Because of Pope Francis' more progressive views on climate change, Rep. Paul Gosar, a Catholic Republican from Arizona, is boycotting the pope's address to Congress. He's facing pushback for it.
There are rumblings that conservatives want John Boehner ousted as House speaker for what they see as a lack of fight. But GOP leaders look ready to turn the tables on the insurgents.
Congress has until Sept. 30 to pass a measure to keep the government funded. If no agreement is reached, federal agencies could be shuttered again — the second time in three years.
As federal lawmakers return to work, they faces tough choices about the budget, worrying advocates for medical research, teen pregnancy prevention and other health initiatives.
President Obama may have secured enough votes to keep his Iran deal intact, but potential problems loom for Congress on the debt ceiling, highway funding and a possible government shutdown.
Religious voters are a key for Republicans running for president. One candidate — Texas Sen. Ted Cruz — is making a bold play for them, promising to campaign on defunding Planned Parenthood.