2chambers - Breaking news and analysis from Capitol Hill.

Posted at 10:06 PM ET, 08/30/2011

Rep. Carson: Tea party wants to see African Americans ‘hanging on a tree’

By Felicia Sonmez

A leading member of the Congressional Black Caucus is standing by incendiary language he used at a recent town hall when he charged that tea party-aligned members of Congress view African Americans as “second-class citizens” and would like to see them “hanging on a tree.”

By Felicia Sonmez | 10:06 PM ET, 08/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:40 PM ET, 08/30/2011

Shots fired outside Rep. Gene Green’s office in Houston

By Felicia Sonmez

Several windows hit at Houston building where office of Democratic Rep. Gene Green is located; no one was injured.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:40 PM ET, 08/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:44 PM ET, 08/30/2011

In letter to Boehner, Obama defends federal regulations

By Felicia Sonmez

President has sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner defending his administration’s rules agenda.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:44 PM ET, 08/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:41 AM ET, 08/30/2011

Debt supercommittee co-chairmen name Prater as staff director

By Felicia Sonmez

The co-chairmen of the 12-member debt supercommittee named Mark Prater as the panel’s staff director on Tuesday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:41 AM ET, 08/30/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:09 PM ET, 08/29/2011

Hoyer: Stronger oversight of defense spending needed

By Felicia Sonmez

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer says the U.S. needs to strengthen its oversight of defense spending to prevent federal dollars from going to waste.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:09 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 08/29/2011

The Post is starting a new chat series with members of Congress. Who do you want to chat with?

By Washington Post editors

Weigh in on the comment board, leaving the name of the member of Congress with whom you most want to chat and vote on suggestions of others. We’ll try to book the most recommended member.

By Washington Post editors | 05:06 PM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:33 AM ET, 08/29/2011

Poll: Only 17 percent view federal government favorably

By Felicia Sonmez

The public’s opinion of the federal government has hit a new low, according to a Gallup survey released Monday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:33 AM ET, 08/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:37 PM ET, 08/26/2011

Schumer: Bernanke speech on economy shows ‘ball is in Congress’s court’

By Felicia Sonmez

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s remarks at Jackson Hole are a sign that it’s up to Congress to put the country’s fiscal house in order, the New York senator said Friday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:37 PM ET, 08/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:09 PM ET, 08/26/2011

Portman launches Web site asking for deficit-reduction ideas

By Felicia Sonmez

Congress doesn’t return to Washington for another two weeks, but one member of the bipartisan debt-reduction “supercommittee” has already begun soliciting ideas.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:09 PM ET, 08/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:44 PM ET, 08/26/2011

Boehner asks Obama to detail $1 billion regulations

By Felicia Sonmez

The Republican House speaker is pressing the president for information on costly government regulations, days after the White House announced a plan to eliminate more than 500 federal rules.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:44 PM ET, 08/26/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:21 PM ET, 08/25/2011

Rep. Joe Wilson hospitalized with viral infection

By Felicia Sonmez

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), who famously shouted out “You lie” at President Obama, has an infection, his office said Thursday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:21 PM ET, 08/25/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 08/24/2011

Debt supercommittee reviews previous proposals

By Felicia Sonmez

The co-chairs of the debt “supercommittee” say members are reviewing the work of previous debt-reduction panels.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:50 PM ET, 08/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:47 PM ET, 08/24/2011

Senate holds first non-ceremonial session off Capitol grounds in nearly 200 years

By Felicia Sonmez

The rare earthquake that rattled Washington wasn’t the only bit of history made Tuesday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:47 PM ET, 08/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:10 PM ET, 08/24/2011

Capitol complex reopens one day after earthquake; no structural damage found

By Felicia Sonmez

The Capitol complex was open for business Wednesday, one day after an earthquake shook Washington and forced staffers onto the streets.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:10 PM ET, 08/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:53 AM ET, 08/24/2011

Kurt Bardella returns to Issa’s office

By Felicia Sonmez

Kurt Bardella, fired in March after sharing journalists’ e-mails with a New York Times reporter, is returning to the House oversight panel, FishbowlDC reports.

