Sean Lengell

Freshman has GOP abuzz with talk of 2012

Rep. Allen B. West has served his South Florida district for less than three months, but already his supporters are demanding more.

March 23, 2011

McCaskill hits more political turbulence

Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill was a top target of Republicans in 2012 even before a messy scandal expanded this week over her use of a private airplane.

March 22, 2011

Republicans say regulations, taxes stifle new jobs

Before the 2010 midterm elections, Republicans promised an intense focus on creating and preserving American jobs. But spending and program cuts instead have dominated their agenda since taking control of the House in January — so much so that Democrats now accuse the GOP of reneging on a key campaign pledge.

March 16, 2011

Nevadan to seek Senate seat

Nevada Rep. Dean Heller said Tuesday he will run for the Senate seat held by fellow Republican John Ensign, who said last week he won't seek a third term in 2012.

March 15, 2011

Obama pressed on trade pacts

The Obama administration is under growing pressure from both parties on Capitol Hill to wrap up work on a package of long-delayed, Bush-era trade pacts, with lawmakers saying the United States continues to lose market share to China, Canada and others without the deals.

March 14, 2011

Bill requires Smithsonian museum to ‘Buy American’

Four million visitors annually flock to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to view such priceless national treasures as the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore the night of his assassination and a military uniform donned by George Washington.

March 10, 2011

Mayors balk at cuts to community grants

A bipartisan chorus of mayors nationwide is crying foul over a House Republican proposal to slash funding for a popular grant program, warning that everything from job training and child nutrition to homeless shelters and senior care will be devastated.

March 10, 2011

Ensign won’t run, cites probability of ‘ugly’ campaign

Sen. John Ensign, a Nevada Republican mired in an ethics investigation stemming from a sex and lobbying scandal, said Monday that he won't seek re-election in 2012.

March 7, 2011

Lawmakers deny last doughboy honor of lying in state at Capitol

When the last-known surviving U.S. veteran of World War I died late last month, there was no shortage of praise or accolades for the 110-year-old doughboy, although one posthumous honor seems to have escaped him — lying in state at the U.S. Capitol.

March 6, 2011

Ex-lawmaker accuses pro-life group of ‘lies’

Former Rep. Steve Driehaus says the Susan B. Anthony List is a big-time liar that cost him his job in Congress.

March 3, 2011

Hawaii senator to call it quits

Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Akaka said Wednesday he won't seek re-election next year, the fifth member of the Senate Democratic Caucus to decide not to face the voters in 2012.

March 2, 2011

Social Security reform looms with or without Obama

Despite President Obama's promises to lower the deficit and rein in spending, there was a conspicuous omission from his 2012 budget blueprint that many say would go a long way toward easing the nation's financial woes: Social Security reform.

February 27, 2011

Shutdown’s ‘essential’ question: Which workers are indispensable?

As Washington and the nation brace for a possible government shutdown next week, federal agencies are scrambling to determine how many "essential" workers will stay on the job.

February 24, 2011

Governor: Florida could see Wisconsin-style protests

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday he expects his proposed overhaul of the state's pension system will be met with protests similar to the ongoing labor battle in Madison, Wis.

February 23, 2011

Wisconsin legislative standoff continues

No resolution to the standoff over union rights in Wisconsin appeared in sight Monday, as neither side showed signs of retreat in a bitter game of political chicken that again drew thousands of protesters to the state Capitol in Madison.

February 21, 2011

Cabinet out in force on Hill to defend budgets, programs

Wednesday was a whirlwind day for the Obama administration on Capitol Hill.

February 16, 2011

Florida spurns federal funds for Tampa-Orlando rail link

Florida's Republican Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday announced he will return $2.4 billion in federal funds for building a high-speed rail link between Tampa and Orlando — killing the project and setting off a bipartisan chorus of complaints from Sunshine State lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

February 16, 2011