Newsvine - senate-republicanshttp://www.newsvine.com/senate-republicansNewsvine - senate-republicansen-usCopyright 2013Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:35:12 +0000Wed, 22 May 2013 00:45:03 +0000http://www.newsvine.comhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssObama, GOP senators plan a second dinner http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/27/17490466-obama-gop-senators-plan-a-second-dinnerhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/27/17490466-obama-gop-senators-plan-a-second-dinneruspoliticsrepublicanssenate-republicansobamabarack-obamaWed, 27 Mar 2013 21:34:18 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postSenate vote: OK $85 billion cuts, avert shutdown http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/13/17303621-senate-vote-ok-85-billion-cuts-avert-shutdownhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/13/17303621-senate-vote-ok-85-billion-cuts-avert-shutdownbusinessuswhite-housebudgetpoliticsbattleassociated-presssenate-republicanshouse-republicansbarack-obamasenate-democratspaul-ryanhouse-budget-committeeThu, 14 Mar 2013 03:32:07 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>President Barack Obama turns to reporters as he leaves Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 13, 2103, after his closed-door meeting with House Speaker John Boehner and Republican lawmakers to discuss the budget. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, pauses as he comments to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 13, 2013, following a closed-door meeting with President Barack Obama and House Republicans to discuss the budget. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)\</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, accompanied by House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of Calif., and Republican Conference Chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., comments to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 13, 2013, following a closed-door meeting with President Barack Obama and House Republicans to discuss the budget. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>President Barack Obama, escorted by House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving, right, waves as he arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 13, 2013, for closed-door talks with House Speaker John Boehner and the House Republican Conference to discuss the budget. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, takes questions from reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 13, 2013, following a closed-door meeting with President Barack Obama and House Republicans to discuss the budget. From left are, Rep. James Lankford, R-Okla., House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Va., Boehner, Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of Calif., and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Continuing his effort to end political gridlock with Congress, President Barack Obama comes to Capitol Hill to meet with the Senate Republican caucus, in Washington, Thursday, March 14, 2013. From left to right, he is greeted by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Minority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>President Barack Obama waves to members of the media as he heads to a meeting with House Democratic Caucus on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 14, 2013.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., leave a meeting with House Democrats at the Capitol, in Washington, Thursday, March 14, 2013. At far left is Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., with Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., second from left. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, makes a "zero" gesture as he speaks with reporters about the federal budget on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 14, 2013. Boehner was referring to President Barack Obama's federal budget which received zero votes in 2012 when it was rejected 414-0 in the House and 99-0 in the Senate. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)</p><p>President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., left, leave a meeting with House Democrats at the Capitol, in Washington, Thursday, March 14, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, makes a "zero" gesture as he speaks with reporters about the federal budget on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 14, 2013. Boehner was referring to President Barack Obama's federal budget which received zero votes in 2012 when it was rejected 414-0 in the House and 99-0 in the Senate. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)</p><p>House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., appears before the House Rules Committee to testify on his party’s budget proposal, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., checks notes as he appears before the House Rules Committee to advance his party’s 2014 budget proposal, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2013. Ryan and fellow House Republicans know their plan would be dead on arrival in the Democrat-controlled Senate because it includes a repeal of President Barack Obama's health care law, and it includes Medicare changes that would shift more of the cost to future patients. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>As House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., appears before the House Rules Committee to testify on his party’s budget proposal, Ranking Member Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., questions the impact that the Ryan budget will have on middle-class and working families, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., appears before the House Rules Committee to testify on his party’s budget proposal, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2013. Ryan and fellow House Republicans put forward their 2014 budget knowing that it would be dead on arrival in the Democrat-controlled Senate because it includes a repeal of President Obama's health care law, and it includes Medicare changes that would shift more of the cost to future patients. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., appears before the House Rules Committee to testify on his party’s budget proposal, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, March 18, 2013. He is joined at left by Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the ranking member on the House Budget Committee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Deputy Commerce Secretary for Resource Management Hari Sastry, left, looks over documents on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 19, 2013, during a break in his testimony in a joint hearing on sequestration held by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's subcommittee on Economic Growth, Job Creation and Regulatory Affairs, and the subcommittee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service and the Census. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate pressed ahead Wednesday on a huge, bipartisan spending bill aimed at keeping the government running through September and ruling out the chance of a government shutdown later this month. Blunt said he's been promised a vote on an amendment — eagerly sought by the meatpacking and poultry industries — that would offer them relief from food inspector furloughs that threaten to intermittently shutter plants. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this March 18, 2013 file photo, House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate pressed ahead Wednesday on a huge, bipartisan spending bill aimed at keeping the government running through September and ruling out the chance of a government shutdown later this month. The developments in the Senate come as the House resumed debate on the budget for next year and beyond. Republicans are pushing a plan that promises sharp cuts to federal health care programs and domestic agency operating budgets as the price for balancing the budget in a decade. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p>Republicans block Obama nominee to appeals court http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/06/17210261-republicans-block-obama-nominee-to-appeals-courthttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/06/17210261-republicans-block-obama-nominee-to-appeals-courtussenatecourtpoliticssenate-republicansbarack-obamaappeals-courtcaitlin-halliganWed, 6 Mar 2013 16:18:03 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - This April 27, 2005 file photo shows Caitlin J. Halligan, in the Court of Appeals in Albany, N.Y. Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked the confirmation of federal appeals court nominee Caitlin Halligan for the second time, denying President Barack Obama a key judicial appointment. (AP Photo/Jim McKnight)</p>Obama meets with Senate Democrats on Capitol Hill http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/06/17209212-obama-meets-with-senate-democrats-on-capitol-hillhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/03/06/17209212-obama-meets-with-senate-democrats-on-capitol-hilluscongresspoliticssenate-republicanscapitol-hillobamabarack-obamasenate-democratsWed, 6 Mar 2013 14:08:03 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postGOP kills Senate Democratic plan to replace cuts http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/28/17135141-gop-kills-senate-democratic-plan-to-replace-cutshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/28/17135141-gop-kills-senate-democratic-plan-to-replace-cutsusbudgetpoliticsbattleplandemocraticsenate-republicansbarack-obamaThu, 28 Feb 2013 20:25:07 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postEating out: Obama's new overtures to GOP lawmakers http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/27/17122221-eating-out-obamas-new-overtures-to-gop-lawmakershttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/27/17122221-eating-out-obamas-new-overtures-to-gop-lawmakersuswhite-housebudgetpoliticsbattlesenate-republicanscapitol-hillhouse-republicansobamabarack-obamasenate-republicanThu, 28 Feb 2013 01:05:28 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>President Barack Obama speaks at the Business Council dinner in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>FILE - In this March 4, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Enveloped by political gridlock, President Barack Obama is reaching out to rank-and-file Republicans, hosting GOP senators for dinner at the White House Wednesday night and then visiting Capitol Hill next week for separate meetings with Senate and House Republicans. