Topic: U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

The Monitor's View: Create jobs – or create more graduates for existing jobs?

On the presidential campaign trail, Obama and Romney debate job creation when the easier path is tooling up graduates of higher education for jobs that already exist. But a political divide deters even that solution.

Disabled Americans: Jobless rate still high 22 years after landmark law

Twenty-two years after passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, there's progress, but employment rates for the disabled remain dismally low. Advocates hope to change that. 

Title IX at 40: what it’s done for gender equity – and the road still ahead

The landmark civil rights law turns 40 this week, and White House officials and others are looking at the effect of Title IX in schools, particularly in terms of sports and the sciences and math.

Can new No Child Left Behind law pass before 2012 elections?

A new No Child Left Behind bill is finally getting a hearing in the Senate Wednesday – after three years of sitting in limbo. The bill has bipartisan support, and plenty of detractors.

For-profit colleges hit with claims of fraud, aggressive recruiting

At a Senate hearing Wednesday, government investigators released evidence that some for-profit colleges encouraged students to falsify financial aid documents.

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.

Will healthcare reform mean cuts in Medicare for seniors?

Lawmakers are looking for savings in Medicare. But Congress has shown little heart for that, especially given the powerful seniors lobby.

Healthcare reform adds to troubles of Senators Reid and Dodd

Sens. Harry Reid and Christopher Dodd are leading the charge for a healthcare reform bill. But that makes it hard for them to run as moderates in 2010, when both will face tough reelection campaigns.

New healthcare bill won't hurt deficit. What about your wallet?

The CBO says the Senate Finance bill will create a $81 billion surplus over 10 years. But critics say its fees, taxes, and mandates will hit Americans’ pocketbooks hard.

With Baucus bill, end of healthcare battle in sight

The Senate Finance Committee hopes to produce the last of Congress's five draft healthcare bills this week. Then begins the difficult process of melding them together.

Baucus health plan: How is it different?

No Republican has signed on yet to the healthcare "compromise" plan released Wednesday by Senate Finance Committee chair Max Baucus.

Healthcare reform: Can Democrats give up public option?

As Obama calls on Congress to pass reform, the Democrats are still split on the need for a public health insurance option.

Going into the fall, Obama has a plateful

In addition to healthcare, there are two wars, Iran, North Korea, and climate change, plus the economy.

Dems appear to set deadline for bipartisan healthcare

In a meeting with the president Tuesday, Senate Democrats agree to work with Republicans on a bipartisan bill – but only until the middle of September.

Three senators hold healthcare reform in their hands

At a time when the threat of filibusters is constant, GOP Senators Enzi, Snowe, and Grassley can wield tremendous influence.

Pelosi's new tack on healthcare - target big insurance

The House Speaker needs to address public concerns about changing the system. So do lawmakers headed home for their August break.

Why healthcare reform is still alive, despite initial cost estimates

Dire pronouncements aside, the process is just getting started, with legislation at a formative stage and Obama yet to offer his plan.

GOP senator: Obama's public healthcare plan is dead

Estimates that a government-run plan could cost $1.6 trillion mean it won't pass Congress, said Sen. Lindsey Graham Sunday.

House Democrats unveil healthcare plan - but what will it cost?

Price will be a major factor in winning bipartisan support, and the public insurance option could be a sticking point too.

A bipartisan healthcare plan? 'Yes we can,' say former Senate leaders.

Democrat Tom Daschle and Republicans Bob Dole and Howard Baker put forth an alternative proposal Wednesday.

Opinion: The private health industry's time is up

Obama has been supportive of a public option, but how do you solve the healthcare problem when you fail to deal with its root?

Obama names basketball buddy and fellow Harvard alum as Education Secretary