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Senate sees 'victory' for HC bill

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:11:10 -0800

Senate Democrats released their $849 billion healthcare reform bill Wednesday, a bill that they say will pass their chamber and do everything from create jobs to provide affordable healthcare and fix medicare.

GOP presses Obama on Gitmo closure

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:14:40 -0800

GOP Ranking Committee Members in the House want to see details on the transfer of detainees from the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp to the United States. In a letter to the President, the request that plans and details be released about the prisoners

Reid: you should be impressed by HC bill

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:38:11 -0800

Majority Leader Harry Reid says that the Senate Healthcare bill is the best so far, and told reporters Tuesday that 'if you're not impressed, you should be' with the final bill. Senate Republicans are using polls to show opposition to the bill.

Fresh faces could be new start for GOP

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Rep. Kevin McCarthy says the GOP is in 'no better time' than now. The NRCC Vice Chairman in charge of recruitment is looking for fresh-faced candidates who might just be the next party leader.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Nov. 16, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0800

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Obama commemorates Veteran's Day 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:50:42 -0800

President Obama in a Veteran's Day ceremony, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Nov 9, 2009

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0800

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski gives a preivew of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

House Passes Healthcare Reform Bill

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:45:31 -0800

Democrats passed healthcare reform 220-215 with one GOP vote

HC bill passes house with GOP vote: Cao

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:24:53 -0800

House Democrats pass their healthcare bill on the floor of the house late Saturday night with one Republican vote from Rep. Joseph Cao(R-Louisiana).

Speker Pelosi Supports HC on Floor

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:31:02 -0800

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif) makes a floor speach in support of the healthcare reform bill currently in the House.

Congressman Shadegg Brings Baby onto the Floor

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:37:12 -0800

Congressman John Shadgg (R-Arizona) brought his chief of staff's daughter Maddie Thompson onto the House Floor during his speech on the Healthcare Reform Bill

Obama visits Dems on eve of HC vote

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:15:04 -0800

President Obama made a trip to capitol hill to meet with House Democrats on the day the chamber is set to vote on Healthcare reform legislation.

GOP holds tea party & throws HC bill

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:53:25 -0800

House Republicans held a rally Thursday against the House Healthcare reform bill. Led my tea party protesters, Rep. Michelle Bachman(R-Minn.), Minority Leader John Boehner, and Actor Jon Voight, lawmakers showed opposition to the bill by tossing it t

'We will' have the votes

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:36:52 -0800

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tells reporters why President Obama is coming to speak to the Democratic caucus tomorrow(Friday) in anticipation of the weekend's healthcare vote.

Members take a stab at '09 election results

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:33:12 -0800

Members of Congress give their thoughts on how the 2009 elections turned out, and what a conservative candidate versus a Democratic candidate means for the Republican party.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Nov. 2, 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0800

The Hill's Bob Cusack gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

House has their healthcare bill

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:55:54 -0700

Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House democratic leaders unveiled their healthcare bill on Thursday, which includes a public option and is available online to read, allowing for at least 72 hours before a floor vote.

60 for history: Dems strong on public option

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:43:43 -0700

Senate Democrats are hopeful that they can get 60 votes for healthcare reform with a public option included. Senators Schumer, Brown, and Whitehouse hold a press conference Wednesday in support of the public option.

Staying for Healthcare Reform

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Rep. Ron Kind(D-Wisc.) sits down with The Hill to talk about why he's not running for governor of Wisconsin, and what he thinks about the Ethics Committee investigations of members of Congress.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Oct. 26, 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Bob Cusack gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

No citizenship question in Census

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:54:08 -0800

A Senate amendment that would make changes to the 2010 Census forms would discourage minorities, immigrants from filling out the form. Minority lawmakers and Majority Leader Hoyer oppose changing the 2010 Census to include citizenship questions.

Pelosi: 'wants more votes' for HC reform

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:54:19 -0800

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she's 'always looking for more votes' when it comes to the House Healthcare bill. The Hill's Mike Soraghan asks the Speaker just how many votes she has.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: 3 pilars of Dems economic agenda

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:36:15 -0700

House Democratic leaders heard from economists on past and future financial recovery measures in a meeting Wednesday. Speaker Pelosi said that many of the suggested reforms could be put into current legislation instead of a new stimulus bill.

GOP calls Doctors' Fix a 'sham'

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:58:12 -0700

Senate Republicans call the Democratic Doctors' Fix measure a 'sham.' The proposal introduced by Sen. Stabenow would stop planned cuts in doctor’s Medicare payments for ten years, encouraging physicans to continue accepting Medicare.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Oct. 19, 2009

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Bringing their muscle to the table

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:39:36 -0700

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House is bringing their muscle to the negotiating table when the healthcare bill goes to conference with the Senate. Republican leaders are hoping more transparency will slow down healthcare reform in Congress.

