Topic: Capitol Hill

Obama fast-tracks healthcare reform

Even as the president urges Senate Democrats to move quickly, a Congressional Budget Office ruling lowers a hurdle that tripped up the Clinton-era reform effort.

In Afghanistan, time is running out, Pentagon worries

The next year will be crucial, several top defense officials say. The US must begin to show progress or risk losing public support.

Today's coverage: Sotomayor's words in court, Obama's message to Arabs

GOP quandary: how hard to swing at Sotomayor

Republicans on Capitol Hill are acutely aware that the tone and content of the nominee's hearing could redefine the party after two punishing national elections.

Obama wins Round One on Sotomayor, but shows caution going forward

Most elected Republicans distance themselves from incendiary comments by Limbaugh, Gingrich, and others.

Is Bolden right for NASA?

Sweeping climate-energy bill clears first big hurdle in Congress

The compromise measure would mandate reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions and require greater use of renewable energy. The Senate could be a major stumbling block.

Democrats mount impassioned defense of Pelosi

They defeat a resolution to investigate the Speaker and insist that the CIA is not above criticism.

Credit-card bill: What it does, what it doesn't do

Supporters and critics agree that it greatly empowers consumers and changes the credit-card industry.

Obama to relaunch military tribunals for terror suspects

Some Guantánamo detainees – with new legal protections for statements made under interrogation – will be tried.

Nancy Pelosi goes toe-to-toe with the CIA

The Democratic lawmaker is under fire over her knowledge of harsh interrogation measures. What did she know and when did she know it?

To probe detainee abuse, Congress leans toward outsourcing

Success of the 9/11 commission means lawmakers often punt toughest investigations to independent bodies – despite some internal resistance.

Iraq general swayed Obama on detainee photos

Gen. Ray Odierno, along with other top defense officials, argued that releasing the images of alleged detainee abuse would endanger US troops abroad.

Today's lineup: Taliban PR, pope's trip, Florida builders

Congress moves to regulate credit cards

Lawmakers have been getting an earful from disgruntled consumers.

The Monitor's View: Sticker shock in acting on global warming

A House climate-change bill is watered down as its price goes up. Is that leadership?

The Monitor's View: Obama passes the stress test, too

His economic team forces a transparency on troubled banks that needs to be permanent.

Today's briefing: Jobs in the US, rights in Russia, the pope in the Mideast

One aim of US-Afghan-Pakistani summit: a parade for aid

Congress holds the key to billions in new assistance, but some lawmakers are skeptical it would diminish the terrorist threat.

White House won't release Air Force One photos

Congress turns from bank bailouts to helping consumers

Targets include credit card companies, payday loans with exorbitant interest rates, and predatory mortgage lenders.

Opinion: Beyond Specter, Republicans have a steep hill to climb

To overcome scary electoral math, the GOP must recast its principles.

Doubts about Geithner persist

Lagging poll numbers for the Treasury secretary reflect continuing anger over bank bailouts.

Report says top officials set tone for detainee abuse

Abusive interrogation techniques in Abu Ghraib followed approval of their use in Guantánamo, says a report by Senate Armed Services Committee.

Hillary Clinton digs Ron Paul