Topic: Richard Shelby

Why GOP vows to block Obama nominee for consumer-watchdog agency

The sweeping financial reform legislation passed by Congress a year ago created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. President Obama nominated its first director Sunday, but Republicans are against the structure of the entire agency.

Think getting tough with China will solve our jobs problem? Think again.

The American government hints at trade sanctions against China, but those won't address the core problems: China needs to keep its people employed, and America needs its consumers to start consuming.

Want real financial reform for Wall Street? Do this.

Senator Lincoln wants to stop big banks' risky derivative trades from being subsidized by taxpayers. Here's how to keep her measure in the financial reform bill.

After Senate passage, what's next for financial reform bill?

Negotiations with the House over the final financial reform bill are expected to be more transparent than they were with health-care reform. Exemptions or special deals sought by industry lobbyists are likely to stir intense debate.

Three banking reforms the White House doesn't support – but should

The White House should stop pandering to Wall Street and support these three critical banking reforms.

Republicans relent, clear financial reform bill for debate

After three days of blocking tactics, Republicans allowed the financial reform bill to proceed. What's next? Weeks of amendments as Republicans – and some on the left – try to change the bill.

Why financial reform bill is stalled - and why it isn't dead yet

The financial reform bill did not get enough votes to open debate in the Senate Monday. But there appears to be progress behind the scenes, and the bill could resurface this week.

Federal Reserve gets supercharged in Dodd's new financial regulation plan

New financial regulation plan introduced by Sen. Christopher Dodd greatly expands role of the Federal Reserve.

Obama's budget would scrap NASA's moon mission

President Obama's budget for NASA seeks to end its back-to-the-moon program, rely more heavily on private companies, and invest in new technologies for human space exploration.

Bernanke vote in the Senate gives Fed chairman another term

Senators approved a second term for Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Thursday to avoid turmoil in world financial markets. But the Bernanke vote saw 30 members oppose his nomination.

Bernanke vote: Bipartisan Senate support is key

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has come under fire for his support of the Wall Street bailout. But Thursday's Bernanke vote is also expected to reveal that he enjoys bipartisan support in the Senate.

Chris Dodd: How much did Wall Street give him?

Chris Dodd announced Wednesday he would not be seeking a sixth term, ending a career helped by massive campaign contributions from Wall Street.

Senate health care vote: 'defining' moment or 'abomination'?

Seldom, if ever, in US history has the partisan divide on such a big legislative step been so stark. The 60-to-39 Senate health care vote along party lines may make it far more difficult for the Senate to work on issues that lie ahead.

Fed's Ben Bernanke wins committee approval, but tougher road ahead

Ben Bernanke faces a tougher path to winning a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve after a Senate committee's 16-to-7 approval vote.

Senators grill Fed’s Ben Bernanke over bank bailouts

At confirmation hearings for Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke Thursday, some senators decried bailouts of 'too big to fail' firms. Others said the economy would be in worse shape without the Fed’s actions.

Outlook for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac still troubled a year later

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain insolvent, and their share prices could fall to zero, one private-sector investment firm concludes.

Washington is not funny. Except Joe Biden.

Jokes rarely fly in the nation’s capital.

What is the ACORN controversy about?

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

Sen. Richard Shelby calls for 'immediate' investigation of ACORN

That photo of the 9/12 march on Washington? It's fake.

Congress – including Democrats – in no hurry to approve Obama's regulatory reform

Lawmakers have a lot on their plates, plus they're still smarting from earlier bailouts.

Congress moves to regulate credit cards

Lawmakers have been getting an earful from disgruntled consumers.

Treasury Secretary Geithner: selling a lending plan and himself

Obama to AIG: Pay back the bonuses

Bailed out with taxpayer funds, the insurance giant is under fire for giving $165 million to its executives.