2chambers - Breaking news and analysis from Capitol Hill.

Posted at 07:30 PM ET, 07/31/2012

D.C. late-term abortion ban fails in the House

By Ed O'Keefe and Ben Pershing

The bill failed a House vote, but debate on the measure is seen as a victory for anti-abortion activists.

By Ed O'Keefe and Ben Pershing | 07:30 PM ET, 07/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:50 PM ET, 07/31/2012

Harry Reid: Mitt Romney didn’t pay taxes for 10 years

By Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | Senate leader makes charge in an interview, saying that’s why Romney won’t release many of his returns.

By Ed O'Keefe | 04:50 PM ET, 07/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 07/31/2012

Congressional leaders reach short-term budget deal to avoid shutdown

By Ed O'Keefe

The short-term agreement punts the spending debate into next year.

By Ed O'Keefe | 04:00 PM ET, 07/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 07/31/2012

Postal Service default looming, Congress expected to do nothing

By Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | Proposals to fix financial woes exist, but are unlikely to get a vote before August recess.

By Ed O'Keefe | 12:15 PM ET, 07/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/30/2012

5 things to watch this week in Congress

By Ed O'Keefe

What, if anything, can lawmakers resolve before the August recess?

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:50 PM ET, 07/26/2012

Colorado shootings: House leaders open to gun law debate

By Ed O'Keefe

House Speaker John Boehner signals he’s willing to consider new proposals — but not laws restricting rights.

By Ed O'Keefe | 01:50 PM ET, 07/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/26/2012

John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Kelly Ayotte to headline sequester-themed town halls

By Ed O'Keefe

Hosted by top Republican senators, the effort will highlight threat of military budget cuts in four key states.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 07/25/2012

Tax cut bills: How did senators vote?

By Ed O'Keefe

Here’s a look at the yeas and nays on GOP, Democratic proposals.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 PM ET, 07/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:19 PM ET, 07/25/2012

‘Audit the Fed’ bill passes in the House with bipartisan support

By Ed O'Keefe

The House measure passes with bipartisan support.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:19 PM ET, 07/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 07/25/2012

Steny Hoyer: D.C. commuter tax won’t pass

By Ed O'Keefe

The Maryland lawmaker says it would unfairly target his constituents.

By Ed O'Keefe | 10:30 AM ET, 07/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/25/2012

House Republicans support a 94 percent unemployment rate — if you believe typos

By Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | Mistake suggests Republicans are pushing for a 94 percent unemployment rate.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/24/2012

How much did last year’s debt fight cost taxpayers?

By Ed O'Keefe

And how many extra hours in overtime did government workers bill taxpayers?

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 07/23/2012

Colorado shootings prompts moment of silence on Senate floor

By Ed O'Keefe

Lawmakers marked a moment of silence on Monday for the 12 shooting victims.

By Ed O'Keefe | 04:00 PM ET, 07/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 07/23/2012

Olympics uniforms will be ‘Made in America’ starting in 2014, USOC and lawmakers say

By Ed O'Keefe

Olympians to wear “Made in the USA” starting in 2014.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:25 PM ET, 07/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/23/2012

5 things to watch this week in Congress: Colorado shootings, Ron Paul’s ‘Audit the Fed’ bill, tax cuts get up or down votes, new national egg standards

By Ed O'Keefe

Lawmakers response to Colorado shooting, Ron Paul gets his wish and national standards for “egg-laying hens.”

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:58 PM ET, 07/19/2012

‘Insourcing’ bill fails to advance in the Senate

By Ed O'Keefe

The measure was seen as a top priority for the White House.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:58 PM ET, 07/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 07/19/2012

John Boehner: Accusations against Huma Abedin ‘pretty dangerous’

By Ed O'Keefe

The speaker distances himself from an inquiry by five GOP lawmakers.

By Ed O'Keefe | 01:56 PM ET, 07/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/19/2012

Bob McDonnell to Congress: ‘You’ve got to fix this sequestration problem’

By Ed O'Keefe

GOP leader warns his state will suffer from automatic spending cuts.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:45 PM ET, 07/18/2012

John McCain defends Huma Abedin against accusations she’s part of conspiracy

By Ed O'Keefe

Senator says Clinton aide is an honorable woman and dedicated American.

By Ed O'Keefe | 04:45 PM ET, 07/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 07/18/2012

Democrats apply legislative pressure on Mitt Romney to release more tax returns

By Rosalind S. Helderman

Bills in House and Senate are designed to highlight Romney’s refusal to release more tax returns

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 01:30 PM ET, 07/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:30 AM ET, 07/18/2012

Rep. Rob Andrews faces ethics inquiry

By Ed O'Keefe

A New Jersey Democrat is accused of using campaign cash for trips and parties.

By Ed O'Keefe | 10:30 AM ET, 07/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 07/18/2012

Congress votes to designate Haqqani network a terrorist organization

By Ed O'Keefe

The bill forces the State Department to decide whether to label the group as terrorists, possibly complicating relations with Pakistan.

