Illustration by John Irons
The five senators to watch on Saturday.
Who are the fence sitters?
With Senate Democrats needing 60 votes to overcome a filibuster this weekend, all eyes will be on five undecided senators.
Tyranny of the silent filibuster
Why doesn't Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid force an old-fashioned filibuster that could make Republicans look silly? Because he can't.
Reading the Senate bill out loud
Who would actually read the bill out loud? How can Republicans force a reading? A Q&A on a parliamentary tactic proposed for the health care bill.
Congress tackles new media
Members of Congress are increasingly setting up Twitter accounts, Facebook pages, Google groups, Flickr slideshows and blog postings.
Help predict the health care vote
How will the health care bill fare in the Senate? Use our new Predict-a-Vote feature to help determine the Ayes, Nays and swing votes.
Five footnotes in the health bill
The health-care overhaul that passed the House would make vending-machine operators tell you how many calories are in a Twinkie, among other things.
Improving the nation's roads and rails
Congress has postponed making a decision on a $500 billion transportation overhaul that some say is needed to fix the country's roads and rails.
Five tips from Grover Norquist
The longtime anti-tax advocate says citizen activists writing letters to Congress should tell — and not show — their anger.
Germany's 'soft diplomacy' in D.C.
How a German-funded nonprofit uses movie showings, lectures on electronic music and museum exhibits to improve relations with the United States.
Federal Reserve limits overdraft plans
New rules would require banks to get customers' permission before signing them up for expensive overdraft plans.
Six things on cap and trade
Who's leading the fight for the bill? Who will vote against it? How will it affect the U.S. position in Copenhagen next month? What you need to know.
Hot topics
Recent Headlines
Who are the fence sitters?
With Senate Democrats needing 60 votes to overcome a filibuster this weekend, all eyes will be on five undecided senators.
Tyranny of the silent filibuster
Why doesn't Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid force an old-fashioned filibuster that could make Republicans look silly? Because he can't.
Reading the Senate bill out loud
Who would actually read the bill out loud? How can Republicans force a reading? A Q&A on a parliamentary tactic proposed for the health care bill.
Alerts from Groups and Organizations
LAST CHANCE: Senate May Vote This Week to Fund Abortion in Health Care
by Family Research Council on November 16
Tell Your Senators to Vote Against 'Hyde on Steroids'
by National Organization of Women on November 13
Help Secure $1 Billion for the National Housing Trust Fund
by NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby on November 16
Fed up with Congress - Let's fix it
by Patriots United on November 12
Expand and Strengthen Medicaid in Health Care Reform
by RESULTS on November 16