By Felicia Sonmez | 10:53 AM ET, 08/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:35 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Earthquake forces Senate into session outside Capitol

By Felicia Sonmez

The earthquake that shook Washington Tuesday afternoon led the Senate to conduct a rare session off the Capitol grounds.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:35 PM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 08/23/2011

Biden: Supercommittee on debt faces ‘very difficult’ task

By Felicia Sonmez

Vice President Biden said that he believes the 12-member “supercommittee” charged with tackling the country’s debt problem by Thanksgiving faces “very difficult” odds.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:32 PM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 08/23/2011

Report: 60 percent of House members not holding town halls this summer

By Felicia Sonmez

Six in ten House members are not holding any town hall meetings during this summer’s five-week congressional recess, according to the organization No Labels.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:40 AM ET, 08/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 08/22/2011

Reid: Situation in Libya ‘still fluid’

By Felicia Sonmez

Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid warned Monday that the situation in Libya is “still fluid” and that “the potential for violence is not over” – a message that echoed President Obama’s remarks earlier in the day.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:09 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:29 PM ET, 08/22/2011

29 House members urge leaders not to end page program

By Felicia Sonmez

A group of 29 House members is urging House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) not to end the House Page Program, which is set to conclude at the end of the month.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:29 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:43 PM ET, 08/22/2011

Some Republicans calling for U.S. to step up role in Libya after Gaddafi falls

By Felicia Sonmez

Several congressional Republicans are hailing the U.S. military involvement in Libya and are calling for the U.S. to increase its involvement in the country if Moammar Gaddafi’s regime falls.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:43 PM ET, 08/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 08/15/2011

2chambers recesses

By Felicia Sonmez

2chambers will be away this week for a little R&R.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:39 AM ET, 08/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:54 AM ET, 08/12/2011

Democrats lead Republicans on generic ballot

By Felicia Sonmez

A new Gallup poll shows Democrats with a seven-point edge over Republicans on the generic congressional ballot.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:54 AM ET, 08/12/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 08/11/2011

Business Roundtable: ‘Supercommittee’ on debt should work toward comprehensive tax reform

By Felicia Sonmez

A leading group of business executives is urging members of the bipartisan debt supercommittee to work toward a comprehensive reform of the tax code.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:20 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:04 PM ET, 08/11/2011

Supercommittee doesn’t face an ‘either-or’ choice

By Felicia Sonmez

Think the bipartisan 12-member “supercommittee” has only two options when it comes to tackling the country’s debt problem ahead of a Thanksgiving deadline? Think again.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:04 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:41 PM ET, 08/11/2011

Pelosi chooses deficit-reduction ‘supercommittee’ members

By Paul Kane

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) filled out the final three slots on the joint deficit “supercommittee” by selecting three members of her leadership team to the panel.

By Paul Kane | 12:41 PM ET, 08/11/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:07 PM ET, 08/10/2011

House Dem chairman: How about a jobs supercommittee?

By Felicia Sonmez

A top House Democrat says that if Congress is serious about tackling the country’s debt and jobs crises, one supercommittee isn’t enough.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:07 PM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:37 PM ET, 08/10/2011

In debt debate, not all pledges are ironclad

By Felicia Sonmez

More than a quarter of House Republicans who signed a “cut, cap and balance” pledge went back on their vow not to raise the country’s borrowing limit without the enactment of rigorous spending restrictions and the passage of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:37 PM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 08/10/2011

Boehner, McConnell announce debt super committee picks

By Felicia Sonmez

Of the nine members announced so far, eight voted “yes” on last week’s debt-ceiling deal -- a sign that there exists at least the possibility that the panel will be able to reach a bipartisan agreement. The one delegate announced so far who opposed the debt compromise is Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.).

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:00 PM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 08/10/2011

Boehner: ‘Strong commitment’ to transparent debt supercommittee

By Felicia Sonmez

House Speaker John Boehner has become the latest congressional leader to advocate for the bipartisan 12-member debt supercommittee to open up its decision-making process to the public.

By Felicia Sonmez | 10:52 AM ET, 08/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:13 PM ET, 08/09/2011

The timeline of the ‘supercommittee’

By Felicia Sonmez

Reid makes first move by selecting Murray, Baucus and Kerry for the congressional “super committee” that is charged with cutting at least $1.2 trillion in debt. Who’s next?

