The Violence Against Women Act breezed through the Congress in previous years, but it's suddenly a heavy lift. The GOP House passed its version of the bill on a largely party-line vote, but getting to yes with the Senate will be tough.
Editors' Picks:
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JPMorgan Chase trading fiasco: What to do about big banks?
JPMorgan's loss of $2 billion shows that the forces that unleashed the recession remain partially untamed – and that Congress is still struggling to get a handle on the solution.
- Why Sarah Palin's pick could triumph in Nebraska's US Senate race in fall
- Modern Parenthood: Jay-Z music break for baby Blue reflects new daddy nurturer trend
- Decoder Wire: Obama on 'The View': Were hosts too easy on him? (+video)
- Horizons: On eve of Facebook IPO, GM pulls millions in ads
Blogs
Senate Republicans plead for a budget as frustrations boil over
6:14 pm ET - Senate Republicans proposed five budgets Wednesday, but the Democratic-controlled Senate defeated them all. Republicans say Democrats are punting on tough choices, Democrats say they already have a budget.
Are some Ron Paul supporters going rogue?
7:05 pm ET - In Nevada's Clark County, Ron Paul supporters are still in the fight, even though their man has said he won't campaign in any more GOP primaries. They scolded the Republican National Committee chief this week.
F-22 safety questions remain despite Panetta's order
6:55 pm ET - Defense Secretary Leon Panetta ordered the Air Force to take steps to address safety concerns surrounding the F-22 stealth fighter jet. But critics say his directive doesn't go far enough.
How Greek economic woes could help US consumers
6:11 pm ET - Fears that Greece may default on its debt are spurring interest in US Treasury bonds, driving down interest rates on mortgages and auto loans – but not (alas) for credit card debt.
College rankings: Which countries have the best education systems?
A new higher education ranking focuses on evaluating quality by countries as a whole, rather than specific academic institutions. Here are some of the findings:
Florida teacher, fired for premarital sex, has right to a trial, court rules
6:20 pm ET - A teacher at a Christian school, fired in 2009 ostensibly for engaging in premarital sex, can proceed with her lawsuit against the school, a US appeals court ruled Wednesday. She says the real reason she lost her job was pregnancy.
Report: Trayvon Martin beat, bloodied George Zimmerman. Game-changer?
12:35 pm ET - A medical report showing that Trayvon Martin hit George Zimmerman hard enough to draw blood on his face and head has made a second-degree murder conviction a long shot, say experts.
What would a Greek exit from the eurozone look like?
4:08 pm ET - Rumors are rife of a Greek exit from the eurozone. While no country has yet dropped the common currency, there are some indications of what will transpire if Greece does.
Mitt Romney raising money at home of 'morning-after pill' exec
5:51 pm ET - The $50,000-a-plate fundraiser Wednesday night is at the Miami home of Phil Frost, chairman of Teva Pharmaceuticals, which makes 'morning-after pills.' Mitt Romney opposes their use, calling them 'abortive pills.'
Is Washington careening toward another debt limit crisis?
5:49 pm ET - Another showdown appears to be brewing over the national debt limit – and under what conditions Congress will raise it next time. But something big will happen between now and then that may prevent it.
Half as many women die during pregnancy, childbirth as in 1990
5:17 pm ET - Worldwide, maternal mortality has been cut in half in the past 20 years, says a new UN-World Bank report. India and Nigeria accounted for about one-third of the 287,000 deaths in 2010 attributed to problems during pregnancy or childbirth.
On eve of Facebook IPO, GM pulls millions in ads
12:59 pm ET - General Motors yanks $10 million in Facebook ads. Will this affect the Facebook IPO?
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