Topic: Robert Byrd

House passes financial reform, but a Senate hurdle awaits

The House of Representatives voted 237 to 192 Wednesday for a House-Senate compromise on financial reform. But the votes necessary for passage in the Senate aren't assured yet.

Who might be tapped to fill Senator Byrd's seat, fast?

Senate Democrats hope that West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will act quickly to replace Senator Byrd. With Byrd's death, they are two votes short of the 60 needed to move key legislation to a vote.

Sen. Robert Byrd: King of pork or larger-than-life hero?

Sen. Robert Byrd, the longest serving U.S. senator in history, changed West Virginia forever. Robert Byrd was named 'West Virginian of the 20th century.'

Robert Byrd: a reading list

Sen. Robert Byrd will be remembered for his words – both as an author and an orator.

Robert Byrd on his Senate leadership style

Robert Byrd, longest-serving member of Congress, died on Monday

West Virginia Democrat Robert Byrd had been in Congress since 1953. He won his ninth term to the US Senate in 2006.

Counting the votes: Enough to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell'?

It appears as if Democrats will rally enough votes in the House to pass a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell.' The situation in the Senate is less clear, though the bill seems set to get through committee.

Congress scoffs at Obama's plan to trim 'pork' spending

A White House plan released Monday would give the president more power to cut 'pork' spending. But Congress controls the federal purse strings jealously.

Obama proposes to curb spending bills. No more bridges to nowhere?

US presidents have long tried to obtain some form of line-item veto power. Obama's proposal could help eliminate pork-barrel projects, but it would also mark a big change in the balance of powers.

After healthcare summit: Is reconciliation next?

Republicans said after the healthcare summit that Obama and the Democrats appear ready to go it alone on healthcare. That means resorting to a process called reconciliation, which allows measures to pass by a simple majority.

'Charlie Wilson's War' would be harder to fight these days

Rep. Charlie Wilson, the east Texas Democrat who died this week, directed millions of dollars in covert funding to help mujahedeen fighters oust Soviet troops from Afghanistan in the 1980s. But efforts at government transparency in budgeting would make that more difficult today.

Robert Byrd, longest-serving Congress member, a master historian

First elected to Congress in 1952, Sen. Robert Byrd has an encyclopedic knowledge of Senate rules and legislative history dating back to Roman times. On Wednesday, he became the longest-serving member of Congress.

Senate Democrats join Republicans in rejecting Medicare 'doc fix'

Thirteen Senate Democrats joined Republicans in rejecting a $245 billion 'doc fix’ to prevent cuts in payments to Medicare doctors. Majority leader Harry Reid said the Senate will address the issue again after health reform.

How Senate Democrats can get to 60 votes on healthcare

With 60 votes, Democrats can beat a Republican filibuster – and they're increasingly confident of getting there by wooing party moderates.

The lobbyist through history: villainy and virtue

Once, a good pistol and congressional stationery were influence enough for lobbyists.

How Washington lobbyists peddle power

The equivalent of six health-care lobbyists for every member of Congress are registered for this year's biggest political battle.

Paul Kirk comes to the Senate at crucial time for Democrats

Paul Kirk, a longtime friend of Ted Kennedy, restores the Democrats' filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

Without Kennedy, healthcare providers fear loss of benefactor

The senator gave crucial support not only to national legislation but also to hospitals, universities, and research centers in his home state.

Edward Kennedy joins brothers John and Robert at Arlington Cemetery

Family, friends, members of the US House and Senate, and hundreds of congressional staffers who had worked with him say their final goodbyes.

For Massachusetts mourners, Kennedy was 'one of their own'

The long line of Bay Staters waiting to pay their last respects to the senator Thursday was evidence of the intimate and powerful connection he had with his home state.

Can Senate pass health bill without Kennedy?

The absence of his dealmaking skills could make negotiations even harder, but some say his death will inspire Democrats to get the job done.

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.

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