2chambers - Breaking news and analysis from Capitol Hill.

Posted at 07:30 AM ET, 03/30/2012

Gen. Martin Dempsey knocks Paul Ryan’s budget comments

By Ed O'Keefe

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says he’s failed to persuade Congress that his budget is necessary.

By Ed O'Keefe | 07:30 AM ET, 03/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:26 PM ET, 03/29/2012

House approves Ryan budget plan to cut spending, taxes

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The budget plan, with major Medicare adjustments, is all but certain to be rejected by the Senate but sets out GOP principles.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:26 PM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/29/2012

Countdown to passage of a highway bill

By Ed O'Keefe

Senate Democrats tap a popular gimmick to pressure the House to vote on transportation funding.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/29/2012

Who does Mitch McConnell want to win the Louisville-Kentucky game?

By Ed O'Keefe

The Senate minority leader weighs in on this weekend’s closely-watched Louisville-Kentucky men’s college basketball game.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:29 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Bipartisan plan to cut deficits gets meager support in House

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Bipartisan budget plan offered Congress first chance to vote on principles in Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction proposal

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:29 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:40 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Bobby Rush: ‘Sometimes decorum has to take a back seat’

By Ed O'Keefe

Rep. Bobby Rush explains why he went to the House floor wearing a hoodie.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:40 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Rep. Bobby Rush chided for wearing hoodie on House floor for Trayvon Martin

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Congressman escorted from House floor Wednesday after wearing a gray hoodie while calling for investigation into shooting of Trayvon Martin.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:34 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 03/28/2012

Ben Bernanke: Congress needs ‘political courage’

By Ed O'Keefe

The Federal Reserve chairman opines in a rare interview on the “toxic paralysis” of Capitol Hill.

By Ed O'Keefe | 09:00 AM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/28/2012

Democrats attack GOP Rep. Paul Ryan on his home turf

By Ed O'Keefe

The party’s campaign arm buys a big billboard in the Wisconsin Republican’s district to blast his budget plan.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:10 PM ET, 03/27/2012

House passes JOBS Act, sends bill to Obama

By Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | The measure heads next to President Obama, who enthusiastically backs the measure.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:10 PM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: economy, Congress, JOBS act

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 03/27/2012

‘Where are the women’ dispute settled. Kind of.

By Ed O'Keefe

Two lawmakers bury the hatchet over last month’s contentious contraception hearing — but not without a few more digs.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:00 PM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Women's rights

Posted at 11:58 AM ET, 03/27/2012

John Boehner offers veiled critique of Mitt Romney’s Russia comments

By Rosalind S. Helderman

“While the president is overseas,” House Speaker John Boehner said, “I think it’s appropriate that we not be critical of him or of our country.”

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:58 AM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/27/2012

Trayvon Martin’s parents coming to Capitol Hill

By Ed O'Keefe

The couple is set to appear at an event hosted by House Democrats.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/27/2012

Senate set to fight over oil company tax cuts

By Ed O'Keefe

Republicans have been itching for a fight over rising gas prices and Democrats want to end subsidies for large oil companies.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:20 PM ET, 03/26/2012

Democrats release budget to compete with Ryan plan

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Rep. Chris Van Hollen offers alternative he says is more balanced than the plan released by Rep. Paul Ryan.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 09:20 PM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 03/26/2012

Short-term highway funding bill scrapped

By Ed O'Keefe

House GOP couldn’t earn enough support from Democrats to proceed.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 PM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 03/26/2012

Former Rep. William Jefferson’s conviction upheld by federal court

By Ed O'Keefe

Three-judge panel upholds 10 of the 11 bribery charges against the former congressman from Louisiana.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:15 PM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 03/26/2012

How do you prepare for Supreme Court oral arguments? (And other stories we’re reading)

By Ed O'Keefe

And a closer look at some of the other stories that 2chambers is reading today.

