senate

Oregon passes bill that expands background checks for gun sales

By Sheila V Kumar, Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. — An Oregon bill expanding background checks to encompass nearly all gun sales in the state made it through the Legislature on Monday, overcoming obstacles that stymied two previous attempts to pass similar laws.

Not long ago, Rubio questioned his readiness for presidency

By Brendan Farrington, Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Marco Rubio lacks the experience to be president and Jeb Bush is a brilliant man ready for the job. So said Marco Rubio.

Obama attorney general nominee Loretta Lynch heads for vote after 5 months

By Erica Werner, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Key senators say they're close to a deal on a bill to help sex-trafficking victims, potentially clearing the way for a vote to confirm President Barack Obama's attorney general.

Senate committee to challenge Obama with vote on Iran bill

By Deb Riechmann, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — In a direct challenge to the White House, a Senate committee is to vote on a bill that would give Congress a chance to weigh in on any final nuclear agreement that can be reached with Iran.

To win Senate, Democrats turn to candidates who have lost before

By Erica Werner, Associated Press

Democrats are turning to some proven election losers as they aim to retake control of the Senate in 2016.

GOP senators send letter to Iran in attempt to undermine nuclear deal; Biden calls it 'false' and 'dangerous'

By Bradley Klapper, Deb Riechmann, Associated Press

Monday's open letter from 47 GOP senators marked an unusually public and aggressive attempt to undermine Obama and five world powers as negotiators try to strike an initial deal by the end of March to limit Iran's nuclear programs.

Sen. Barbara Mikulski expected to announce her retirement

By Donna Cassata, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Democratic officials say Sen. Barbara Mikulski, the longest serving woman in the history of Congress, is ready to announce her retirement.

Behind the funding fight to avert Homeland Security shutdown

By PBS News Hour

Congress passed a one-week spending bill late Friday night to avert a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security -- as leaders in both political parties quelled a revolt by House conservatives who were furious that the measure left…

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Congress approves bill to fund Homeland Security for a week

By Erica Werner, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Senate has approved a bill to ensure full funding of the Homeland Security Department for one week, sending the measure to the House just hours before the agency faces a partial shutdown.

White House threatens veto of GOP bill to fix No Child Left Behind

By Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press

WASHINGTON — No Child Left Behind is a widely criticized law, but a GOP bill intended to fix it isn't winning popularity contests among House Democrats.