Topic: Confirmation Hearings

Justice Dept says recent recess appointments legal

The department released a 23-page legal opinion Thursday summarizing the advice it gave the White House before the Jan. 4 appointments. GOP leaders have argued the Senate was not technically in recess when Obama acted so the regular Senate confirmation process should have been followed.

Justice Sotomayor – not guilty of 'empathy'

During confirmation hearings in 2009, GOP senators questioned Sonia Sotomayor about her supposed 'empathy standard' and partiality. Since becoming a Supreme Court justice, her views on two capital cases show no cause for the concern, but rather attention to a fair legal process.

US military officials in Iraq warn of growing Iranian threat

American military officials say the upcoming US withdrawal has emboldened Iranian-backed militias, which they blame for recent deadly attacks and allege are stockpiling weapons.

In Afghanistan, US military officials say it's now or never

In the weeks ahead in eastern Afghanistan, US commanders expect violent clashes between Taliban and US soldiers. It could be a key time for American forces, before US troops start exiting.

Senate confirms Petraeus as CIA chief; Pakistan confirms his job will be tough

The Senate gives Gen. David Petraeus a resounding 94-to-0 vote of confidence as CIA chief. But Pakistan signals that fighting terror – a top priority – will be hard, closing a base to US drones.

As Gen. David Petraeus shifts to CIA, nature of war shifts with him

Gen. David Petraeus is on Capitol Hill Thursday for his confirmation hearing for the CIA post. The US is moving away from his troop-heavy approach to war, including, to a degree, in Afghanistan.

CIA chief Leon Panetta: The next Pearl Harbor could be a cyberattack

Leon Panetta, at a confirmation hearing for the post of Defense secretary, says the US will need to take 'both defensive ... as well as aggressive measures' to deal with the threat of cyberattack.

Obama picks combat-tested Gen. Martin Dempsey to head Joint Chiefs of Staff

President Obama has named Army Gen. Martin Dempsey to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. Dempsey joins a reorganized national security team facing many challenges.

Hugo Chávez tightens his grip in Venezuela. Can US do anything about it?

With the US focused on other parts of the world, Latin American neighbor Hugo Chávez has tightened his hold on power. The next Congress may press Obama to act, but what are his options?

Anita Hill refuses to apologize to wife of Clarence Thomas

Anita Hill is refusing to apologize for accusing then-Supreme Court justice nominee Clarence Thomas of sexually harassing her. 'I have no intention of apologizing because I testified truthfully about my experience and I stand by that testimony,' Anita Hill said in a statement released Tuesday night.

US Supreme Court opens with historic changes

The Supreme Court is in the midst of a significant transformation after eleven years with the same lineup of justices. Since 2005, four new members have joined the court, two on the conservative side and two on the liberal side.

Elena Kagan confirmed to Supreme Court

Elena Kagan was confirmed to a seat on the Supreme Court Thursday. The Senate voted 63-37, mostly along party lines, to make Kagan America's 112th Supreme Court justice.

Senate committee approves Elena Kagan: how the senators voted

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan 13 to 6 Tuesday, with one Republican joining 12 Democrats. Ms. Kagan now faces a confirmation vote from the full Senate later this month.

Would Elena Kagan bow out of a health-care reform case?

Republican senators are asking Elena Kagan about her potential involvement, as solicitor general, in setting the strategy to defend the health-care reform law from court challenges. Ms. Kagan is now a nominee for the Supreme Court.

The surprising star at Elena Kagan's hearing: Thurgood Marshall

Because Obama has avoided engaging the empathy debate, Republicans tried to use Kagan's mentor and former US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall as a way to taint Kagan's reputation.

Team Jacob or Team Edward? Turns out Elena Kagan would rather talk about legal stuff.

Team Jacob or Team Edward? When Sen. Amy Klobuchar asked Elena Kagan about which character from "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" she preferred, the Supreme Court nominee declined to answer.

Kagan touches a funny bone at Senate hearings

General Petraeus: in Afghanistan, a test of will against the Taliban

Afghan Taliban attacks NATO airfield, wounding two troops

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack Wednesday on a NATO airfield, which wounded one American and one Afghan soldier. In what is becoming a common tactic, a suicide car bomb was followed by a rush of Taliban militants on foot.

General Petraeus wisely stays the course in Afghanistan

In his Senate confirmation hearing to become the war's new commander, Petraeus says it is more a matter of tweaks than a redesign of the campaign. Indeed, the strategy has yet to be fully implemented. Now is not the time to change it.

15 questions for Elena Kagan

Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan started answering questions from senators today. Here's what she can expect.

Why Republicans are treading lightly in Elena Kagan hearings

Republicans still haven't gotten over the Democratic filibuster of President Bush's associate solicitor general, who was nominated for a federal judgeship in 2001. Now, in the Elena Kagan hearings, they're trying to take the high road.