By Ed O'Keefe | 10:15 AM ET, 07/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/18/2012

What is the sequester? (video)

By Ed O'Keefe

And why does it matter? This video explains.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:31 PM ET, 07/17/2012

Senate fails to move DISCLOSE campaign transparency bill for second day in a row

By Rosalind S. Helderman

To prove a point, Senate Democrats pushed a second failed vote on a bill to require groups to disclose donors who contribute $10,000 or more for political purposes.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 03:31 PM ET, 07/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 07/17/2012

NASCAR, NFL, NBA, MLB and IndyCar to Congress: Keep letting the military sponsor us!

By Ed O'Keefe

Leagues ask lawmakers to continue letting the Pentagon sponsor sports teams.

By Ed O'Keefe | 12:45 PM ET, 07/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 07/17/2012

How did senators vote on the DISCLOSE Act?

By Ed O'Keefe

See which senators voted for or against proceeding with the bill.

By Ed O'Keefe | 08:00 AM ET, 07/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/17/2012

Dick Cheney, House GOP to talk about ‘sequester’

By Ed O'Keefe

The former vice president wants to talk about the forthcoming ‘sequester’ of defense funds.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:45 PM ET, 07/16/2012

DISCLOSE Act, new donor transparency law, blocked in Senate

By Rosalind S. Helderman

DISCLOSE Act fails to get 60 votes necessary to proceed.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 06:45 PM ET, 07/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/16/2012

Tax cuts, DISCLOSE, sequester, oversight and the Veepstakes: 5 things to watch this week in Congress

By Ed O'Keefe

2CHAMBERS | On the agenda: Debating tax cuts and inquiries about the Cabinet’s travel schedule

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 07/13/2012

Republicans urge talks to defuse impending budget cuts

By Rosalind S. Helderman

The GOP steps up efforts to force Obama to own deep defense cuts both parties had agreed to in last summer’s debt deal.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 04:06 PM ET, 07/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:20 PM ET, 07/12/2012

Congress approves changes to D.C. special election schedule amid Vincent Gray scandal

By Ed O'Keefe

Senate action came a day after three D.C. Council members called on Gray to step down.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:20 PM ET, 07/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 07/12/2012

Susan Collins casts her 5,000th consecutive vote

By Ed O'Keefe

The Maine Senator says she wants to show dedication to her constituents at a time when confidence in Congress is low.

By Ed O'Keefe | 02:10 PM ET, 07/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 07/12/2012

Postal Service reform not expected before August, likely killing ambitious overhaul this year

By Ed O'Keefe

House won’t vote on ambitious reform proposals until September, at earliest.

By Ed O'Keefe | 12:53 PM ET, 07/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/12/2012

Which Democrats voted to repeal health-care law?

By Ed O'Keefe

House Republicans voted en masse Wednesday to repeal the 2010 health-care reform law, and five House Democrats voted with them.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:06 PM ET, 07/11/2012

Jesse Jackson Jr. being treated for ‘mood disorder,’ his office says

By Ed O'Keefe and Rosalind S. Helderman

Disclosure comes amid calls for him to be more forthcoming about his condition.

By Ed O'Keefe and Rosalind S. Helderman | 08:06 PM ET, 07/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:32 AM ET, 07/11/2012

Obama to meet with Congressional Democrats as tax debate hits Hill

By Rosalind S. Helderman

They will meet at the White House about Obama’s proposal to preserve Bush-era tax cuts only on income up to $250,000.

By Rosalind S. Helderman | 10:32 AM ET, 07/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 07/11/2012

House has voted 32 times to repeal all or part of health-care reform law. Here’s the full list.

By Ed O'Keefe

2 CHAMBERS | The magic number is 32, and will be 33 after today’s vote. We have the full list.

By Ed O'Keefe | 06:00 AM ET, 07/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:00 PM ET, 07/10/2012

Small business tax cut plan survives Senate test vote

By Ed O'Keefe

The plan is a targeted attempt to help smaller businesses, but it has virtually no chance of passage in the House.

By Ed O'Keefe | 03:00 PM ET, 07/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 07/10/2012

Vern Buchanan cleared of some ethics allegations

By Ed O'Keefe

But he still faces a separate set of allegations.

By Ed O'Keefe | 12:15 PM ET, 07/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 07/10/2012

John Boehner estimate on size of anti-Obama vote falls short — at least so far — according to new poll

By Ed O'Keefe

Speaker also forced to clarify remarks he made about Mitt Romney.

By Ed O'Keefe | 11:00 AM ET, 07/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 07/10/2012

Cybersecurity chief urges action by Congress

By Ellen Nakashima

The director of the National Security Agency made a fresh appeal Monday for cybersecurity legislation to enable the sharing of threat data between the private sector and the government.

By Ellen Nakashima | 08:00 AM ET, 07/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)