional expenses and business dealings of Rep. Aaron Schock, and FBI agents have begun issuing subpoenas to potential witnesses, a person familiar with the case told The Associated Press on Friday. Continue reading
Mar 05 Republicans and Democrats push Obama to provide lethal aid to Ukraine By Donna Cassata, Associated Press WASHINGTON — House Speaker John Boehner and a group of top Democrats and Republicans stepped up the pressure on President Barack Obama to provide lethal, defensive weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russian-backed separatists. Continue reading