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:13 PM ET, 08/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:20 PM ET, 08/09/2011

The end of the House Page Program: Reactions from former pages

By Felicia Sonmez

Are you a former House page? Share your story here, as the House Page Program comes to an end.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:20 PM ET, 08/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:26 PM ET, 08/09/2011

S&P’s Chambers: Balanced budget amendment would do more harm than good

By Felicia Sonmez

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:26 PM ET, 08/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:54 PM ET, 08/08/2011

In wake of S&P decision and as markets tumble, party leaders double down

By Felicia Sonmez

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle continued Monday to use Standard and Poor’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating to make the case for their party’s stand on how best to address the country’s debt problem.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:54 PM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:35 PM ET, 08/08/2011

House Page Program is coming to an end

By Felicia Sonmez

The House Page Program, where many a congressional career began, has become the latest casualty of the country’s fiscal woes.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:35 PM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 08/08/2011

Issa subpoenas National Labor Relations Board for Boeing documents

By Felicia Sonmez

The House oversight committee chairman’s move intensifies a battle over whether Boeing unlawfully retaliated against union members.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:15 PM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 08/08/2011

Lawmakers call for transparency in debt supercommittee

By Felicia Sonmez

Some in Congress are already calling for the panel’s proceedings to be made public.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:04 PM ET, 08/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 08/05/2011

House ethics panel still investigating Meeks; Schmidt must repay legal fees

By Felicia Sonmez

The House Ethics Committee is still investigating whether Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) broke House rules by failing to disclose a 2007 loan, the panel said Friday.

By Felicia Sonmez | 02:15 PM ET, 08/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 08/05/2011

Senate’s approval of FAA funding extension sets stage for battle in Sept.

By Felicia Sonmez

The Senate’s approval of a six-week reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration ends a two-week partial shutdown of the agency -- and sets the stage for an even more heated battle.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:04 PM ET, 08/05/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:51 PM ET, 08/04/2011

In debt-limit debate, social issues were placed on the back burner

By Felicia Sonmez

It’s worth pondering why the biggest spending fight of the 112th Congress featured almost no debate on a matter that has animated both parties’ bases: social issues.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:51 PM ET, 08/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:00 PM ET, 08/04/2011

Conservative House members move to block recess appointments

By Felicia Sonmez

A bloc of conservative Republicans will be presiding over “pro forma” House sessions in order to prevent President Obama from making any recess appointments while both chambers are out this month.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:00 PM ET, 08/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:25 AM ET, 08/04/2011

Senate leaders reach agreement on Colombia, South Korea, Panama trade deals

By Felicia Sonmez

Three long-stalled trade deals inched closer to passage late Wednesday after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced that they had reached an agreement on moving forward with the pacts when Congress returns to Washington in September.

By Felicia Sonmez | 10:25 AM ET, 08/04/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:07 PM ET, 08/03/2011

Debt-reduction politics: Why not let each party choose the other’s supercommittee members?

By Felicia Sonmez

Why not start off the next round of debt talks in the most bipartisan of ways -- by having each party’s leaders in each chamber appoint the other side’s committee members?

By Felicia Sonmez | 07:07 PM ET, 08/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:59 PM ET, 08/03/2011

Poll: Americans think debt deal will make economy worse, not better

By Felicia Sonmez

A new poll shows that more Americans think the debt-reduction compromise passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday will make the economy worse, not better.

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:59 PM ET, 08/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:37 PM ET, 08/03/2011

As FAA shutdown continues, congressional leaders trade barbs

By Felicia Sonmez

Congressional leaders sparred publicly but made no further progress Wednesday on resolving an impasse that has led to a partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration.

By Felicia Sonmez | 01:37 PM ET, 08/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:54 PM ET, 08/02/2011

Senate, House recess for five weeks, leaving FAA in limbo

By Felicia Sonmez

The House and Senate began a five-week recess on Tuesday without resolving a stalemate over funding the Federal Aviation Administration, leaving 4,000 agency employees and 80,000 contractors high and dry.

By Felicia Sonmez | 07:54 PM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:27 PM ET, 08/02/2011

McCain: Portman should serve on deficit-reduction committee

By Felicia Sonmez

No sooner did President Obama sign the debt-ceiling compromise into law Tuesday than the next big political fight of 2011 – the composition of a bipartisan committee aimed at tackling future spending cuts – had already kicked off.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:27 PM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:52 PM ET, 08/02/2011

Moderate Senate Dems prepare a balanced budget amendment

By Peter Wallsten

Sen. Mark Udall, the centrist Democrat from Colorado, has introduced a balanced budget amendment proposal that he says will be considered in the fall.