By Ed O'Keefe | 09:00 AM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/26/2012

Senate turns attention to the Postal Service

By Ed O'Keefe

The politically tricky issue gets its turn, while the House plans a short-term transportation bill.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:16 AM ET, 03/25/2012

Rep. Paul Ryan says he’d ‘consider’ a vice presidential candidacy

By Rosalind S. Helderman

House Budget Committee chairman does not shut down veep talk but says he is focused on Congress.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:16 AM ET, 03/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 03/23/2012

Rep. Allen West on Trayvon Martin: ‘This is an outrage’

By Ed O'Keefe

In a pointed Facebook message, Rep. Alan West (R-Fla.) writes: ‘This is an outrage.’

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:50 PM ET, 03/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 03/23/2012

House ethics panel launches new probes of Reps. Shelley Berkley, Vern Buchanan

By Ed O'Keefe

Committee will probe Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) and launches new investigation into Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.)

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:15 PM ET, 03/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2012

NFL bounties earn Senate scrutiny

By Ed O'Keefe

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) wants football — and hockey, baseball and basketball — to explain how players earned cash for hits.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:49 PM ET, 03/22/2012

John McCain: Romney aide’s Etch a Sketch remark blown out of proportion

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The Arizona senator and Romney supporter says, “one statement by one aide,” has been blown out of proportion.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:49 PM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 03/22/2012

Senate passes JOBS Act, sends it back to the House

By Ed O'Keefe

An amended version of the bill goes back to the House for final approval.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:00 PM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Jobs, Economy

Posted at 12:00 PM ET, 03/22/2012

Bill stripping parts of health-care law passes House

By Ed O'Keefe

House Republicans backed a measure curtailing medical malpractice claims and repealing a Medicare advisory board.

By Ed O'Keefe | 12:00 PM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 03/22/2012

Ryan budget heads to House floor after tight committee vote

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Two Republicans join 16 Budget Committee Democrats in opposition to Ryan plan.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 11:59 AM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/22/2012

Study: Ron Paul’s House seat enriches his family

By Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | Study finds that families of lawmakers — including the Texas Republican — benefit financially from their ties.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/22/2012

Senate should quickly confirm nominees, panel says

By Ed O'Keefe

A new commission urges presidential candidates and senators to think more seriously about the White House transition process.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 03/21/2012

Barbara Mikulski honored as longest-serving woman in Congress

By Ed O'Keefe

Colleagues laud the Maryland Democrat for being the longest-serving woman in Congress.

By Ed O'Keefe | 04:00 PM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:17 PM ET, 03/21/2012

Club for Growth: Ryan budget a ‘disappointment’ to conservatives

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Conservative group says the congressman’s GOP budget does not go far enough, potentially imperiling its passage.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 12:17 PM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:14 AM ET, 03/21/2012

Santorum: Ryan budget plan ‘a great blueprint,’ but doesn’t cut enough

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Rick Santorum praised Rep. Paul Ryan’s proposal as a “great blueprint,” but joined some conservatives who complain it does not cut quickly or deep enough.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:14 AM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 03/21/2012

House Republicans launch ‘Citizen Cosponsor’

By Ed O'Keefe

House Republicans launch a new online project allowing constituents to ‘cosponsor’ legislation — kind of.

By Ed O'Keefe | 09:00 AM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/21/2012

Which lawmaker has the best Facebook page? (and other stories I’m reading)

By Ed O'Keefe

Plus: House GOP hauls in big money; Democrats aren’t paying up; and Ike’s granddaughter doesn’t like his new memorial.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/21/2012

How much do Paul Ryan’s videos cost?

By Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | Democrats raise questions about snazzy videos starring the budget chairman and his spending plan.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:18 PM ET, 03/20/2012

Vote reauthorizing Export-Import Bank fails

By Ed O'Keefe

The proposal, amended to a bipartisan jobs bill, pitted various pro-business groups on either side of the debate.

By Ed O'Keefe | 05:18 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:15 PM ET, 03/20/2012

Rep. Walter Jones calls China ‘Uncle Chang’

By Ed O'Keefe

The North Carolina Republican made the comment in reference to U.S. spending on the war in Afghanistan.

By Ed O'Keefe | 05:15 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Gen. John Allen, Afghanistan, China

Posted at 04:38 PM ET, 03/20/2012

Senate to vote on STOCK Act

By Paul Kane

It’s a formal ban on insider trading for Capitol Hill, but tougher provisions won’t be included.