No slow down on HC bill

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:54:42 -0800

After passage of the Finance Committee's Healthcare reform bill, Senate Republicans want to slow down the process with a lengthy floor debate, but Democrats see a smooth compromise and 60 votes to pass major healthcare reform soon.

Finance passes HC bill with GOP vote: Snowe

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:53:52 -0700

Senate Finance Committee Democrats pass their healthcare bill with one Republican vote, Senator Olympia Snowe. Several Democrats and Republicans comment on the bill during a hearing on Tuesday.

'I'm in my place'

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:01:54 -0700

In response to a NRCC statement that Gen.Stanley McChrystal should put Pelosi 'in her place' on the issue of troop buildup in Afghanistan, something the Speaker has not supported.

Senators want 72 hours to read bills

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:09:20 -0700

Senator Jim Bunning introduces a resolution that would require 72 hour waiting period between a bill’s completion and when it goes to a vote. Joined by Republican Senators, the bill is targeted at the transparency in the healthcare debate.

Promising equal HC for women

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:05:50 -0700

Congresswomen led by Speaker Pelosi called for expanded healthcare coverage for women, making the promise that the healthcare bill will bridge disparities like higher prices on insurance because of a pre-existing condition: childbirth.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Oct. 5, 2009

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Boehner: public option ,or garlic milkshake?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:16:39 -0700

Minority Leader John Boehner(R-OH) compared the public healthcare option to a garlic milkshake, saying it was just as unpopular with the American people as the unsavory-sounding drink.

Pelsoi: No Grayson apology needed

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:20 -0800

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said to reporters Thursday that Rep. Grayson shouldn't have to apologize for remarks he made on the House floor saying that the GOP wants sick people to 'die quickly.'

Manufacturing holds votes for Climate bill

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:42:12 -0700

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) says that a Climate Change Bill in the Senate must include provisions to help America's manufacturing base, an important aspect of transitioning to a clean energy manufacturing industry.

Vague on Public Option, HC Timeline

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:30:09 -0700

Since the Senate Finance Committee voted down the public option in its healthcare bill, Senate Majority Leader Reid changed course, saying that his role would be to bring the bill to the floor, not decide if it belonged in a final bill.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Sept. 28, 2009

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Managing Editor at The Hill Bob Cusack gives a preview of the week ahead in Congress.

Limiting credit card companies

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:42 -0800

Rep. Carolyn Maloney(D-NY) introduces the Expedited CARD Reform for Consumers Act, after her first bill dubbed the Card Holders Bill of Rights wasn't putting limits on credit card companies quick enough.

Pelosi: Public option 'trigger' an excuse

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:19:20 -0700

Speaker Nancy Pelsoi calls the proposal of a 'trigger' for a public healthcare option, an excuse for not doing anything, and stands by the public option as the best cost-saving plan for Americans.

Finance debates procedure

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:59 -0800

On the second day of markups in the Finance Committee, Senators spat over procedure while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid ensures Healthcare workers that a reform bill is 'closer than ever.'

Capitol Hill Agenda: Sept. 21, 2009

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Healthcare debate turns on emotions for Pelosi

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:34:59 -0700

Speaker Pelosi gets choked up recalling the politically –charged violence that took place in San Francisco during the late 1970's, & House GOP Leader Boehner defends opposition to healthcare reform, despite concerns that the debate is violent.

Baucus hits his mark on healthcare plan

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:31:00 -0700

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus unveiled his healthcare reform proposal, his Chairman's mark, which he believes will gain support from both sides of the aisle and pass the Senate.

Energy Bill: The Case for Natural Gas

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Executive Vice President of the American Gas Association, Rick Shelby, talks about what role natural gas can play in the energy bill debate on Capitol Hill.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Sept. 14, 2009

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Bob Cusack gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Dems open door and public option

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:01:56 -0800

Senate Majority Leader said he wants to see some sort of public option in a healthcare bill, even if it’s like a Co-Op, and Democrats leaving it open to Republicans to work in a bipartisan manner on a final bill.

Obama lays out plan on healthcare

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:49:48 -0700

President Obama addresses a joint session of Congress to lay out his healthcare reform agenda and tried to dispel some rumors about the healthcare debate.

Congress Remembers

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:02:18 -0800

Lawmakers hold a Capitol Hill remembrance ceremony on Wednesday.

Advice for Obama’s HC plan: start over

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:49:09 -0700

Republican House and Senate leadership offer some advice for President Obama’s address to Congress Wednesday: Start over on healthcare. Leader Boehner tells reporters why they chose Rep. Charles Boustany(R-La.) to give the Republican Response.

