Topic: Dianne Feinstein

Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan: What questions can she expect?

The Senate hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan begin Monday. Here is a primer on how a deeply partisan Senate might challenge her.

With Whitman and Fiorina, can GOP compete again in California?

California has voted solidly Democratic in recent elections. But the national GOP may be hoping that, with Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina as standard-bearers there, the party can broaden its appeal.

Key lawmakers resist Obama's pick of Clapper as intelligence chief

Retired Air Force Gen. James Clapper has plenty of experience in the intelligence bureaucracy. But key lawmakers aren't happy with Obama's pick to be Director of National Intelligence.

Troops to Mexico border: A prelude to immigration reform push?

President Obama ordered 1,200 National Guard troops to the Mexico border in an effort to reach out to Republicans. He'll need their support to move forward on immigration reform.

Intelligence director Dennis Blair knew his days were numbered

Dennis Blair knew for months that his tenure would be coming to a close.

Does the BP spill mean the end of cheap oil?

Offshore drilling was banned for decades after a 1969 spill off the Santa Barbara coast. If the same happens after the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico, oil prices could shoot through the roof.

Big screen battle: Hollywood vs. box office speculators

The film industry is fighting proposals to create a 'futures exchange' for investors speculating on Hollywood box office profits and losses. No word yet on who has the screen rights.

Senate Democrats beat back GOP alterations to healthcare 'fixes'

Senate Democrats prevail, so far, in keeping the package of healthcare 'fixes' intact. But the House will need to vote on it again to address small adjustments in the part dealing with student loans.

Biden vs. Cheney: three points of dispute

Vice President Joe Biden and former Vice President Dick Cheney dueled Sunday over the terrorist threat and the appropriate US response. They are at odds over the Iraq war, the Christmas Day bomber, and the nature of the terrorist threat confronting America.

Obama’s NYC terror trial switch: Pragmatism or indecisiveness?

The Obama administration says it won’t hold the trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other Al Qaeda suspects in Manhattan after all, mainly because of security costs and community backlash. But to some, it's another political misstep.

California governor's race: All about the money?

Personal wealth is both an asset and drawback for GOP candidates in the California governor's race. Republican billionaire Meg Whitman has put another $20 million into her campaign.

Congress's early task: What to do about national debt ceiling?

A vote to raise the national debt ceiling is always tough, because it casts the majority party as a reckless spender. But Congress must confront the issue, probably Jan. 20, upon lawmakers' return from recess. If the ceiling is not raised, the government will likely run out of funds in February.

Is Janet Napolitano to blame for Flight 253 security failure?

Republicans have focused blame for the security failures of Northwest Flight 253 on Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. But there are other reasons that many conservatives are dissatisfied with her.

Airline attack could delay release of Yemenis at Guantánamo

Yemenis are the largest group of Guantánamo detainees. But key senators want to halt further transfers to Yemen in light of the Chistmas airline attack, which has been linked to Al Qaeda operatives there.

Senate Democrats sprint to vote on healthcare reform next week

Democratic leaders in the Senate plan to vote on final passage of the healthcare reform bill on Christmas Eve.

Long to-do list for new US parks chief

How can 40,000 troops fix chronic corruption in Afghanistan?

Gen. Stanley McChrystal reportedly wants 40,000 troops for Afghanistan. But Obama is worried that the government of President Hamid Karzai is too corrupt.

Bill Clinton's nod galvanizes Newsom campaign in California

The former president threw his support in the gubernatorial primary to the San Francisco mayor. Some see payback against likely candidate Jerry Brown.

Telemarketing 'robocalls' will be history on Sept. 1, mostly

Exceptions include charities, surveys, and information about canceled flights. But most telemarketers will need your permission before calling.

GOP senators concede on 'Cash for Clunkers'

They don't have the votes to block an additional $2 billion for the popular program. Many have heard from car dealers back home.

'Clunker' consumers not buying gas guzzlers, study finds

Americans participating in the 'Cash for Clunkers' program are buying new cars that get, on average, 9.6 miles per gallon more than their trade-ins.

How green is cash-for-clunkers program?

Fuel efficiency requirements for new cars bought under the rebate program aren't strict enough, say some.

Sotomayor hearings begin with debate over judges' role

Senators drew the battle lines early in confirmation hearings for the Supreme Court nominee.

Obama's agenda at risk in push for CIA inquiry

Reports of a secret CIA program renew Democrats' calls to investigate Bush policy – which could divert attention from Obama's healthcare and energy plans.