By Paul Kane | 04:38 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 03/20/2012

What happened to the House highway bill?

By Ed O'Keefe

Nothing yet, according to House Republicans, who are still talking over federal funding for roads and rails.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:30 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 03/20/2012

Democrats: Ryan budget ‘a breach of faith’, hurts women

By Ed O'Keefe

Group of women lawmakers says the GOP proposal also bad for women’s health care.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:00 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 03/20/2012

Looking for your lawmaker? There’s an app for that.

By Ed O'Keefe

New feature lets confused voters determine who represents them in Washington.

By Ed O'Keefe | 09:00 AM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/20/2012

Illinois House primaries critical to balance of power (And other stories I read this morning)

By Ed O'Keefe

The Land of Lincoln could decide the congressional balance of power. Plus: A Giffords aide goes all in.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:03 AM ET, 03/20/2012

Republican budget proposal to be unveiled

By Ed O'Keefe and Rosalind S. Helderman

We know Democrats won’t like Paul Ryan's plan — but he may have a tough sell with some Republicans, too.

By Ed O'Keefe and Rosalind S. Helderman | 06:03 AM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 03/19/2012

Senate Democrats warn House GOP not to cut too deeply in budget plan

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Two leading Senate Democrats warn House Republicans that a budget that slashes agency spending too deeply again raises the specter of a government shutdown.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:50 PM ET, 03/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:23 PM ET, 03/19/2012

Democrats: The more Americans learn, the more they love health-care reform

By Ed O'Keefe

The more they learn about it, the more the general public will grow to love the reforms, lawmakers insist.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:23 PM ET, 03/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/19/2012

GOP turns attention to health-care law

By Ed O'Keefe

Republicans are beginning a multi-pronged approach to tear down President Obama’s signature issue.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/16/2012

Paul Ryan’s dramatic budget preview

By Ed O'Keefe

The House Budget Committee chairman turns to YouTube to unveil his spending proposal.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:08 PM ET, 03/15/2012

Female senators push to reauthorize Violence Against Women Act

By Ed O'Keefe

Female senators begin pushing for fast reauthorization of the measure, which some GOP lawmakers oppose.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:08 PM ET, 03/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/15/2012

Senate GOP to IRS: Keep politics out of Super PAC probe

By Ed O'Keefe

Twelve Republicans want to know why the tax agency is probing tea party-affiliated groups.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 03/14/2012

Senate reaches deal on federal judicial nominations

By Ed O'Keefe

Senate Democrats want up-or-down votes on 17 nominees to federal courts. Republicans want to focus on jobs.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:35 PM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:30 PM ET, 03/14/2012

Senate passes highway bill, but House prospects uncertain

By Ed O'Keefe

The two-year, $109 billion measure passed with bipartisan support. But it’s not clear what the measure’s fate might be in the House.

By Ed O'Keefe | 12:30 PM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Transportation, Transportation funding

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/14/2012

Can Congress be fixed? Some lawmakers think so

By Ed O'Keefe

A Senate committee plans to review plans Wednesday to revamp the budget and nominations process.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:40 PM ET, 03/13/2012

Senate stops voting to attend Susan Collins engagement party

By Ed O'Keefe

Consideration of the highway bill will continue Wednesday — after senators party with the Maine Republican.

By Ed O'Keefe | 05:40 PM ET, 03/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:19 PM ET, 03/13/2012

Lindsey Graham blasts Newt Gingrich on Afghanistan

By Ed O'Keefe

The South Carolina senator blasts the former House speaker for raising doubts about the war.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:19 PM ET, 03/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/13/2012

Congress remains deeply unpopular, poll finds

By Ed O'Keefe

A new Washington Post-ABC News poll delivers more bad news — with Republicans especially upset with GOP lawmakers.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:34 PM ET, 03/12/2012

Senate set for fight on federal judges

By Ed O'Keefe

The showdown over 17 federal judge nominees is slated to come to a head Wednesday.

