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…
United States Congress
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.…
President Barack Obama tests his sway against a GOP-run Congress
By JOSH LEDERMAN President Barack Obama this week will test whether he still has the sway to keep Washington focused on his own priorities, even as a new Republican-run Congress…
GOP lawmakers back Scalise in white supremacist flap
By ERICA WERNER Republican lawmakers are defending the No. 3 House GOP leader over a speech have gave 12 years ago to a white supremacist group. Rep. Steve Scalise (skuh-LEES’)…
Edward Brooke, 1st black elected US senator, dies
By SYLVIA WINGFIELD and MARK PRATT Former U.S. Sen. Edward W. Brooke, a liberal Republican who became the first black in U.S. history to win popular election to the Senate,…
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…
Beyond marriage, challenges ahead for gay rights groups
By DAVID CRARY Even as same-sex marriage edges closer to becoming legal nationwide, gay rights advocates face other challenges in 2015 that may not bring quick victories. In Congress, for…
10 things to watch in ’15 ahead of 2016 campaign
There’s a whole year of campaigning, positioning and politicking to go before the next campaign for president kicks off with the Iowa Caucus in early 2016. Here’s a look at…