We ring in 2013 with analysis of the last-minute bipartisan deal that averted a financial crisis and examine future battles between the White House and Congress over spending cuts and the deficit.  Plus, will the partisan divide remain entrenched with the incoming 113thCongress? Joining Gwen: Susan Davis, USA Today; Peter Baker, New York Times; Eamon Javers, CNBC; and Michael Viqueira, NBC News.

With a combination of contrasting economic data, is the US economy really on the mend? Also, does the recent bipartisan push by Congress indicate a new era for immigration reform?  Plus, Chuck Hagel’s chances of becoming the next Secretary of Defense. Joining Gwen: David Wessel, Wall Street Journal; Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, Fawn Johnson, National Journal; Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times.

North Korea continues its hostile rhetoric and saber-rattling prompting concerns over their nuclear capabilities.  Also, do today’s  job numbers signify a cooling economy? Plus, momentum for new immigration legislation and this week’s political wrap-up. Joining Gwen: David Sanger, New York Times; David Wessel, Wall Street Journal; Fawn Johnson, National Journal; Amy Walter, Cook Political Report.

During this holiday week, we pause to take stock of the successes and challenges for Congress and the Obama administration.  We examine America's role abroad in Egypt and Syria plus the economic outlook for the remainder of 2013.  Joining Gwen: Susan Davis, USA Today; John Dickerson, Slate Magazine and CBS News; David Wessel, Wall Street Journal; Jeff Zeleny, ABC News.

We discuss the role of the new EbolaCzar, the likelihood of a travel ban and Obama's efforts to build a global effort against this endemic disease. Also, what the Federal Reserve, Treasury and Wall Street tell us about national economic anxiety. A preview of the issues, personalities and tight races in the midterm elections. Plus, the resiliency of ISIS and Obama's coalition-building strategy to f

In the Congressional Budget Office’s economic outlook report for 2014, analysts predicted that as many as 2.3 million will stop working or work less as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Gwen Ifill talks to NPR’s Julie Rovner about the findings and the political reactions coming from the White House and congressional Republicans.

In the debate over how to cure income inequality, talk about poverty and opportunity are increasingly converging. In a series of conversations about the growing divide between rich and poor, Gwen Ifill talks to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., about the importance of encouraging strong families and improving educational opportunities as keys to restoring the American dream.

In her first news conference, Janet Yellen announced that the Federal Reserve will continue its suppression of short-term interest rates. Yellen, who was the Fed’s vice-chair under Ben Bernanke, also discussed how her role has changed. Gwen Ifill gets an assessment of Yellen’s remarks from David Wessel of the Brookings Institution.

We examine the takeaways of the 2013 elections in the lead up to 2014 and 2016; the strategy to get healthcare.gov repaired while also educating the public about Obamacare; the political battle to pass ENDA; and analysis of he October jobs numbers. Joining Gwen: John Dickerson, Slate Magazine/CBS News; Christie Parsons, Tribune News; Ed O'Keefe, Washington Post; David Wessel, Wall Street Journal.

In "Capital," French economist Thomas Piketty explores how wealth and the income derived from it magnifies the problems of inequality. Gwen Ifill gets debate on his data and conclusions from Heather Boushey of Washington Center for Equitable Growth and Kevin Hassett of American Enterprise Institute.