Senate Democrats look to tweak bill on Keystone XL pipeline
By DINA CAPPIELLO Democrats plan to use Senate consideration of the Keystone XL oil pipeline to get Republicans on the record about climate change and to resurrect parts of a…
Government business and finance
Obama drops the tempered tone of his economic message
By JIM KUHNHENN For most of last year, President Barack Obama tempered his pitch on the economy: It may be improving, he would say, but millions of Americans had yet…
House Republicans poised to pass pipeline bill as Senate wrangles
By DINA CAPPIELLO House Republicans are on track to easily pass legislation to authorize the construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, moving the GOP-led Congress closer to a clash…
Average US 30-year loan rate falls to 3.73 pct.
Average U.S. mortgage rates started the year by dipping to new lows, with the benchmark 30-year rate marking its lowest level since May 2013. The mortgage giant Freddie Mac says…
Ready, set, showdown: New GOP leader, Obama lining up fights
By CONNIE CASS Not wasting any time, new Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Barack Obama are setting course for showdowns over health care, a big oil pipeline, immigration…
House rule sets up election-year battle over Social Security
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER Buried in new rules that will govern the House for the next two years is a provision that could force an explosive battle over Social Security’s finances…
New Congress getting sworn in with GOP in charge
By ERICA WERNER Republicans are assuming full control of Congress for the first time in eight years in a day of pomp, circumstance and raw politics beneath the Capitol Dome.…
GOP focus for Congress: Cut deficit, don’t stumble
By ALAN FRAM In the first Republican-dominated Congress to confront President Barack Obama, GOP leaders will focus on bolstering the economy and cutting the budget — and oh yes, avoiding…