Capitol Hill Agenda: Sept. 8, 2009

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski takes a look at the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Biden sells stimulus success & Obama’s address

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:42:39 -0700

Vice President Biden gives a speech on the 200th day since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed and says that President Obama will layout the administration’s healthcare reform plan at Wednesday’s address to Congress.

Up next in the Senate:Climate Change

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

The Hill’s Business and Lobbying Editor Jim Snyder looks at how the Senate might put out their version of a climate change bill despite a busy legislative agenda on healthcare reform

Lawmakers pay tribute to Kennedy

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:59:26 -0700

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle mourn the loss of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who passed away late Tuesday at the age of 77 after serving in the Senate for over 40 years.

Town hall turmoil for Howard Dean

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:12:56 -0700

Rep. Jim Moran(D-Va.) holds a healthcare town hall meeting with one-time DNC Chairman & former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, who is meet with support and opposition from the crowd.

Congress cashes out on 'clunkers'

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:00:00 -0700

The government's 'Cash for Clunkers' program comes to an end, but whether it will end up being a success for car companies, Congress, or taxpayers is left to be decided.

A bipartisan go, sans a healthcare bill

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:26:31 -0700

As healthcare tops the headlines today, The Hill's Healthcare Reporter Jeff Young looks at how the Senate got to where they are today with their healthcare reform legislation.

Refresher on House HC timeline

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:18:01 -0700

The Hill's Jeffrey Young take a look back at how the House Healthcare Reform bill progressed before the summer recess and what may happen when they return in September.

Unhealthy debate at town hall

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:19:25 -0700

Sen. Cardin(D-MD) holds his second recess town hall meeting on healthcare reform in Hagerstown, MD while constituents yell out questions and even try to get him to step down from office.

Staying on message at town halls

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:23:28 -0700

With Senators starting their recess with town hall meetings, The Hill's J.T. Rushing and Erica Wisniewski look at how lawmakers are getting their healthcare reform message out there successfully.

Sotomayor Confirmed

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:43:44 -0700

The Senate voted 68 to 31 to confirm Judge Sotomayor as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. Floor debate centered around her statements on judicial activism, and the role empathy should play in judging.

Dems rally for Sotomayor

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:44:11 -0700

Democratic Senators rally support for Judge Sonia Sotomayor in anticipation of the Senate's final vote to confirm her to the Supreme Court of the United States.

While Dems are out to lunch...

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:45:08 -0700

Senate Republicans are looking forward to the August recess to work out healthcare reform, but want to move forward with the cash -for-clunker's legislation.

Capitol Hill Agenda: August 3, 2009

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 03:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Managing Editor, Bob Cusack, gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Democrats and Doctors

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:46:17 -0700

Democratic Leadership joined with the representatives of over 500,000 doctors who endorse the need for change in health care and a shift in how Americans pay receive and pay for care. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev) is working towards reconciling

Eyes on the road, off your phone

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:46:50 -0700

Several Senators are introducing legislation that would put a ban on text messaging while driving, following several studies that show how texting on the road is more dangerous than drunk driving.

Capitol Hill Agenda: July 27, 2009

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

HC on hold until September

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:48:20 -0700

Senate Leadership on Thursday delayed a vote on healthcare until September. Sens. Chris Dodd, Tom Carper, and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius comment on the bill's progress.

House passes Pay-Go

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:48:43 -0700

House Democrats and Blue Dogs cheered the passage of pay-as-you-go, which will make it harder to start new spending bills without paying for them, a first step they hope to ending the deficit.

Pelosi: Work through recess

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:49:07 -0700

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi(D-Calif.) agrees with 70% of Americans who think Congress should stay through their August recess to pass healthcare reform.

GOP Docs fight ‘No’ perception

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:49:29 -0700

Pulling from their caucus Republicans are using the Senate's only physicians to change their perception of being the 'party of no,' while Democrats push forward with their healthcare plan.

Capitol Hill Agenda: July 20, 2009

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Managing Editor, Bob Cusack, gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Whipping a GOP Centrist

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Moderate Republican Congressman Mike Castle sat down the The Hill to discuss being a moderate in a party lead by conservatives.

HELP ready for next HC step

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:50:55 -0700

Senate Democrats on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee are looking to the Finance Committee and the House to put out a healthcare reform bill, and pass a bill by the August recess.

Defending 'Wise Latina'

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0700

Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor defended several comments she previously made before the Senate Judiciary Committee about judicial p policy making and her background as a Latina.

Highway face off with admin

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Chairman James Oberstar of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee wants stimulus money to have gone out faster to transportation projects and says that the administration's economists don't understand transportation policy.

