Topic: Mike Johanns

Energy Voices Why the US military should continue biofuel research

The sequester should not excuse the US military from making the important investments into the future, Holland writes. It is strategically important for the military to develop new sources of energy like biofuels.

Chuck Hagel: Filibuster in store for Obama nominee?

Chuck Hagel filibuster: Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said opposition to the former Republican senator leading the Pentagon was growing.

After his rough Senate hearing, Chuck Hagel gets a boost from backers

His confirmation hearing performance was universally described as 'lackluster' at best – and far worse by many accounts. But Defense Secretary-nominee Chuck Hagel got some support Sunday, including another Republican backer in the Senate.

How the 2014 elections tip prospects for a 'grand bargain' on US deficits

Whoever wins the White House – President Obama or Mitt Romney – will need help from the other side of the aisle in the Senate to reach a deal on meaningful debt- and deficit-reduction. But key senators up for reelection in 2014 face wrenching tradeoffs.

Senator prods Gang of 8 to make middle class, deficit-cutting top priorities

As bipartisan talks to avoid a 'fiscal cliff' renew this week, a top Senate Democratic leader, Charles Schumer, warns negotiators that any plan that aims to cut taxes on the rich and also cut deficits is 'a trap,' and won't add up.

Drones over America. Are they spying on you?

Thousands of drones could be routinely flying over the United States within the next 10 years. They can help with law enforcement and border control, but they also raise questions about invasion of privacy.

Student loans: GOP filibuster blocks Senate move to freeze low rates

Student loans will cost more come July 1 unless Congress acts. While both parties say they support extending low rates on federally subsidized loans, election-year politics have intervened.

MF Global bankruptcy: Exec says Corzine knew about missing money

At bankruptcy hearing, an MF Global executive said 'Mr. Corzine was aware' of misused customer funds. About $1.2 billion is still unaccounted for after the bankruptcy.

'King' Harry? GOP fury as Reid rewrites how the Senate works.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid left Republicans dumbfounded Thursday when he made a move some call the 'nuclear option.' It could mean Senate gridlock has passed a breaking point.

GOP intensifies push for a balanced budget amendment. Why now?

Republicans in Congress want a vote on a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution by mid-July. It would precede any vote to raise the national debt limit.

Rebellion in GOP ranks: How Boehner lost control of the House this week

Republican freshman – tea partyers and others – keep breaking ranks, leading to shocking legislative defeats. Now, 87 representatives and 11 senators have written to Speaker of the House John Boehner to insist on $100 billion in budget cuts.

Health-care repeal fails in Senate: What's the next GOP target?

The Senate rejected a bid to repeal Obama's health-care law on a party-line vote Wednesday. The GOP is ratcheting up pressure on potentially vulnerable Senate Democrats in 2012.

Get tough on Hugo Chávez, GOP senators tell Hillary Clinton

In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a group of Republican senators called for a harder line against Venezuela's Hugo Chávez over allegations of human rights abuses.

Senate Republicans unmoved by Obama visit: 'We were props'

President Obama hoped to reach out to Senate Republicans in a meeting Tuesday. But 'we simply have a large difference of opinion,' one said.

What is the ACORN controversy about?

Here are the basics about ACORN and about the videos that have put the organization in hot water.

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