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2013 file photo, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., confer on Capitol Hill in Washington. Enveloped by political gridlock, President Barack Obama is reaching out to rank-and-file Republicans, hosting GOP senators for dinner at the White House Wednesday night and then visiting Capitol Hill next week for separate meetings with Senate and House Republicans. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2013 file photo, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., left, and Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., talk on Capitol Hill in Washington. Enveloped by political gridlock, President Barack Obama is reaching out to rank-and-file Republicans, hosting GOP senators for dinner at the White House Wednesday night and then visiting Capitol Hill next week for separate meetings with Senate and House Republicans. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 24, 2013 file photo, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. Enveloped by political gridlock, President Barack Obama is reaching out to rank-and-file Republicans, hosting GOP senators for dinner at the White House Wednesday night and then visiting Capitol Hill next week for separate meetings with Senate and House Republicans. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p>Obama slams GOP over delay of Hagel confirmation http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/14/16965803-obama-slams-gop-over-delay-of-hagel-confirmationhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/14/16965803-obama-slams-gop-over-delay-of-hagel-confirmationuspoliticssenate-republicansobamabarack-obamahagelchuck-hagelThu, 14 Feb 2013 23:01:57 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postHagel delay gives opposition time to hone attack http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/14/16958061-hagel-delay-gives-opposition-time-to-hone-attackhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/14/16958061-hagel-delay-gives-opposition-time-to-hone-attackusapwhite-housepoliticssenate-republicansbarack-obamasenate-democratshagelchuck-hagelleon-panettaThu, 14 Feb 2013 08:17:19 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for defense secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington. A bitterly divided Senate panel on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, voted to approve Hagel to be the nation's defense secretary at a time of turmoil for the military with looming budget cuts, a fresh sign of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013, file photo, Republican Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for Defense Secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senate Republicans on Feb. 14, 2013, temporarily blocked a full Senate vote on Hagel's nomination as defense secretary.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. makes his way to the Senate floor on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, after a Democratic caucus meeting. Senate Democrats and the White House struggled to break an impasse Thursday over Chuck Hagel's nomination as secretary of defense, with Republicans blocking speedy confirmation of their former colleague and Vietnam combat veteran. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Armed Services Committee members Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., arrive for a hearing on the appointments of military leaders, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Republicans on the committee have been vocal in their opposition to the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the next secretary of defense. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., leaves the Senate chamber as Senate Republicans stalled the nomination of former GOP senator Chuck Hagel as the nation’s next secretary of defense, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., right, and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, left, arrive for the vote to end debate on the nomination of former GOP senator Chuck Hagel as the nation’s next secretary of defense, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., president pro tempore of the Senate, walks to the floor for the vote to end debate on the confirmation of Chuck Hagel to become defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The cloture vote fell short of the 60 yeas required to break the Republican filibuster, leaving Hagel’s nomination in limbo as Congress leaves for recess. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, smiles as he leaves the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. Senate Republicans on stalled the nomination of former GOP senator Chuck Hagel as the nation’s next secretary of defense when a vote to end debate on Hagel fell short of the 60 yeas required to break the Republican filibuster, leaving Hagel’s nomination in limbo as Congress leaves for recess. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., left, and Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., right, confer as they leave a GOP caucus at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. Senate Republicans on stalled the nomination of former GOP senator Chuck Hagel as the nation’s next secretary of defense when a vote to end debate on Hagel fell short of the 60 yeas required to break the Republican filibuster, leaving Hagel’s nomination in limbo as Congress leaves for recess. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, leaves the Senate chamber as Senate Republicans stalled the nomination of former GOP senator Chuck Hagel as the nation’s next defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. Murkowski was one of four Republicans who voted with Democrats to end the debate and proceed to a final vote. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Armed Services Committee members, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. confer on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at the start of the committee's hearing on the appointments of military leaders. The two Republicans have been vocal in their opposition to the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the next secretary of defense. While Democrats hold a 55-45 edge in the Senate and have the numbers to confirm Hagel on a majority vote, they need the support of five Republicans to clear the way for an up-or-down vote on him. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., left, and the committee's ranking Republican, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., confer on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, before the start of a hearing. Republicans on the panel have been vocal in their opposition to the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the next secretary of defense. While Democrats hold a 55-45 edge in the Senate and have the numbers to confirm Hagel on a majority vote, they need the support of five Republicans to clear the way for an up-or-down vote on him. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p>THE RESET: GOP using Senate math to block Hagel http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/11/16927492-the-reset-gop-using-senate-math-to-block-hagelhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/11/16927492-the-reset-gop-using-senate-math-to-block-hagelussenate-republicansbarack-obamaus-newsresetchuck-hagelMon, 11 Feb 2013 18:07:09 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Nov. 13, 2012 file photo, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speaks to reporters after leaving a closed-door meeting investigating the violent Sept. 11, assault on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya at the Capitol in Washington, A struggling Republican party is hanging ever more hope for its revitalization on Sen. Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American seen by many as a top contender for its 2016 presidential nomination. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 16, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama, accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, talks about proposals to reduce gun violence at the White House in Washington. Obama has called for a ban on military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines and is pushing other policies in the wake of the mass shooting in December 2012 at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. In response, gun-rights advocates have accused Obama and others of ignoring the Second Amendment rights of Americans. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)</p><p>Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, right, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, left, gestures as they address the press during a news conference Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 in Richmond, Va. The two governors discussed K-12 education reforms. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)</p><p>FILE – In this Jan. 24, 2012 file photo, President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington. As President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, Feb. 12, 2013, he presides over an economy much healthier than the one he inherited four years ago. Yet growth remains slow and unemployment high. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)</p><p>President Barack Obama bestows the Medal of Honor on retired Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha for conspicuous gallantry, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Romesha's leadership during a daylong attack by hundreds of fighters on Combat Outpost Keating in Afghanistan led to award. