Topic: Robert Menendez

Blame game ensues as executives testify on cause of BP oil spill

Blowout preventer. Cementing operations. Design flaws. Top executives from BP America, Halliburton, and Transocean testified Tuesday about possible causes of the BP oil spill.

Obama to sever ties between drilling cops and Big Oil

As oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico, the Obama administration moves to break up the agency tasked with both collecting royalties and policing Big Oil.

Oil rig explosion unmasks 'dangerous myth' of safety, lawmakers say

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion comes three weeks after the Obama administration proposed opening up parts of the Gulf for deepwater exploration. Two Democratic senators are raising broader safety concerns.

OAS reelects Insulza, but is the world's oldest regional group still relevant?

José Miguel Insulza was reelected secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) today. The former Chilean cabinet minister was the only candidate on the ballot, prompting many to ask: Why bother with the vote?

Bill O'Reilly on Sarah Palin presidency: Why not? Nancy Pelosi's no genius

FOX News host Bill O'Reilly said Sarah Palin could be a good candidate for president before mocking Nancy Pelosi's IQ.

Menendez: Sarah Palin dooms Carly Fiorina and GOP chance of retaking Senate

DSCC Chief Robert Menendez said Sarah Palin’s ties to California Senate candidate Carly Fiorina will prove fatal for Fiorina’s election chances and the GOP odds of regaining a majority in the Senate.

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.

Haiti earthquake reignites debate over fast-tracking adoptions

Haiti and the US have cut red tape in order to facilitate adoption of the hundreds of children who are believed to be orphaned by the Jan. 12 earthquake, but some argue that rushing the process could jeopardize family reunification.

Massachusetts Senate race results: Obama's signal that all is changed

Republican Scott Brown's upset victory in the Massachusetts Senate race results portends huge challenges ahead for President Obama and majority Democrats. National healthcare reform may well stall, and new carbon-emissions rules are now unlikely. What will be the revised agenda?

Illegal immigrants becoming a flashpoint in healthcare reform

The House bill allows illegal immigrants to buy their own health insurance through a new 'exchange' as long as no government subsidy is involved. The Senate bill does not.

At summit, calls for more states to ban texting while driving

Federal officials at the Distracted Driving Summit are urging more states to outlaw driving while texting and some senators have introduced a bill.

Baucus’s Senate panel whacks away at healthcare amendments

Finance Committee cuts 61 amendments, leaving just 503 to go. Among the major issues remaining: a public option.

With scant support for Sotomayor, did the GOP hurt itself?

Republicans need to attract more Hispanic voters. But just nine in the Senate approved the first Hispanic justice’s nomination to the Supreme Court.

Latest front in healthcare debate? Think 140 characters or less.

Democrats struggling for consensus on climate bills

With competing bills in the House and Senate, Democrats struggle to agree on key climate and energy reforms.

Cuba and US inch closer

The two countries agree to talk about immigration policy. It is the second significant overture Obama has made to Cuba in two months.

Obama wins Round One on Sotomayor, but shows caution going forward

Most elected Republicans distance themselves from incendiary comments by Limbaugh, Gingrich, and others.

Hispanics push Obama for a Supreme Court seat

There's never been a Hispanic on the high court though they're 15 percent of the US population.

Obama eases Cuba travel, but embargo remains

His reforms make it easier for Cuban-Americans to visit and financially support family on the island. But some Latin leaders say the changes don’t go far enough.

A push for development abroad

Despite economic crisis, Bush urges the US and other wealthy nations to maintain foreign aid.

U.S. military deaths in Iraq hit 4,000, but rate is slowing

The pace of attacks – and US fatalities – has dropped since last June.