Oversight

Parties point fingers over expired programs

Lawmakers have said they plan to extend the programs, which include unemployment and insurance benefits, retroactively when they return from recess next week.

Oversight

Rain gives Dems another shot at GOP

The National Flood Insurance Program is one of several programs set to expire on Monday.

Pay & Benefits

Obama signs health care overhaul, but GOP fights on

With reform enacted, the Senate is left to approve changes the House has already signed off on.

Oversight

Senate girds for fight on health care reconciliation

A key GOP challenge will focus on changes to the Cadillac tax on high-value plans included in reconciliation legislation.

Defense

Senate confirms Defense nominees stalled by GOP holds

Republicans cave in after being pressed to explain wartime holds that weren't based on the merits of the candidates for Air Force and acquisition jobs.

News

Commerce secretary joins lineup of leaders helping out Reid

In the last year, several Cabinet officials have appeared with the Senate majority leader, who faces a tough 2010 reelection contest, in his home state of Nevada.

Defense

Senator lifts nominee holds, says issues being addressed

Tanker acquisition and FBI center were among issues concerning Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala.

Defense

Senator puts blanket hold on presidential nominees

According to Democratic aides, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., is stalling more than 70 nominees in an effort to win concessions for his home state.

Oversight

State of the Union, debt limit top agenda

President's address is expected to focus on jobs and fiscal responsibility.

Oversight

Senate takes on thorny debt limit increase

Bill would raise limit above the $13 trillion ceiling the House approved last year.

Oversight

In final action of year, Senate OKs debt ceiling hike

The short-term $290 billion increase will allow the government to do business past Jan. 1, according to the Treasury Department.

Oversight

Senate on track to approve health bill

Chamber is expected to hold a series of votes this week on the legislation, with final passage expected on Dec. 24.

Oversight

Senate vote sets up health overhaul passage

Democrats hope to get bill to Obama before State of the Union in late January.

Oversight

Senate leader eyes key Monday vote on health bill

A favorable Congressional Budget Office score of a plan to allow OPM to negotiate rates with private insurers on behalf of a national plan would help lock down support.

Defense

Senate leader's Christmas wish list is growing

Sen. Harry Reid wants the chamber to pass a continuing resolution, short-term debt limit increase, Defense spending bill and health care overhaul before the holiday.

Oversight

Senate majority leader offers a way to avoid weekend work on appropriations

Harry Reid, D-Nev., wants to move off healthcare reform early next week and take up the nearly $450 billion fiscal 2010 spending package.

Oversight

Spending bills will top Senate agenda, likely through weekend

Senate will spend the weekend working through an omnibus appropriations bill and will return to the health debate next week.

Oversight

Lawmakers eye new spending extension

A senior House Republican aide said the new resolution is likely to fund the government until Dec. 15.

Oversight

Lawmakers will focus on spending bills next week

One-month continuing resolution to keep government running past Sept. 30 would buy lawmakers time to finish spending bills, but additional extensions might be necessary.

Oversight

Senate majority leader slows action on GSA nominee

Aides said Harry Reid, D-Nev., delayed confirmation of Martha Johnson while seeking assurances that the agency did not discourage federal employees from traveling to Las Vegas for conferences.