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No pattern of partying, skirt-chasing in Secret Service, Napolitano says (+video)

Janet Napolitano, whose department oversees the Secret Service, said Wednesday there is no evidence of a pattern of indiscretion among agents. Nine have left the service in the wake of the recent prostitution scandal.
On renewal of Violence Against Women Act, Senate Democrats have upper hand

After passing the Senate unanimously in years past, the Violence Against Women Act, with revisions, faces strong partisan opposition. Still, Republicans don't want to be tagged as waging a 'war on women.'
Prostitution scandal now implicates twelfth member of military

With a dozen Secret Service personnel also implicated, the total number of individuals involved in the prostitution scandal has reached 25.
White House defends Secret Service director

Press secretary Jay Carney said the President's security was never compromised.
Secret Service tries to quell outcry, scandal takes political turn

The Secret Service did not identify the agents being forced out or eight others who remain on administrative leave. In a statement, the service said one supervisor was allowed to retire, and another will be fired for cause. A third employee, who was not a supervisor, has resigned.
Secret Service begins swift crackdown on carousing agents

As Congress demands action, the Secret Service is moving rapidly to punish agents connected to the scandal involving prostitutes in Colombia. Three have been forced out so far.
Violence Against Women Act: A political opening for Democrats?

Senate Democrats aim to extend the Violence Against Women Act, adding services for illegal immigrants and same-sex couples, a move Republicans say is out to score political points.
At CNN debate, Rick Santorum skewered over 'bridge to nowhere'

GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum took a pounding from rivals over his Senate record, during the CNN debate Wednesday. MItt Romney reminded voters of Santorum's vote for the so-called 'bridge to nowhere.'
Supreme Court on TV? Senate panel advances bill requiring cameras in high court.

The Senate committee's vote comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear five and a half hours of argument in March in a challenge to President Obama’s health-care reform law.
FDR and Chief Justice Hughes

The overlooked story of the hardworking justice who stood up to one of America's most popular presidents – and won a victory for posterity.
PIPA and SOPA: What you need to know

As PIPA and SOPA work their way through Congress, the controversial bills have raised many questions. The most common: Wait, what are PIPA and SOPA?
Horizons
SOPA vote delayed in House

Action on SOPA, the House bill aimed at stopping online piracy, has been delayed. The House Judiciary Committee could vote on SOPA as early as Wednesday. 
AG Holder threatened with impeachment over 'Fast and Furious'

US Attorney General Eric Holder faced criticism from a congressional committee Thursday over the Justice Department's handling of the 'Fast and Furious' gun program.
Can Congress force Supreme Court to let in cameras?

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011 would require TV coverage of all open sessions at the Supreme Court. Any legal challenge to the mandate would ultimately arrive at the Supreme Court – prompting a constitutional showdown.
The Vote
Herman Cain harassment allegations: why they're not Clarence Thomas redux

Anita Hill's allegations against then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas were explosive but lacked documentary evidence. The allegations against Herman Cain were reportedly investigated, meaning there could be a paper trail.
Justice Sotomayor – not guilty of 'empathy'

During confirmation hearings in 2009, GOP senators questioned Sonia Sotomayor about her supposed 'empathy standard' and partiality. Since becoming a Supreme Court justice, her views on two capital cases show no cause for the concern, but rather attention to a fair legal process.
Senate hearing chronicles costs of DOMA: lost dignity, financial ruin

In emotional testimony, married gay and lesbian couples testified before a Senate committee as to the costs – financial and emotional – of the Defense of Marriage Act. The Senate is considering a repeal.
Obama, in stand for gay rights, calls for repeal of DOMA

In nod to gay rights, Obama backs repeal of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act), which defines marriage as between one man and one woman and withholds federal benefits from gay married couples.
Drug labels: Generics don't need warning updates

Drug labels and prescription records decisions by the Supreme Court Thursday favor the pharmaceutical industry. The court ruled that drug labels for generics don't need the same updated warnings that the brand-name makers do.
Obama to keep Mueller at FBI for 'continuity,' as other security chiefs shift

President Obama will seek to extend Robert Mueller's tenure as FBI director for two more years. His decision comes amid changes at the top of the CIA and Defense Department.
Did flawed US policies play role in death of a border patrol agent?

Before a US border patrol agent was killed in a shootout with Mexican bandits, the agents opened fire with bean bags. Found at the scene: two guns the ATF allowed gun runners to purchase.
Health-care repeal fails in Senate: What's the next GOP target?

The Senate rejected a bid to repeal Obama's health-care law on a party-line vote Wednesday. The GOP is ratcheting up pressure on potentially vulnerable Senate Democrats in 2012.
Rogue websites are stealing American jobs and property. Will Congress act?

The Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act goes after rogue websites that target intellectual property and threaten security of information. This isn't Internet censorship. It's a protection of rights and freedoms.
Where are all the federal judges? Why 90 empty seats threaten American justice

Partisan play – especially Republican obstinacy – has blocked judicial nominations at a record rate. President Obama and the 112th Senate must now quickly nominate and confirm judges for more than 90 lower court vacancies. The swift and fair delivery of justice hangs in the balance.
WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange: Is the US pursuing him in secret?

WikiLeaks' Julian Assange claimed Friday that US prosecutors are carrying out a secretive grand-jury probe into WikiLeaks activities.