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>In this Feb. 7, 2013 photo, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks with The Associated Press in his Capitol Hill office in Washington. In the nearly 100 days since President Barack Obama won a second term, the Florida senator has taken calculated, concrete steps to emerge as a next generation leader of a rudderless party and put a 21st Century stamp on the conservative movement. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>President Barack Obama is greeted by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., second from left, Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., right, before giving his State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday Feb. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, Pool)</p><p>President Barack Obama speaks at Linamar Corporation in Arden, N.C., the day after delivering his State of the Union address, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he gives his State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday Feb. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, Pool)</p><p>President Barack Obama shakes hands after arriving at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Decatur, Ga., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, before speaking to promote his economic and education plan that he highlighted in his State of the Union address. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)</p><p>FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2013 photo, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, repeats his call for President Obama to submit a budget proposal to Congress, during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington. After two stressful years as Washington’s most powerful Republican and a pair of failed high-profile rounds of budget talks with President Barack Obama &#8212; and disappointment over Obama’s re-election &#8212; the battle-scarred House speaker has adopted a you-first approach. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>A man works on storage containers in Duisburg, Germany, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. The German economy shrank by a larger-than-expected 0.6 percent in the final quarter in 2012, official figures showed Thursday, in a clear sign that the European financial crisis took its toll on the continent's largest economy. The quarterly decline was primarily due to a drop in exports as demand weakened from other European nations, many of which are in recession, the Federal Statistical Office said. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013, file photo, Republican Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for Defense Secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senate Republicans on Feb. 14, 2013, temporarily blocked a full Senate vote on Hagel's nomination as defense secretary.(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>Senate Armed Services Committee members, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. confer on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, at the start of the committee's hearing on the appointments of military leaders. The two Republicans have been vocal in their opposition to the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the next secretary of defense. While Democrats hold a 55-45 edge in the Senate and have the numbers to confirm Hagel on a majority vote, they need the support of five Republicans to clear the way for an up-or-down vote on him. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>President Barack Obama shakes hands with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p>GOP senators may delay Hagel vote over Benghazi http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/07/16886509-gop-senators-may-delay-hagel-vote-over-benghazihttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/07/16886509-gop-senators-may-delay-hagel-vote-over-benghaziuswhite-housepoliticsnorth-koreasenate-republicansbarack-obamasenate-democratssenate-armed-services-committeehagelchuck-hagelsusan-collinsThu, 7 Feb 2013 17:18:57 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013, file photo Republican Chuck Hagel, a former two-term GOP senator from Nebraska and President Obama's choice for Defense Secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. A Senate panel on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, abruptly postponed a vote on Chuck Hagel's nomination to be defense secretary amid Republican demands for more information from President Barack Obama's nominee about his paid speeches and business dealings (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., right, talks with committee member Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., during the the committee's confirmation hearing for former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for defense secretary, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Levin said Friday he will press ahead with a vote on Hagel’s nomination to be defense secretary, rejecting Republicans demands for more financial information from President Barack Obama’s choice as setting an unprecedented new standard. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for defense secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich. said Friday he will press ahead with a vote on Hagel’s nomination to be defense secretary, rejecting Republicans demands for more financial information from President Barack Obama’s choice as setting an unprecedented new standard. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2103 file photo, former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for defense secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pushed ahead Monday with plans for a vote on Hagel's nomination to be defense secretary despite Republican demands for more financial information from him. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2103 file photo, former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for defense secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pushed ahead Monday with plans for a vote on Hagel's nomination to be defense secretary despite Republican demands for more financial information from him. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2013 file photo, former Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for defense secretary, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington. A bitterly divided Senate panel on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, voted to approve Hagel to be the nation's defense secretary at a time of turmoil for the military with looming budget cuts, a fresh sign of North Korea's nuclear ambitions and drawdown of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)</p><p>Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., waits to make a statement in opposition to President Obama's choice to run the Pentagon as bitterly divided Senate Senate Armed Services Committee considers the nomination of former Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska to be secretary of defense, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. The committee’s Republicans were unified in their opposition to President Obama's choice of Hagel, a combat veteran who was twice-wounded in Vietnam. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p>GOP senators vow to block consumer office nominee http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/01/16807552-gop-senators-vow-to-block-consumer-office-nomineehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/02/01/16807552-gop-senators-vow-to-block-consumer-office-nomineeussenatewall-streetofficepoliticssenate-republicansbarack-obamaconsumer-financial-protection-bureauconsumer-officeFri, 1 Feb 2013 16:05:39 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postGOP senator threatens delay on CIA nomination http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/07/16389379-gop-senator-threatens-delay-on-cia-nominationhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/07/16389379-gop-senator-threatens-delay-on-cia-nominationuswhite-housesecuritynationalpoliticssenate-republicansobamabarack-obamacentral-intelligence-agencynational-securitychuck-hageljohn-brennandespite-republicanMon, 7 Jan 2013 08:25:06 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2007, file photo, then-Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., speaks during an appearance at Bellevue University, in Bellevue, Neb. President Barack Obama will nominate Hagel as his next defense secretary, a senior administration official said Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. The selection of the decorated Vietnam combat veteran sets up a potentially contentious confirmation hearing because Hagel has come under scrutiny from his former colleagues over his positions on Israel and Iran. Some Republicans already have declared their public opposition to Hagel replacing Pentagon chief Leon Panetta in Obama's second-term Cabinet. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)</p><p>FILE - This Dec, 18, 2008 file photo shows then-Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel in Omaha, Neb. President Barack Obama will nominate Hagel as his next defense secretary, a senior administration official said Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. The selection of the decorated Vietnam combat veteran sets up a potentially contentious confirmation hearing because Hagel has come under scrutiny from his former colleagues over his positions on Israel and Iran. Some Republicans already have declared their public opposition to Hagel replacing Pentagon chief Leon Panetta in Obama's second-term Cabinet. (AP Photo/Dave Weaver, File)</p><p>FILE - Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan briefs reporters at the White House in Washington, in this Oct. 29, 2010 file photo. The White House says the president will announce Brennan's nomination as his next director of the Central Intelligence Agency during an event Monday afternoon Jan. 