By Peter Wallsten | 05:52 PM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 08/02/2011

The Senate debt-ceiling vote: Behind the numbers — and inside the chamber

By Felicia Sonmez

Unlike the scene in the House five days earlier, both parties’ leadership teams in the Senate appeared to be relaxed ahead of their debt-ceiling vote.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:40 PM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:16 AM ET, 08/02/2011

The day ahead on the Hill: Debt ceiling deadline

By Felicia Sonmez

It’s finally here: the debt-ceiling deadline.

By Felicia Sonmez | 10:16 AM ET, 08/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:54 PM ET, 08/01/2011

Giffords’s surprising return brings together Biden, Bachmann on House floor

By Felicia Sonmez

When Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) returned to Congress during Monday evening’s debt-ceiling vote, the historic moment united those on both sides of the aisle as well as on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Literally.

By Felicia Sonmez | 10:54 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:37 PM ET, 08/01/2011

Gabrielle Giffords returns to House for debt vote

By David Fahrenthold

Giffords entered the House chambers through a side door while her colleagues were voting on a compromise measure to raise the national debt ceiling.

By David Fahrenthold | 07:37 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:36 PM ET, 08/01/2011

FAA to remain in partial shutdown through September

By Felicia Sonmez

The Federal Aviation Administration will remain in a partial shutdown until Congress reconvenes.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:36 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:11 PM ET, 08/01/2011

Congressional Black Caucus plans to force GOP’s hand on debt vote

By Felicia Sonmez

The Congressional Black Caucus will try to force a majority of House Republicans to cast their votes on the debt measure before CBC members cast theirs.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:11 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 08/01/2011

What’s your #debtvote?

By Natalie Jennings

By Natalie Jennings | 04:47 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:37 PM ET, 08/01/2011

Protesters disrupt House during debate on debt deal; 22 arrested

By Felicia Sonmez

More than 20 protesters were arrested Monday afternoon after causing a disruption in the House gallery.

By Felicia Sonmez | 04:37 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:31 PM ET, 08/01/2011

Boehner to meet with members to allay concerns over defense cuts in debt deal

By Felicia Sonmez

The inclusion of potential defense cuts in the debt deal has emerged as a sticking point for some key House Republicans

By Felicia Sonmez | 03:31 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 08/01/2011

House debates debt deal ahead of possible Monday vote

By Felicia Sonmez

The House convened at noon Monday for the first time since the deal was announced.

By Felicia Sonmez | 12:53 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:20 PM ET, 08/01/2011

Moderates likely to push debt limit over the line

By David A. Fahrenthold

As a vote on the debt-ceiling deal approaches, leaders in both parties have turned to moderate legislators to vote “yes.” That is a familiar role for moderates, who have been called upon to take votes that ended past political crises, including the one over TARP.

By David A. Fahrenthold | 12:20 PM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 08/01/2011

One day until the debt deadline: The day ahead on the Hill

By Felicia Sonmez

Monday is a make-or-break day in the negotiations on raising the country’s debt ceiling.

By Felicia Sonmez | 06:00 AM ET, 08/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:29 PM ET, 07/31/2011

Debt deal presents small wins for Democrats, big victory for GOP – and large gamble for Obama

By Felicia Sonmez

While any agreement still faces tough odds for passage in Congress ahead of an Aug. 2 deadline, the emergence of a deal brings with it revelations about the significance of the months-long debt-ceiling fight for both political parties as well as the White House.

By Felicia Sonmez | 11:29 PM ET, 07/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:16 PM ET, 07/31/2011

Senate conservatives likely to oppose debt-ceiling compromise, but won’t delay Senate vote

By Felicia Sonmez

One of the founding members of the Senate Tea Party Caucus said Sunday that he won’t seek to delay Senate action on a compromise debt-ceiling plan being negotiated by congressional leaders and the White House ahead of an Aug. 2 deadline.

By Felicia Sonmez | 05:16 PM ET, 07/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 07/31/2011

Senate chaplain implores God to help in debt crisis

By David A. Fahrenthold

As the Senate has mired itself in bickering and deadlock this week, there has been at least one voice of the panic rising in the country around lawmakers.

By David A. Fahrenthold | 12:50 PM ET, 07/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:04 AM ET, 07/31/2011

McConnell outlines framework of potential debt deal

By Felicia Sonmez and Lisa Rein

By Felicia Sonmez and Lisa Rein | 10:04 AM ET, 07/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

2chambers: August, 2011