By Ed O'Keefe | 05:34 PM ET, 03/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 03/12/2012

Senate Democrats ask IRS for greater scrutiny of Super PACs

By Ed O'Keefe

Seven senators call on the IRS to put a limit on political spending by tax-exempt groups.

By Ed O'Keefe | 05:07 PM ET, 03/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 03/12/2012

Democrats target House GOP ethics concerns

By Ed O'Keefe

New Web site designed to serve as clearinghouse for voters seeking information on GOP members.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 03/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/12/2012

What is Congress doing this week? (Afghanistan, highway bill, judicial nominations and ‘No Budget, No Pay.’)

By Ed O'Keefe

The Senate takes up a highway bill and may shift next to federal judge nominations... and what will lawmakers say about Afghanistan?

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 03/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 03/11/2012

Afghanistan shooting: Gingrich says Afghan mission may not be ‘doable’

By Matt DeLong

In wake of shooting, former House speaker says U.S. may not have “willpower” to “fundamentally change the region.”

By Matt DeLong | 12:05 PM ET, 03/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:30 PM ET, 03/09/2012

Big money weekend for Senate’s Democratic women

By Ed O'Keefe

Incumbents and new candidates plan to spend the weekend raising campaign cash.

By Ed O'Keefe | 05:30 PM ET, 03/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Democratic Party

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 03/09/2012

Barney Frank sent to the congressional penalty box

By Ed O'Keefe

After accusing Republicans of stealing an idea, he’s ordered not to speak on the floor for the rest of the day.

By Ed O'Keefe | 10:00 AM ET, 03/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:02 PM ET, 03/08/2012

Dennis Kucinich: Another election ‘very unlikely’

By Ed O'Keefe

The Ohio Democrat appears to rule out running again after losing in a primary Tuesday night.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:02 PM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 03/08/2012

Senate rejects expediting Keystone pipeline

By Juliet Eilperin and Ed O'Keefe

It’s another victory for the White House — but only after President Obama started making phone calls.

By Juliet Eilperin and Ed O'Keefe | 05:00 PM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:16 PM ET, 03/08/2012

House passes jobs legislation

By Ed O'Keefe

Republican leaders call on Senate to quickly consider similar legislation.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:16 PM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 03/08/2012

Senate reaches deal on highway bill

By Ed O'Keefe

Senators plan to hold votes on 30 amendments -- including two provisions tied to the Keystone XL pipeline.

By Ed O'Keefe | 10:00 AM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Transportation, Highways, Keystone XL pipeline

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 03/07/2012

Super Tuesday results bring no clarity to Capitol Hill

By Ed O'Keefe

Neutral Republican lawmakers aren’t likely to join Camp Romney in droves just yet.

By Ed O'Keefe | 12:14 PM ET, 03/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 03/07/2012

Dennis Kucinich’s most memorable moments

By Ed O'Keefe and Paul Kane

With the Ohio Democrat’s primary loss, we look back at some of his statements, speeches, and sightings.

By Ed O'Keefe and Paul Kane | 06:00 AM ET, 03/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 03/06/2012

Senate highway bill fails test vote; deal could come later Tuesday

By Ed O'Keefe

But the Senate may still give the green light to move forward later today.

By Ed O'Keefe | 01:15 PM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:50 AM ET, 03/06/2012

Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J) dies at age 77

By Ed O'Keefe

The New Jersey Democrat was the first African American elected to Congress from the Garden State.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:50 AM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 03/05/2012

This week on Capitol Hill: Highway funding, jobs bills, budget testimony and maybe more endorsements?

By Ed O'Keefe

The House and Senate are set to consider jobs and highway bills. And will any more lawmakers endorse?

By Ed O'Keefe | 10:30 AM ET, 03/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:51 PM ET, 02/29/2012

Obama, Boehner meet for first time in seven months

By Paul Kane and David Nakamura

The president and House speaker met face-to-face along with other congressional leaders to see what pieces of economic legislation might have a chance at passage.

By Paul Kane and David Nakamura | 04:51 PM ET, 02/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: John Boehner, Congress, House of Representatives

2chambers: March, 2012