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)</p><p>President Barack Obama announces in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, that he is nominating Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, right, as the new director of the CIA and former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, left, as the new Defense Secretary. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama and his choice for Defense Secretary, former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, left, laugh as current Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, where the president announced his nomination of Hagel. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama and his choice for Defense Secretary, former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, left, listen as he choice for new CIA Director, current Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, speaks during the announcement in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013 in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, to announce that he is nominating Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, second from the right, as the new CIA director; and former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, second from the left, as the new Defense Secretary, to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, far left. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>President Barack Obama listens in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, where he announced that he is nominating Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, center, as the new CIA director; and former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, right, as the new defense secretary.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>Former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, president Barack Obama's choice for defense secretary, speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, where the president made the announcement. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p><p>Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, President Barack Obama's choice for CIA director, speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, where the president Barack Obama made the announcement. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p><p>President Barack Obama, center, walks away from the stage in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, after announcing that he is nominating Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, second from the left, as the new CIA. From right to left are; Acting CIA Director Michael J. Morell, the president, outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Brennan. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>Demonstrators from the groups CodePink and Witness Against Torture protest President Barack Obama's choice of current Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan to head the CIA, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in front of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) </p><p>President Barack Obama pauses as he speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, to announce that he is nominating Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, right, as the new CIA director; and former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, left, as the new defense secretary. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p><p>President Barack Obama and his choice for Defense Secretary, former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, left, listen as the president's choice for CIA Director, Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, right, speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, where the president made the announcement. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p>Taxes rising for most people despite fiscal deal http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/02/16295548-taxes-rising-for-most-people-despite-fiscal-dealhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2013/01/02/16295548-taxes-rising-for-most-people-despite-fiscal-dealustaximpactpoliticssenate-republicansbarack-obamanew-yearfiscalclifffiscal-cliffWed, 2 Jan 2013 08:05:46 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden make a statement regarding the passage of the fiscal cliff bill in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>As an evening haze lights the sky with a reddish glow, the lights of the U.S. Capitol burn into the night as the House continues to work on the "fiscal cliff" legislation proposed by the Senate, in Washington, on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p>Cliff averted, it's on to the next fiscal crisis http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/30/16249270-cliff-averted-its-on-to-the-next-fiscal-crisishttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/30/16249270-cliff-averted-its-on-to-the-next-fiscal-crisisusapwhite-housepoliticssenate-republicanscapitol-hillhouse-republicansbarack-obamahouse-democratshouse-republicansenate-democraticnew-yearjoe-bidenfiscalcliffgop-dominated-housespeaker-john-boehnerfiscal-cliffSun, 30 Dec 2012 14:03:30 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>President Barack Obama pauses during a statement on the fiscal cliff negotiations with congressional leaders in the briefing room of the White House on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 in Washington. The negotiations are a last ditch effort to avoid across-the-board first of the year tax increases and deep spending cuts. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)</p><p>President Barack Obama arrives to make a statement on the fiscal cliff negotiations with congressional leaders in the briefing room of the White House on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, in Washington. The negotiations are a last ditch effort to avoid across-the-board first of the year tax increases and deep spending cuts. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures during a statement on the fiscal cliff negotiations with congressional leaders in the briefing room of the White House on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 in Washington. The negotiations are a last ditch effort to avoid across-the-board first of the year tax increases and deep spending cuts. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)</p><p>Clouds roil over the White House in Washington on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, as Washington has less than 48 hours to avert the “fiscal cliff,” a series of tax increases and spending cuts set to take hold on Jan. 1. Republican and Democratic negotiators in the Senate were hoping to reach a deal to avoid going over the cliff on Sunday. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., retreats to a closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats as he and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., work to negotiate a legislative path to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Senate and House leaders rushed to assemble a last-ditch agreement to stave off middle-class tax increases and possibly delay steep spending cuts in an urgent attempt to find common ground after weeks of gridlock. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, center, arrives at his office in the Capitol as he and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Neveda, try to negotiate a legislative solution to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, arrives at his office in the Capitol as he and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Neveda try to negotiate a legislative solution to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona walks between the Senate chamber and the office of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, as Democrats and Republicans try to negotiate a legislative path to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., walks to a closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats as he and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., work to negotiate a legislative path to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Senate and House leaders rushed to assemble a last-ditch agreement to stave off middle-class tax increases and possibly delay steep spending cuts in an urgent attempt to find common ground after weeks of gridlock. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., third ranking in the Senate Democratic leadership, speaks on his cell phone following a closed-door caucus at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 to discuss how to avoid the "fiscal cliff" of automatic tax increases and deep spending cuts that could kick in Jan. 1. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, walks to a closed-door GOP caucus as Congress meets to negotiate a legislative path to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" of automatic tax increases and deep spending cuts that could kick in Jan. 1., at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., followed by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., second from right, leaves the Senate chamber to meet with fellow Republicans in a closed-door session as the "fiscal cliff" negotiations continue at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Leaders in the Senate and the House are under pressure to find a legislative path to head off the automatic tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>The moon rises behind the U.S. Capitol Dome in Washington as Congress works into the late evening, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 to resolve the stalemate over the pending "fiscal cliff." (AP Photo/J. David Ake)</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., walks to a closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats as he and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., work to negotiate a legislative path to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff," at the Capitol in Washington, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Senate and House leaders are rushing to assemble a last-ditch agreement to stave off middle-class tax increases and possibly delay steep spending cuts in an urgent attempt to find common ground after weeks of gridlock. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Clouds roil over the White House in Washington on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, as Washington has less than 48 hours to avert the “fiscal cliff,” a series of tax increases and spending cuts set to take hold on Jan. 1. Republican and Democratic negotiators in the Senate were hoping to reach a deal to avoid going over the cliff on Sunday. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks about the fiscal cliff, Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, in the South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington. The president said it appears that an agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff is "in sight," but says it's not yet complete and work continues. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama smiles and gestures as he speaks about the fiscal cliff, Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, in the South Court Auditorium at the White House in Washington. The president said it appears that an agreement to avoid the fiscal cliff is "in sight," but says it's not yet complete and work continues. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, from Kentucky, departs the Strom Thurmond room after a Senate Republican caucus meeting about the fiscal cliff, on Capitol Hill, Monday, Dec. 31, 2012 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p><p>Vice President Joe Biden gives two thumbs up following a Senate Democratic caucus meeting about the fiscal cliff on Capitol Hill on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, left, from Nevada, talks with a journalist as the elevator doors close as he departs the Capitol after a vote about the fiscal cliff, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 in Washington. The Senate passed legislation early New Year's Day to neutralize a fiscal cliff combination of across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts that kicked in at midnight. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p><p>Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., left, walks with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, to the Senate floor for a vote on the fiscal cliff, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 in Washington. The Senate passed legislation early New Year's Day to neutralize a fiscal cliff combination of across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts that kicked in at midnight. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p><p>Reporters pursue Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, as he walks to a closed-door meeting with GOP members of the House as Congress in Washington, Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, as Senate and House leaders rush to assemble a last-ditch agreement to head off the automatic tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2013. The House will miss the midnight Monday deadline lawmakers set for voting to avoid the "fiscal cliff." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. John Barrasso, left, R-Wyo., talks with Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who holds up his watch, near the Senate chambers after a vote on the fiscal cliff, on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 in Washington. The Senate passed legislation early New Year's Day to neutralize a fiscal cliff combination of across-the-board tax increases and spending cuts that kicked in at midnight. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p><p>Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., right, departs the Strom Thurmond room, with an aide, after a Senate Republican caucus meeting about the fiscal cliff, on Capitol Hill Monday, Dec. 31, 2012 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p><p>Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, center, from Arizona, walks to his office past the Ohio Clock, as the Senate works to avoid the fiscal cliff, on Capitol Hill on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner Ohio walks to his office on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, as legislation to negate a fiscal cliff of across-the-board tax increases and sweeping spending cuts moves to the GOP-dominated House following a bipartisan, middle-of-the-night approval in the Senate. Boehner is expected to encounter opposition from conservatives within his own party. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Va. leaves a Republican caucus meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. Squarely in the spotlight, House Republicans began deciding their next move Tuesday after the Senate overwhelmingly approved compromise legislation negating a fiscal cliff of across-the-board tax increases and sweeping spending cuts to the Pentagon and other government agencies. Cantor says he opposed the Senate bill. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>Vice President Joe Biden arrives for a closed-door meeting with House Democrats, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, to discuss the fiscal cliff bill passed by the Senate last night that's waiting for a vote in the Republican-controlled House. At left is Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. Biden who has been shuttling between the White House and Capitol Hill to help negotiate a legislative path to avert the across-the-board tax increases and sweeping spending cuts that could damage the economy. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif., center, flanked by Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-NY, left, and Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, to discuss the fiscal cliff bill passed by the Senate last night that's waiting for a vote in the Republican-controlled House. The House Democrats met earlier with Vice President Joe Biden who has been shuttling between the White House and Capitol Hill to help negotiate a legislative path to avert the across-the-board tax increases and sweeping spending cuts that could damage the economy. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio leaves a Republican caucus on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. Squarely in the spotlight, House Republicans leaders shopped a Senate-approved "fiscal cliff" compromise to rank-and-file colleagues on New Year's Day and heard concerns that the accord lacked sufficient spending cuts. Vice President Joe Biden tried rallying House Democrats behind the deal in a separate meeting. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>The dome of the Capitol is reflected in a skylight of the Capitol Visitor's Center in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. Squarely in the spotlight, House Republicans planned a closed-door meeting Tuesday to decide their next move after the Senate overwhelmingly approved compromise legislation negating a fiscal cliff of across-the-board tax increases and sweeping spending cuts to the Pentagon and other government agencies. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., left, with Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, enters a second Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>A Marine sentry stands guard, indicating that President Obama is working in the West Wing of the White House, as discussions regarding the fiscal cliff continue on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, center right, and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., center left, walk down stairs to a second Republican conference meeting to discuss the "fiscal cliff" bill&#8212; which was passed by the Senate Monday night&#8212; at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., left, and Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, arrive to a second Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, walks with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, R-Mich., following a closed-door GOP meeting as the "fiscal cliff" bill passed by the Senate Monday night waits for a vote in the Republican-controlled House, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, center, returns to his office from the House chamber, as talks continue regarding the "fiscal cliff" bill passed by the Senate Monday night, on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., center, leaves a second Republican caucus meeting to discuss the "fiscal cliff" bill passed by the Senate Monday night_and now awaits a vote in the GOP-controlled House&#8212; at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden makes a statement regarding the passage of the fiscal cliff bill in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, passes waiting reporters as he leaves a closed-door GOP meeting on the "fiscal cliff" bill passed by the Senate Monday night, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>President Barack Obama winks as he arrives to make a statement regarding the passage of the fiscal cliff bill in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the top Democrat in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, speaks to reporters on the "fiscal cliff" bill passed by the Senate Monday night that's waiting for the House vote at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. Democrats were meeting with Vice President Joe Biden who has been shuttling between the White House and Capitol Hill to help negotiate a legislative path to avert the across-the-board tax increases and sweeping spending cuts that could damage the economy. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>A trader works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The “fiscal cliff” compromise, for all its chaos and controversy, was enough to send the stock market shooting higher Wednesday, the first trading day of the new year. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)</p><p>President Barack Obama waves as he gets off Air Force One upon his arrival at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Honolulu, Hawaii, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The president is back in Hawaii for vacation after a tense, end-of-the-new-year standoff with Congress over the fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p>How the Dow Jones industrial average fared http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/26/16170763-how-the-dow-jones-industrial-average-faredhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/26/16170763-how-the-dow-jones-industrial-average-faredbusinesswalluswhite-housestreetboxsenate-republicansbarack-obamaWed, 26 Dec 2012 21:26:30 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postGOP proposes smaller, $24B Sandy aid package http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/19/16024938-gop-proposes-smaller-24b-sandy-aid-packagehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/19/16024938-gop-proposes-smaller-24b-sandy-aid-packageusaidpoliticssenate-republicanssuperstormsuperstorm-sandyWed, 19 Dec 2012 22:33:35 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postBoehner: 'Serious differences' remain in talks http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/05/15701084-boehner-serious-differences-remain-in-talkshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/05/15701084-boehner-serious-differences-remain-in-talksbusinessuswhite-housepoliticssenate-republicansbarack-obamaelection-dayus-newssenate-republicannancy-pelosifiscalcliffbob-corkerhouse-speaker-john-boehnerfiscal-cliffmitch-connellWed, 5 Dec 2012 16:23:42 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>President Barack Obama pauses as he speaks about the fiscal cliff at the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers, in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. The president warned Republicans not to create another fight over the nation's debt ceiling, telling business leaders it's "not a game that I will play." (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama walks over to shake hands with business leaders before speaking about the fiscal cliff during an address before the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner, of Ohio, and the House GOP leadership leave after a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, following a closed-door GOP strategy session. At left is Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks about the fiscal cliff at the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers, in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. The president warned Republicans not to create another fight over the nation's debt ceiling, telling business leaders it's "not a game that I will play." (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama walks with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, as he returned from speaking about the fiscal cliff at Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio walks to a closed-door Republican strategy session, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Speaking about the fiscal cliff, Boehner said Wednesday that the White House had failed to offer a "balanced approach" that had a chance of clearing either chamber of Congress. "We can't negotiate with ourselves". (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Jason Furman, assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, gestures as he speaks during the daily news briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec., 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., center, accompanied by Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., right, and Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, to talk about the debate on tax rates and the fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)</p><p>Graphic shows AP-GfK poll results on Congress and the budget</p><p>FILE - This Nov. 16, 2012 file photo shows President Barack Obama, accompanied by House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, speaking to reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, as he hosted a meeting of the bipartisan, bicameral leadership of Congress to discuss the deficit and economy in Washington. Americans are living longer, and Republicans are proposing to raise the Medicare eligibility age as part of a deal to reduce the government's huge deficits. But what sounds like a common-sense sacrifice for an aging society that's facing tight budgets could have some surprising consequences, including higher premiums for people on Medicare. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to the media during a visit with high school English teacher Tiffany Santana, left, and others, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Falls Church, Va., to discuss the importance of extending income tax cuts and small businesses. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to the media during a visit with to Falls Church, Va., Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, to discuss the importance of extending income tax cuts and small businesses. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p><p>President Barack Obama listens while speaking to the media during a visit with high school teacher Tiffany Santana, second from right, Tiffany's mother Velma Massenburg, third from right, obscured, Tiffany's father Jimmy Massenburg center, and Richard Santana, who works at a local Toyota dealership, left, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, in Falls Church, Va., to discuss the importance of extending income tax cuts for Americans and small businesses. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio gestures as he speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, to discuss the pending fiscal cliff. Boehner said there's been no progress in negotiations on how to avoid the fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts and called on President Barack Obama to come up with a new offer. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio pauses during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, to discuss the pending fiscal cliff. Boehner said there's been no progress in negotiations on how to avoid the fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts and called on President Barack Obama to come up with a new offer. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, to discuss the pending fiscal cliff. Boehner said there's been no progress in negotiations on how to avoid the fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts and called on President Barack Obama to come up with a new offer. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the media after eating lunch with middle class tax-payers, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at the Metro 29 diner in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>Vice President Joe Biden, right, speaks to the media after eating lunch with middle class tax-payers including Fernando Garavito, of North Potomac, Md., left, Anne Marie Munos, of Falls Church, Va., Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at the Metro 29 diner in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>Vice President Joe Biden speaks to the media after eating lunch with middle class tax-payers including, from left, Anne Marie Munos of Falls Church, Va., Mossi Tull, of Washington, and David Waugh, of Bethesda, Md., Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at the Metro 29 diner in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>Chart shows estimated average tax increase in</p><p>Vice President Joe Biden points toward Fernando Garavito of North Potomac, Md., left, as he has lunch with Garavito and Anne Marie Munos of Falls Church, Va., center, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at the Metro 29 diner in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)</p><p>FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 6. 2012, photo, Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., is surrounded by, from left, his wife Elizabeth, and daughters Emily and Julia, as he speaks to supporters at an election night victory rally at the Cabana Restaurant on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn.S enate Republicans would probably agree to increased tax rates on the wealthiest Americans if it meant getting a chance to reform massive government entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security,Corker said Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)</p><p>FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2012, file photo, President Barack Obama acknowledges House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio while speaking to reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, as he hosted a meeting of the bipartisan, bicameral leadership of Congress to discuss the deficit and economy. Admnistration officials say President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met Sunda, Dec. 9, 2012, at the White House to discuss the ongoing negotiations over the impeding "fiscal cliff." Spokesmen for both Obama and Boehner said the two men agreed to not release details of the conversation, but emphasized that the lines of communication remain open. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)</p><p>FILE - This Nov. 16, 2012 file photo shows President Barack Obama shaking hands with House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, during a meeting to discuss the deficit and economy. Congress and the White House can significantly soften the initial impact of the “fiscal cliff” even if they fail to reach a compromise by Dec. 31. One thing they cannot control, however, is the financial markets' reaction, which possibly could be a panicky sell-off that triggers economic reversals worldwide. The stock market's unpredictability is perhaps the biggest wild card in the political showdown over the fiscal cliff. