Topic: Pete Sessions

Opinion: Sandy Hook exposes the logic gap in NRA's opposition to gun control

After Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, we hear arguments against gun control, chiefly that laws won't keep guns from evil-doers. But no one would argue that homicide laws have no place just because they can’t stop all killings. The point is, gun control will reduce carnage, if not stop it.

GOP cracks in higher taxes for the wealthy?

House Speaker John Boehner has joined Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in signaling that the Bush-era tax cuts for 'millionaires and billionaires' – President Obama’s favorite campaign target for additional federal revenues – should be allowed to expire at year’s end.

Wounded aide wins Giffords' seat in Arizona election

Ron Barber, who was wounded in the shooting, won the special election on Tuesday night. 

Ron Barber's win in Arizona House race a lift for dispirited Democrats

Voters in former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' House district elected Ron Barber, the retired congresswoman's aide, to serve out her term. Barber defeated a tea-party-backed candidate in a district where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats.

In Election 2012, how much is the House in play? Three sides to the story.

Steve Israel outlines his scenario for the Democrats winning back the House. Pete Sessions says the GOP could actually increase its hold. Analysts say the reality is somewhere in between.

Why Richard Lugar defeat scares tea party Republicans, too

House freshmen elected with tea party support see a warning in Sen. Richard Lugar's heavy defeat. If they don't start making progress on the tea party agenda, voters will throw them out. 

US Supreme Court takes up Texas redistricting case

The case involves four new congressional seats and the rising political clout of Latinos in Texas, a state with a history of racial discrimination. Republicans say a map redrawn by a panel of federal judges usurps the role of elected officials.

The Vote
Does upset in House special election matter? Dueling views from party leaders.

A Democrat pulled off an upset in a special election in New York's 26th District. DNC's Debbie Wasserman Schultz sees a repudiation of Republicans' stance on revising Medicare. NRCC's Pete Sessions sure doesn't.

Five House controversies from Week 1: Did Republicans break promises?

Republicans returned to control of the House with grand promises of changing how the institution works. But Democrats are already crying foul. Here's a look at an eventful first week.

How will Republicans deal with growing gay rights issues?

On same-sex marriage and "don't ask, don't tell," Republicans and other conservatives increasingly are at odds with public opinion. Will the tea party movement help gay rights?

GOP 'Pledge to America': Will it help Republicans in 2010 elections?

Thursday morning, GOP lawmakers will unveil the "Pledge to America" – a 21-page document with proposals to slash taxes, spending, and government regulation. It's designed to woo tea party activists and independents in the Nov. 2 election.

House votes to rein in 'excessive pay' for company execs

Democrats say such a measure could have helped avert the financial crisis. Republicans and big business call it a bureaucratic power grab.

The New Economy
Stanford Financial: a sticky wicket for investors?