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Immigration reform bill: Top 8 changes GOP senators want

More than 300 amendments were submitted for possible inclusion in a sweeping immigration reform package – at least 100 of them from two Republicans, Sens. Charles Grassley of Iowa and Jeff Sessions of Alabama. Here are eight notable changes GOP lawmakers want to see in bill, as the Senate Judiciary Committee takes up amendments between now and Memorial Day.
10 most controversial authors (in recent memory)

These writers have all sold plenty of books – and taken quite a lot of flak.
If not 'sequester,' then what? Five ideas from left and right.

Few in Washington believe that "the sequester,” $85 billion in automatic spending cuts set to hit the federal budget as of March 1, is a good idea. But what's the alternative? Here are five proposals, from the right, the center, and the left, to replace the sequester. Which do you like?
Eight open US Senate seats in 2014

Here are eight senators who have opted out of a reelection bid in 2014, giving hopefuls in both parties a rare shot at a US Senate seat – and, moreover, one that could flip control of the Senate.
14 Republicans who might run in 2016

The GOP has a history of nominating people who have run before, which could give heart to some familiar faces. But there’s also a crop of young rising stars who could steal the show.

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Decoder Wire Four reasons the Senate gun control bill may be kaput

The Senate is slated to vote Wednesday on nine gun control provisions, but prospects for passage for several – including expanding background checks to more gun buyers – look dim. Here's why.
Sen. Rand Paul wants the big microphone of a 2016 presidential run

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a favorite of the Republican Party’s libertarian and tea party wings, is considering a run for president in 2016 to be part of the debate on national issues.

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USA Update Five earthquakes hit central Oklahoma early Tuesday

The 4.3 magnitude earthquake, with aftershocks, that struck Oklahoma is small, compared with Tuesday's 7.8 magnitude earthquake near the Iran-Pakistan border. The Red Cross expects no injuries in Oklahoma.
To reinvigorate Republican Party, tea party takes page from Occupy

Tea party activists have come up with 10 bills that they call the New Fair Deal – a nod to ending special interests in D.C. The plan includes privatizing Social Security and replacing Obamacare.
Supreme Court to hear child custody fight; at crux is law on tribal rights

US Supreme Court on Tuesday hears an appeal of an adoptive couple seeking the return of the girl they raised for two years. The child now lives with her father, a member of the Cherokee Nation, per order of a lower court.
Supreme Court refuses e-mail privacy case, leaving divergent opinions intact

Does federal privacy law protect personal e-mail from prying eyes? Lower courts conflict, but the Supreme Court on Monday declined to take a case that might have clarified the extent of protections.
Change Agent Rural electric co-ops go green

Electric cooperatives have served rural Americans for generations. Some are taking advantage of their member-owned status to begin weaning their regions off of fossil fuels.
Meat recall expands to 13 states

Meat recall includes roast beef, ham, turkey breast, corned beef, and pastrami shipped to retailers. No illnesses have been linked to the meat recall.
Baby mementos: Would you want this hanging from your neck?

Baby mementos vary from parent to parent. What's worth saving? Hair? Teeth? Breast milk processed into a pendant? You can buy a kit for that on Etsy.
Senate ends gun control filibuster, but GOP still skeptical of bill

In a bipartisan vote Thursday, the Senate voted to override a filibuster and proceed with debate on a package of gun control bills. But support for debate doesn't mean support for the bill.
Opinion: Opponents of Medicaid expansion put politics over people

The rejection by several Republican-led states of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion to provide health care access to millions of America’s poor isn’t just partisan politics; it’s immoral. It’s not too late to press state leaders to put people ahead of partisanship.
Cover Story How dealmaking gets done on Capitol Hill

In the new politics of Congress, deals are no longer fashioned by moderates, who vanished long ago, but by a few lawmakers on the left and right who have the respect, clout, and just enough pragmatism to surmount the culture of division.
Lindsey Graham: The senator who revels in the 'ugly' issues

If there's a particularly partisan issue, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is likely to be in the middle trying to find a solution – in a conservative way.
To Republicans, Margaret Thatcher was first conservative-as-insurgent

Margaret Thatcher, the former British prime minister, embodied much of what inspires US Republicans with her iron-willed stand on the effectiveness of conservative principles.
Obama budget takes heat from all quarters (+video)

Republicans reject any new taxes. Liberals say they'll fight any changes to Social Security and other entitlement programs. Does the Obama administration have any room to maneuver?
SC's ex-Gov. Sanford wins runoff, will face Colbert Busch (+video)

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has taken another step toward the congressional seat he held for three terms.
Why South Carolina special election is no big deal

With a quirky cast of characters, the special election in South Carolina for a seat in the US House is more idiosyncratic than most – but it's still likely to go Republican.
Business, labor reach immigration deal on guest workers. Will it stand?

The US Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO have reached a deal on guest workers as a part of comprehensive immigration reform. That was a major issue, but more remain including border security and a pathway to citizenship.
Confederate flag coming down in North Carolina. Why?

Confederate flag coming down in Raleigh, N.C., where it hangs in the State Capitol. The Confederate battle flag is coming down this weekend, according to one state official.
American Idol: Phil Phillips comes home and one contestant goes home (+video)

On Thursday night, both Bon Jovi and Phil Phillips graced the American Idol stage. Also, Ryan revealed some detailed voting results that ended in one contestant's elimination.
Conservatives showcase diversity and divisions at annual CPAC rally (+video)

The speaker list tells the tale: Star Sens.Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Rand Paul are IN. Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney also get to speak. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie didn't get an invite.
Opinion: Proposals to ban purchase of sugary drink with food stamps won't work

The same flaws that caused a New York judge to overturn Mayor Bloomberg's ban on big sugary drinks are inherent in proposals to ban the purchase of sugary drinks using food stamps. Such bans are unlikely to help fight obesity and can do substantial damage to the safety net.
10 most controversial authors (in recent memory)

These writers have all sold plenty of books – and taken quite a lot of flak.
Congress opens first budget debate in four years

Congress this week takes up the parties' sharply different views on taxes and spending. Just laying down political markers on next year's budget could help advance a 'grand bargain' on deficits and entitlements, some say.
Obama said to be close to naming Perez for Department of Labor

Sources close to the president have told the Associated Press civil rights official Thomas Perez is likely to be President Barack Obama's choice to head the Department of Labor.