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)</p><p>President Barack Obama turns and waves as he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, as he travels to Michigan to visit the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama greets well-wishers after stepping off Air Force One upon his arrival at Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Detroit, Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, before going to the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to workers about the economy during a visit to Daimler Detroit Diesel in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</p><p>President Barack Obama walks with Plant Manager and Vice President of Operations Jeff Allen, left, and UAW NW Local 163 Detroit Diesel Engine Unit Shop Chairperson Mark "Gibby" Gibson, right, during a visit to the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to workers about the economy during a visit to Daimler Detroit Diesel in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</p><p>President Barack Obama gestures as he speaks to workers about the economy during a visit to Daimler Detroit Diesel in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</p><p>President Barack Obama speaks to workers about the economy during a visit to Daimler Detroit Diesel in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. The scene playing out on Capitol Hill is a familiar one as lawmakers with competing ideologies wage an 11th-hour battle to avert a predictable crisis. This one comes just a year after an equally divided Washington nearly let the country default on its loan obligations, a debt-ceiling debate that contributed to the electorate's deep lack of faith in their elected leaders and a drop in the nation’s credit rating. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio is pursued by reporters as he walks to the House floor to deliver remarks about negotiations with President Barack Obama on the fiscal cliff, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Boehner said President Barack Obama is slow-walking talks to avoid the fiscal cliff, and hasn't outlined spending cuts he's willing to support as part of a compromise. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio walks to the House floor to deliver remarks about negotiations with President Barack Obama on the fiscal cliff, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Boehner said President Barack Obama is slow-walking talks to avoid the fiscal cliff, and hasn't outlined spending cuts he's willing to support as part of a compromise. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio leaves his office and walks to the House floor to deliver remarks about negotiations with President Obama on the fiscal cliff, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev. speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, following a Democratic strategy session. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., right, speaks with reporters following a GOP strategy session at the Capitol in Washington, Dec. 11, 2012, with from left, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) </p><p>Chart shows percentage of households earning $200,000 or more per year by state</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., speaks with reporters following a Democratic strategy session at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, who spoke with President Barack Obama yesterday, arrives for a closed-door meeting with the GOP caucus, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Boehner and the other House Republican leaders are calling for Obama to come up with plan they can accept for spending cuts and tax revenue to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" of automatic tax hikes and budget reductions. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>FILE - This Nov. 16, 2012 file photo shows President Barack Obama, accompanied by House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, speaking to reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. Even if Congress and the White House fail to strike a budget deal by New Year's Day, reality may be a lot less bleak then the scenario that's been spooking employers and investors and slowing the U.S. Economy. The tax increases and spending cuts could be retroactively repealed after Jan. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)</p>Clinton says Ambassador Rice doing a great job http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/28/15520385-clinton-says-ambassador-rice-doing-a-great-jobhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/28/15520385-clinton-says-ambassador-rice-doing-a-great-jobusriceclintonpoliticssenate-republicansstate-departmentstate-hillary-rodham-clintonambassador-susan-riceWed, 28 Nov 2012 23:34:13 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postObama defends Rice in face of GOP opposition http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/14/15165300-obama-defends-rice-in-face-of-gop-oppositionhttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/11/14/15165300-obama-defends-rice-in-face-of-gop-oppositionusricepoliticsrepublicanshillary-rodham-clintonsenate-republicansbarack-obamasenate-armed-services-committeesusan-riceambassador-susan-riceWed, 14 Nov 2012 17:19:38 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, right, and fellow committee member Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., left, listen as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., center, speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, saying says he would do all he could to block the nomination of United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice to replace Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton because of comments she made after the deadly Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, left, accompanied by fellow committee members, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., center, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, where he said he would do all he could to block the nomination of United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice to replace Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton because of comments she made after the deadly Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, center, accompanied by fellow committee members, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., left, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, where he said he would do all he could to block the nomination of United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice to replace Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton because of comments she made after the deadly Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p>Jobs bill for vets bogs down in Senate http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/19/13965145-jobs-bill-for-vets-bogs-down-in-senatehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/19/13965145-jobs-bill-for-vets-bogs-down-in-senateuscongresspoliticssenate-republicansveteransWed, 19 Sep 2012 16:45:09 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postSenate GOP spending $650K in tight Ind. battle http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/16/13898240-senate-gop-spending-650k-in-tight-ind-battlehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/16/13898240-senate-gop-spending-650k-in-tight-ind-battleussenateadgopsenate-republicansindianaus-newsSun, 16 Sep 2012 18:15:10 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2012, file photo, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, left, chats with Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., at the Indiana Pork Producers Ham Breakfast at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Donnelly is running for the U.S. Senate seat against Republican Richard Mourdock. Senate Republicans are jumping into Indiana's Senate race with a new ad, outdoing a recent buy from national Democrats as the parties battle for control of the Senate. Spending in Indiana has quickly escalated as Donnelly has stayed neck and neck with Republican Richard Mourdock since May. Mourdock's primary victory over Sen. Richard Lugar created the opening for Democrats in Indiana. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</p><p>FILE - In this May 8, 2012, file photo, Richard Mourdock listens to a question from a voter in Avon, Ind. Senate Republicans are jumping into Indiana's Senate race with a new ad, outdoing a recent buy from national Democrats as the parties battle for control of the Senate. Spending in Indiana has quickly escalated as Democratic candidate Joe Donnelly has stayed neck and neck with Republican Mourdock since May. Mourdock's primary victory over Sen. Richard Lugar created the opening for Democrats in Indiana. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)</p>Republican senators back Democrat in House race http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/10/13783256-republican-senators-back-democrat-in-house-racehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/09/10/13783256-republican-senators-back-democrat-in-house-raceuspoliticscaliforniacongressmanhouse-democratsenate-republicansendorsementMon, 10 Sep 2012 17:20:32 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - In this April 9, 2008 file photo, Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif. listens during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Berman, a longtime House Democrat struggling to win against a fellow Democrat picked up an unlikely endorsement Monday &#8212; the backing of two Senate Republicans. