Topic: Jeff Flake

In countering Obama on jobs plan, Boehner gives hint of compromise (VIDEO)

While Republicans and Obama are still far apart on how to create new jobs, Boehner signals the possibility of agreement on new infrastructure spending.

On Libya, Obama has angered both sides in Congress

Congress raised few objections to presidential use of force in Afghanistan and Iraq, but the way President Obama has carried out the Libya mission has rankled both Democrats and Republicans.

How can Congress cut $2.4 trillion? Here are three places to start.

As an Aug. 2 deadline for raising the debt ceiling nears, Congress is getting serious about where to find major spending cuts. Republicans have vowed not to support a potential $2.4 trillion increase to the debt ceiling unless they get an equal amount of budget savings to offset the increase. Finding $2.4 trillion in spending cuts is not easy, but Congress's search is beginning to show some signs of promise. In particular, three programs long protected by big, bipartisan majorities in the past now appear vulnerable.

Does it make sense to punish Pakistan for the arrest of CIA informants?

The reported arrest of CIA informants who helped the US find Osama bin Laden has raised anger on Capitol Hill. But hastily punishing Pakistan could harm the US war effort in Afghanistan, Pentagon officials caution.

Giffords photo casts Arizona Rep. back in spotlight but who will take her place?

Gabrielle Giffords' photo brought attention back to the Arizona Representative and her remarkable recovery from a January assassination attempt, but Arizona Democrats have been left without a familiar candidate for a fast-approaching election year.

Libya vote: How Speaker Boehner preserved GOP unity and US-NATO ties

In an 11th-hour maneuver, Speaker Boehner derails an antiwar measure that would have required Obama to withdraw US forces from NATO's Libya mission within 15 days.

Republicans to Obama: Where's the Democrats' budget-cutting plan?

In a meeting with President Obama, House Republicans urged him to force Democrats to offer their own budget plan. Obama demurred, but he did offer Republicans some hope.

Sen. Jon Kyl retirement sets off two races: one in Arizona, another in D.C.

Sen. Jon Kyl (R) of Arizona announces his retirement, opening the door to candidates for his Senate seat as well as his position as the No. 2 Republican in the Senate.

Shaking up 2012: US senators who aren't running for reelection

So far, 10 senators have announced that they will retire at the end of of their terms rather than seek reelection. With the 2012 campaigns not far off, the departures of these seven Democrats (well, one is an Independent, technically) and three Republicans are shaking things up. Here's how.

House GOP wants $74 billion in budget cuts: Draconian or only a start?

House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan releases his spending limits for the 2011 House budget. Democrats say the cuts are unconscionable. Some Republicans say they're too small.

With big spending bill's demise, is 'earmark' new dirty word on Hill?

Deficit hawks and watchdog groups see Thursday's demise of an omnibus spending bill in the Senate as a turning point. A critical mass of lawmakers, they say, are committed to an earmark ban.

How earmark ban is already changing Capitol Hill

In many ways, the Republicans' voluntary two-year earmark ban is limited in scope. But it's already undermining Congress's spending 'cardinals' and changing how lobbyists lobby Capitol Hill.

How tea party senators stared down Mitch McConnell on earmark ban

Pressure from tea party-backed Republican freshmen senators led Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell to reverse course: He said Monday he would back an earmark ban.

How's Obama at hoops? His trash talk is politically correct.

President Obama plays basketball with members of congress and cabinet secretaries Thursday. He likes to push himself so hard that he once destroyed a sneaker in a pickup game.

New information at hand about your lawmaker's 'earmarks'

A database from watchdog groups compares projects backed by members of Congress with campaign contributors. Billions are involved in potential conflicts of interest.

Hoyer says Murtha and other Dems should be investigated

Did lawmakers exchange millions in earmarks for campaign contributions?

Politicians using Twitter: Morons or visionaries?

Omnibus bill's hidden item: a Democratic rift

On Tuesday, Congress passed the spending bill to keep the government running - 160 days late, and not without some unusual friction between House and Senate leaders.

Congress is wary of the push to bail out Wall Street

Lawmakers are watching the stock market as an indicator of whether to buy Bush's plan.

Congress wrestles over spying bill

Many Democrats are at odds with their own leadership over extending domestic surveillance.

Capitol Hill 'pork' reformer faces uphill battle

Rep. Jeff Flake, a crusader against 'pork' spending, is being punished by GOP leadership, watchdog groups say.

Republicans, Democrats jockey on earmark reform

House Democrats consider an ethics board, and Republicans adopt reform standards.