Judiciary starts Sotomayor hearing

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:11:13 -0700

Senate Judicary Committee began the Confirmation Hearing for Supreme Court Nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Highlights of opening statments from Sens. Leahy, Sessions, Schumer & Graham.

Capitol Hill Agenda: July 13, 2009

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski takes a look at the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Dems & GOP:Transportation bill needed

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:24:24 -0700

House Republicans say the economic stimulus package is not creating enough jobs, most notably transportation jobs. Leaders from both parties are building momentum for a transportation bill.

CIA allegations back in the news

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:24:41 -0700

Speaker Pelosi said she was unaware of a CIA briefing and subsequent letter written to Director Panetta by 7 Intelligence Committee democrats that accuse the CIA of lies.

Senate & Pickens team up on Energy

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:25:08 -0700

Energy Baron, T. Boone Pickens joins Senators Menendez(D-N.J.) and Hatch(R-Utah) to introduce the NAT GAS Act which aims to produce natural gas-fueled vehicles in America.

Second stimulus, not so soon

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:25:36 -0700

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid shelved the idea of a second stimulus package, saying over 90% of the plan’s funds haven’t been spent.

Dems Get 60

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:25:56 -0700

Vice President Joe Biden swore in Al Franken as a Minnesota Senator in the Old Senate Chamber among family and former Vice President and Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale. Biden and Franken reenacted swearing in which took place on the Senate Floor.

Capitol Hill Agenda: July 6th, 2009

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Erica Wisniewski gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

Energy Bill passes House

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:27:46 -0700

Democrats passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act with 219 just two more than the required 217. After the vote Friday, House Democrats cheered the win and the monumental bill.

Debating the Energy Bill

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:28:26 -0700

The House debates the Waxman-Markey Energy Bill Friday, and both sides of the aisle are employing tactics to put the votes in their favor.

Advice for Gov. Sanford

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:28:54 -0700

GOP Strategist & Hill Pundit Blog Contributor Doug Heye talks with Jim Mills about how Gov. Sanford(R-S.C.) should handle his political future in the midst of confessing to an extramarital affair.

CHC endorses Sotomayor officially

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:29:22 -0700

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus endorsed Judge Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court Justice Friday after reviewing her credentials and noted that her opinions follow the rule of law.

Military tribunals in Defense Bill

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:29:47 -0700

Senate Armed Services Committee leadership Sens. Carl Levin and John McCain rundown some of the military tribunal procedures for detainees made to the Defense Authorization Bill for FY 2010.

Back & forth on energy bill

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:30:10 -0700

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushes back on a deadline previously set for a vote on the House Energy Bill and Minority Leader John Boehner criticizes the bill and the push for a vote.

House almost ready for energy vote

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:30:31 -0700

Speaker Pelosi says that house will vote on energy when everything is in order. Chairman Peterson and Chairman Markey are holding to their Friday deadline and see bi-partisan support for the bill.

Readying for climate change vote

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:31:02 -0700

Democrats from the Eneryg & Commerce Committee talk up their Energy Reform Bill despite compromising on an amendment with the Agriculture committee on Carbon offset values.

Western senators tackle energy

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:31:30 -0700

The newly formed Senate Western Caucus is made up of senators from most of the western states. To jump start their organization members introduced what they call an "All of the Above" energy plan to take advantage of the West's energy reserves.

Push back on HC completion date

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:31:49 -0700

Sen. Chris Dodd(D-Conn.), sitting in for HELP committee Chairman Edward Kennedy, says the committe won't finish their Healthcare Reform bill by the July 4th recess.

House gets started on HC reform

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:32:04 -0700

Healthcare reform hearings begin in the House as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle hope the final bill will include some of their own priorities, despite a rush to pass the bill by July 31st.

Capitol Hill Agenda: June 22, 2009

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:00:00 -0700

The Hill's Bob Cusack gives a preview of the week ahead on Capitol Hill.

House Dems release HC draft

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:33:58 -0700

Chairman from several House Committees unveiled their Healthcare Discussion Draft Friday, a blueprint for the nation's healthcare overhaul.

Geithner defends the Fed

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:34:19 -0700

Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner defended the power of the Federal Reserve bank to members of the Senate Banking Committee Thursday. Geithner was selling the Financial Regulatory plan.

Dems want statutory PAYGO

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:35:07 -0700

House Democrats introduce their plan for a 'Pay as you go' option, aka. PAYGO to help cover the cost of new programs like healthcare reform, and take care of the national debt.

On HC:Dems lack bill, hold up GOP

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:44:54 -0700

House Republicans want to unveil a healthcare plan but say they have to wait until Democrats score their own plan first. The GOP wants to focus on a non-mandated affordable healthcare option.