Oversight

Commission sets stage for 2011 budget debate

Panel co-chairmen expect House spending blueprint to include many of their recommendations.

Oversight

House passes bill to fund agencies two more weeks

Continuing resolution would keep the government running until Dec. 18, with most programs at fiscal 2010 levels.

Oversight

Earmark ban fails in Senate

Only 39 lawmakers favored suspending the chamber's rules and voting directly on the proposal.

Oversight

House, Senate eye short-term funding extensions

A two-week continuing resolution is on tap, to keep government running through about Dec. 17.

Oversight

Vote looms for earmarks ban

Sponsors are trying to build on the increasing momentum against earmarks, sparked by the Tea Party and a climate that reviles spending and the large budget deficit.

Oversight

Lawmakers grappling with best strategy for keeping government running

Legislators must decide whether to pursue a catch-all spending package, or extend the current continuing resolution.

Oversight

GOP earmark ban could pose problems for omnibus

Congress needs to pass a catch-all spending bill to keep the government running after Dec. 3.

Oversight

Senate majority leader goes easy on deficit-cutting plan

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has been more muted in his criticism of the proposal than other Democrats, saying it provides a good starting point for discussions.

Oversight

Senate battle over earmark moratorium heats up

Aides call the GOP vote on the ban next week a toss-up.

Oversight

Fiscal commission leaders back spending cuts, tax increases

Observers are skeptical the panel will be able to reach a consensus, because 14 of the 18 members need to support any recommendations.

Oversight

Lewis blasts Senate GOP's rumored omnibus

Move could signal a rift between Republican purists and pragmatists.

Oversight

Powerful Senate Democrats and Republicans back earmarks

Appropriations Chairman Inouye and Senate Minority Leader McConnell support the practice of directing spending.

Oversight

Divided 112th Congress likely to struggle with budget and spending process

President Obama's deficit commission could help Republicans and Democrats find common ground, observer notes.

Oversight

Senator doubtful deficit panel will reach required consensus

Majority whip says partisan atmosphere expected to follow the midterm elections will make it hard to get 14 of 18 commission members to agree on proposals.

Oversight

Earmark reformers expect more allies in new Congress

Many candidates -- looking to capitalize on voter discontent on spending and deficit issues -- have ramped up talk against directing funding to pet projects.

Oversight

Deficit tops $1 trillion for the second year in a row

Total is lower than expected, but still showing effects of economic recession.

Oversight

Budget office puts fiscal 2010 deficit at $1.3 trillion

Shortfall is the second highest as a share of the economy since 1945.

Oversight

Republicans urge no earmarks in catch-all spending bill

Lawmakers are likely to try to pass full-year funding for discretionary programs in a single legislative package after the elections.

Oversight

Senate Republicans want continuing resolution to go to February

Democrats claim such an extension would force federal agencies to cut personnel.

Oversight

House and Senate in familiar continuing resolution endgame

Lawmakers must pass the stop-gap spending measure to keep the government running after the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.