Illustration by John Irons

The five senators to watch on Saturday.

Health |

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.

Health |

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.

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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.

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