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)</p>Akin makes first Mo. appearance since rape remarks http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/19/13365229-akin-makes-first-mo-appearance-since-rape-remarkshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/08/19/13365229-akin-makes-first-mo-appearance-since-rape-remarksussenatepoliticsrapemitt-romneysenate-republicansmissourius-newscommentsmissouri-senatetodd-akinrepublican-congressman-todd-akinmissouri-gop-senatemissouri-congressman-todd-akinrape-commentsdecision-deadlinebut-missouriryan-hiteembattled-missouri-congressman-todd-akinSun, 19 Aug 2012 20:42:12 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>FILE - This May 17, 2011 file photo shows U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., announcing his candidacy for U.S. Senate, in Creve Coeur, Mo. Akin said in an interview Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012 with St. Louis television station KTVI that pregnancy from rape is "really rare." Akin, who has said he opposes all abortions, said in the interview if a woman is raped, her body "has ways to shut that whole thing down." (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, file)</p><p>FILE - This Aug. 10, 2012 file photo shows Todd Akin, Republican, candidate for U.S. Senator from Missouri, speaks at the Missouri Farm Bureau candidate interview and endorsement meeting in Jefferson City, Mo. Akin, Missouri’s GOP Senate candidate, has questioned whether women can become pregnant when they’re raped, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/St. Louis Pos-Dispatch, Christian Gooden)</p><p>Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin, R-Missouri, waves to the crowd while introduced at a senate candidate forum during a Republican conference in Kansas City, Mo. Akin, Missouri’s GOP Senate candidate, has questioned whether women can become pregnant when they’re raped, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, file)</p><p>FILE - In this Feb 18, 2012 file photo, Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin, R-Missouri, waves to the crowd while introduced at a senate candidate forum during a Republican conference in Kansas City, Mo. The two losing candidates in the Republican primary for Missouri's U.S. Senate seat are getting renewed attention after Akin's comments about rape on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, file)</p><p>In this Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 photograph, Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., talks with reporters while attending the Governor's Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. Akin was keeping a low profile, Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, a day after a TV interview in which he said that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in "a legitimate rape" and that conception is rare in such cases. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)</p><p>In this Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 photograph, Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., and his wife Lulli, talk with reporters while attending the Governor's Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. Akin was keeping a low profile, Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, a day after a TV interview in which he said that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in "a legitimate rape" and that conception is rare in such cases. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)</p><p>In this Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 photograph, Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., talks with reporters while attending the Governor's Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. Akin was keeping a low profile, Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, a day after a TV interview in which he said that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in "a legitimate rape" and that conception is rare in such cases. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)</p><p>In this Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 photograph, Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., talks with reporters while attending the Governor's Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo. Akin was keeping a low profile, Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, a day after a TV interview in which he said that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in "a legitimate rape" and that conception is rare in such cases. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)</p><p>FILE - This Aug. 10, 2012 file photo shows Todd Akin, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator from Missouri taking questions after speaking at the Missouri Farm Bureau candidate interview and endorsement meeting in Jefferson City, Mo. Akin fought to salvage his Senate campaign Monday, Aug. 20, 2012, even as members of his own party turned against him and a key source of campaign funding was cut off in outrage over the Missouri congressman's comments that women are able to prevent pregnancies in cases of "legitimate rape." (AP Photo/St. Louis Pos-Dispatch, Christian Gooden)</p><p>Alaina Carnan of Lexington, Ky., works in the Senate campaign office of U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012 in Chesterfield, Mo. Akin has come under pressure to abandon his Senate compaign after his comments that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in cases of "legitimate rape". (AP Photo/Bill Boyce)</p><p>A campaign sign stands outside the Senate campaign office of U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012 in Chesterfield, Mo. Rep. Akin has come under pressure to abandon his Senate compaign after his comments that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in cases of "legitimate rape". (AP Photo/Bill Boyce)</p><p>FILE - In this Feb 18, 2012 file photo, Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin, R-Missouri, waves to the crowd while introduced at a senate candidate forum during a Republican conference in Kansas City, Mo. Akin vowed to fight on in his embattled Senate campaign as the deadline to exit the Nov. 6 elections loomed Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, putting pressure on the Missouri congressman to abandon the race over his comments that women's bodies can prevent pregnancies in cases of "legitimate rape."(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)</p><p>U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., addresses members of the media in Chesterfield, Mo., Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, where he confirmed his plans to remain in Missouri's U.S. Senate race despite a political uproar over remarks he made about rape and pregnancy. (AP Photo/Sid Hastings)</p><p>U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., addresses members of the media in Chesterfield, Mo., Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, where he confirmed his plans to remain in Missouri's U.S. Senate race despite a political uproar over remarks he made about rape and pregnancy. (AP Photo/Sid Hastings)</p><p>U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., addresses members of the media in Chesterfield, Mo., Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, where he confirmed his plans to remain in Missouri's U.S. Senate race despite a political uproar over remarks he made about rape and pregnancy. (AP Photo/Sid Hastings)</p><p>U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., addresses members of the media in Chesterfield, Mo., Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, where he confirmed his plans to remain in Missouri's U.S. Senate race despite a political uproar over remarks he made about rape and pregnancy. (AP Photo/Sid Hastings)</p><p>U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., addresses members of the media in Chesterfield, Mo., Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, where he confirmed his plans to remain in Missouri's U.S. Senate race despite a political uproar over remarks he made about rape and pregnancy. (AP Photo/Sid Hastings)</p>Republicans block confirmation of Oklahoma judge http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/30/13038342-republicans-block-confirmation-of-oklahoma-judgehttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/30/13038342-republicans-block-confirmation-of-oklahoma-judgeusoklahomapoliticsjudgesenate-republicansMon, 30 Jul 2012 23:27:54 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_postDefense official: Cuts hit warfighters, weapons http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/25/12949792-defense-official-cuts-hit-warfighters-weaponshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/07/25/12949792-defense-official-cuts-hit-warfighters-weaponsuswhite-houseair-forcecutsdefensepoliticssenate-republicanslabor-departmentdefense-departmentbarack-obamaleon-panettadefense-cutsthree-senate-republicansWed, 25 Jul 2012 15:53:42 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/posthttp://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/generic_post<p>Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, left, and Veterans Affair Secretary Eric Shinseki arrive on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 25, 2012, to testify before the joint House Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee "Back from the Battlefield" hearing. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)</p><p>President Barack Obama meets with members of his cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, July, 26, 2012. From left are, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Secreatry of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the president and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)</p><p>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nev., announces to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, that he and GOP House Speaker John Boehner have reached an agreement to keep the government running on autopilot for six months when the current budget year ends on Sept. 30. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., accompanied by fellow GOP leaders, talk to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, following a political strategy session. From left are, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas and McConnell. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</p><p>U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, speaks as Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., right, listens during a town hall meeting Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in Merrimack, N.H. McCain , Ayotte and Lindsey Graham previously held town hall meetings in Florida, North Carolina and Virginia to describe what they called the devastating consequences of automatic, across-the-board reductions in projected defense spending. All four states are presidential battle ground states with either military bases or defense contractors. (AP Photo/Holly Ramer)</p>