Topic: Susan Collins

Olympia Snowe's healthcare vote: unabashedly independent

Olympia Snowe was the only Republican to vote Tuesday for the Senate Finance Committee's healthcare bill. This is not the first time she has broken with her party.

Senate in the home stretch on its healthcare reform bill

But there's more heavy political lifting ahead. Liberals in the House are set to fight for a public option.

GOP senators concede on 'Cash for Clunkers'

They don't have the votes to block an additional $2 billion for the popular program. Many have heard from car dealers back home.

'Clunker' consumers not buying gas guzzlers, study finds

Americans participating in the 'Cash for Clunkers' program are buying new cars that get, on average, 9.6 miles per gallon more than their trade-ins.

How green is cash-for-clunkers program?

Fuel efficiency requirements for new cars bought under the rebate program aren't strict enough, say some.

Sotomayor roundup: How Republicans will vote

Six GOP senators have announced their intentions ahead of Tuesday's Judiciary Committee vote on the Supreme Court nominee.

Where do reforms urged by 9/11 commission stand?

Five years after the commission released its report, one key reform for US security – streamlining congressional oversight – hasn’t happened.

The Monitor's View: Obama is absent on campaign-finance issues

He can start living up to his promises by nominating federal-election watchdogs, not lap dogs.

Homeland security to repeal national ID law

The Obama administration wants to replace the controversial Bush initiative with a cheaper, less rigorous ID program.

Swine flu as pork: Congress cut flu money from stimulus bill

Obama wanted $850 million for pandemic preparedness. Congress said no.

'Regular Joe' plays a key White House role

As vice president, Biden is yin to Obama’s yang. But he’s definitely no Cheney.

Senators grill Petraeus on new Afghanistan strategy

Top concerns are troop levels and yardsticks for success

Obama redeploys his grass-roots network to push budget

Volunteers canvassed door to door over the weekend in the first big test of his ground support.

Controversial 'card check' bill back for fourth time

The business community says the bill, which makes it easier for workers to unionize, would be a job killer.

Obama wins his economic stimulus package, but without the bipartisanship he sought

Accord reached on final stimulus bill: $789 billion for 3.5 million jobs

House and Senate negotiators crafted a deal Wednesday, pushing for floor votes this week. Tax cuts make up about a third of the total expenditure.

After Senate passage, stimulus bill moves to next hurdles

Senate's $838 billion package of tax cuts and new spending must be reconciled with the House bill. There may be little room to maneuver.

GOP PAC: You vote for the stimulus package? You're on notice

The Indy 800? Obama campaigns for stimulus in Hoosier-land

GOP centrists give Obama a majority – barely

This week’s Senate vote on the economic stimulus package could set the pattern in Congress.

The emerging stimulus bill: still big

The Senate is likely to vote Tuesday on its version. Talks with the House are already beginning.

Senate forges deal on $820 billion stimulus

Key elements of the plan include a tax cut of up to $1,000 for working couples and $88 billion in new funding for education.

Obama radio address: OK with stimulus scrutiny - but hurry up and pass it!

Under pressure, Senate moving toward vote on stimulus

Obama points to new jobless numbers in urging quick action.

Senators reach deal to cut stimulus bill to $780B

Senate Democrats reached agreement with key Republicans Friday night on an economic stimulus measure at the heart of President Barack Obama's plan for combatting the worst recession in decades.