Congress

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, wearing sunglasses to protect an injured eye. His announced retirement should set off a scramble to replace him.

With Reid Out, Republicans See An Opportunity

8:07pm March 27, 2015

by Domenico Montanaro

Democrats argue the top Senate leader's retirement might be a good thing. But it's going to set off a scramble to replace him in one of the most hotly contested races in 2016.

What Reid Endorsing Schumer As Top Democrat Means

4:58pm March 27, 2015

by Domenico Montanaro

Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid is not seeking re-election in 2016, but he is leaving no room for a leadership fight. He's throwing his support to his top lieutenant and message maestro.

Congress tries every year to plug a loophole that would otherwise result in a 21 percent cut in Medicare doctors' pay. But it doesn't exactly always tighten its belt in the process.

Skinny Jeans, Expanded Waistlines, And A Washington 'Fix'

3:24pm March 27, 2015

by Scott Horsley

Congress has acted 17 times to prevent a cut in Medicare doctors' payments. But the so-called Doc Fix has always been like that pair of jeans you keep in your closet, hoping someday they'll fit.

House Speaker John Boehner takes the gavel from Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Jan. 6 at the start of the 114th Congress.

Amazingly, Congress Actually Got Something Done

6:58pm March 26, 2015

by Ron Elving

The leaders and members must, in a word, compromise. And on this occasion, Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi did just that, with skill and savvy.

"Abraham Lincoln held this seat in Congress for one term but few faced as many defeats in his personal, business and public life as he did," Rep. Schock said on the House floor Thursday.

After Spending Scandals, Rep. Aaron Schock Says Goodbye

3:09pm March 26, 2015

by Juana Summers

Even in his final floor speech, Rep. Aaron Schock seemed to leave the door open for a future, comparing himself to former President Abraham Lincoln.

A member of the Secret Service's uniformed division stands by a fence in front of the White House.

Can't Protect The Real White House? Get An $8 Million Fake One

1:25pm March 18, 2015

by Domenico Montanaro

The Secret Service director is asking Congress to give the agency funding to build a replica at its training compound in suburban Maryland.

Republican Rep. Tom Price, House Budget Committee chairman, said Tuesday that his budget "saves $5.5 trillion, gets to balance within 10 years, without raising taxes."

House GOP Budget Sets Stage For Showdown With The President

8:18pm March 17, 2015

by Scott Horsley

House Republicans unveiled a draft budget Tuesday, aimed at balancing spending with revenues over the next decade without raising taxes.

Queue Listen Now

U.S. Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy pauses as he testifies during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

Tweets: Under Pressure — Service Director Testifies

4:14pm March 17, 2015

by Amita Kelly

Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy takes to Capitol Hill and faces tough questions about the agency's latest scandal.

Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., talks to reporters on Feb. 6. The congressman, whose spending habits have come under heavy scrutiny, resigned Tuesday effective March 31.

Illinois Rep. Aaron Schock Resigns Amid Spending Questions

3:33pm March 17, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

The 33-year-old Republican had come under heavy scrutiny. In a statement, he said that "the constant questions over the last six weeks have proven a great distraction."

For all the attention the president's and Congress' budget proposals receive, they don't actually fund any program or levy any taxes. They're more about politics.

Why Federal Budgets Aren't What You Think They Are

10:44am March 17, 2015

by S.V. Dáte

Congressional Republicans' budget is expected to be released Tuesday, but a federal budget is not really a budget at all.