Congress

Capitol Climate Change

Mark Hertsgaard : Environment

The debate over the Climate Security Act reveals a lot about how the next Congress--and the next President--will address the most urgent issue facing humanity.
Mr. Lessig Goes to Washington

Christopher Hayes : Activism & Organizing

The visionary professor who inspired the "free culture" movement takes on money in politics.

2007

The Coming Foreclosure Tsunami

Christopher Hayes : Democratic Party

As Congress grapples with the wave of foreclosures and bankruptcies resulting from the subprime mess, why are some Dems siding with the banks?
Executive Excess on Capitol Hill

Charlie Cray & Christopher Hayes : Progressives, Liberals, & The American Left

Faced with a no-brainer fix to close a tax loophole, Senate Democrats are dithering, caught between the interests of their donors and their voters.
Does the 'T' Stand Alone?

Christopher Lisotta : Gay & Lesbian Issues & Activism

As a gay rights bill moved through Congress, some prominent Democrats tried to exclude protections for transgenders. The LGBT community revolted.
Questions for Michael Mukasey

Law & Justice

Elizabeth Holtzman, Nan Aron, Stephen Gillers, Victor Navasky and others quiz the Attorney General nominee on torture, the Constitution and the fate of Alberto Gonzales.
Which Climate Bill on Capitol Hill?

Mark Hertsgaard : Global Warming & Climate Change

As scenarios on the impact of global warming worsen, Senate Democrats are poised to abandon a realistic bill and support a deeply flawed measure that doesn't solve the problem.
Toothless in Babylon

Alexander Cockburn : Iraq War

In the gray dawn of the twenty-first century, only a handful of lawmakers dare to stand up and be counted on matters of war and peace.
Surge Mentality: White House in Denial

Robert Dreyfuss : George W. Bush Administration

A White House report that claims the surge is working only throws fuel on the fire among both parties in Congress to push for withdrawal.
The Honeymoon Is Over

: Progressives, Liberals, & The American Left

Democrats in Congress failed to deliver on their promises, and for progressives that means there's a lot more work to do.
Iraq Timeline Runs Out

: Iraq War

What is it that Congressional Democrats don't get about the Iraq debate?
Sweatshop Police

Robert J.S. Ross : Sweatshops

The government is about to declare virtual disarmament against the lawbreakers.
That Was an Antiwar Vote?

Alexander Cockburn : Iraq War

The House Democratic leadership chooses merely to appear to oppose the war, while continuing to fund it.
A Turning Point

: Iraq War

By voting to set a timetable to withdraw from Iraq, the House and Senate are finally at the table, challenging Bush's war-making.
Looking Out for Veterans

Ari Berman : US Military

Progressive Congressman Bob Filner is pursuing an ambitious agenda to secure proper care for wounded warriors.
How to Fix Our Democracy

Mark Green : Electoral Reform

In just six years, Bush has squandered centuries of American progress. It's time to start repairing the damage.
Targeting Tehran

Michael T. Klare : Iraq

As the Bush Administration steps up its campaign against Iran, opponents have a dual responsibility: to contest the strategic context for escalation and to bar specific acts of aggression.
Wanted: A Binding Resolution on Iran

Nicholas von Hoffman : Iraq War

As debate unfolds on a non-binding Iraq resolution, the House should consider exacting a promise from President not to invade Iran.
A Message to Congress

Katrina vanden Heuvel : Iraq War

It's time for Congress to stop talking and start moving on Iraq.
Pushing the Iraq Debate

John Nichols : Iraq War

Beyond merely opposing escalation, lawmakers are pushing tough measures to withdraw troops and defund the war.
Oversight Returns

John Nichols : Progressives, Liberals, & The American Left

A Congress that takes the Constitution seriously can force the White House to do the same.
Ten Blockbuster Hearings

Chuck Collins : Progressives, Liberals, & The American Left

Tell us how progressives in Congress can promote bold new initiatives, end an illegal war and call an abusive President to account.
Top 10 for a More Perfect Union

Katrina vanden Heuvel : Progressives, Liberals, & The American Left

Ten good bills await passage that could make a real difference.

2006

Memo to Dems: About Those Earmarks

Christopher Hayes : Taxes

As Democrats clean up abuse of earmarks, they can't ignore the ones that masquerade as targeted tax breaks.
War: Voters Said No, Congress Said Yes

Alexander Cockburn : Journalists & Journalism

In Congress and the popular press, fantasy rules when the subject is Iraq.
Foley's IMbroglio

Katha Pollitt : Iraq War

It shows how hapless and shallow Democrats are that they show so little electoral joy in a principled challenge to GOP rule. Instead we get tactical theatrics about whatever comes down the pike: gas prices or Foley.
Disgraced Republicans

: Electoral Politics

America needs a new Congress--the question is, Will Americans hold the GOP to account for their corruption, ineptitude and irresponsibility?
Bush's Plebiscitary Presidency

Barney Frank : George W. Bush

Thanks to an acquiescent Congress, we are now being governed by an Administration that is radically trying to change the nature of our democracy.
Congress Poised to Unravel the Internet

Jeffrey Chester : Internet & New Media

Senator Ted Stevens has no idea how the Internet works, but he's asking Congress to remake it to suit the interests of the telecommunications industry. Can progressives apply the pressure to kill this bill?
Phone Spies

: Privacy Rights

Democrats in Congress must press for a full investigation of NSA phone call surveillance and prove that the rule of law is an asset, not an obstacle, to national security.
Getting Hosed

Nicholas von Hoffman : Oil

As oil profits soar, Americans are getting hosed at the gas pump, and Congress can't decide whether to raise taxes, lower them or throw money at the voters.
Attack Iran, Ignore the Constitution

Jeremy Brecher & Brendan Smith : George W. Bush Administration

Congress and the American people must challenge the Administration's assertion that the President can take military action without consulting Congress.
No to Prowar Democrats

John Nichols : Democratic Party

Upcoming primary challenges are forcing Democratic incumbents in Congress to be more critical of Bush and to press for a plan to bring the troops home.
Giving Americans a Raise

Katrina vanden Heuvel & Sam Graham-Felsen : Economic Policy

The massive number of Americans who support raising the minimum wage should spur Congress to action.
Good Government

Henry Waxman : State of the Union

Elect a Democratic Congress in 2006; restore ethics to Congress; block the appointment of cronies to key posts; stop the politicization of science.

2005

Fixing the Torture Fix

Jeremy Brecher & Brendan Smith : Torture

Congress has passed legislation allowing evidence obtained through torture to be used against terror suspects in court. But human rights groups and some Congressional leaders will fight back in 2006, with court challenges, hearings and tough questions on executive privilege for Samuel Alito and other Bush nominees.
The Murtha Moment

: Iraq War

John Murtha is right: The American public has turned against the war. Democrats and Republicans must put aside politics and work together to bring the troops home quickly and focus on the real work to stabilize Iraq.
Asbestos Liability Scam

William Johnson & Kate Levin : Corporate Responsibility & Accountability

The Senate will soon consider the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (FAIR) that is anything but for the workers whose health has been impaired by asbestos. It's a move by major corporations to significantly reduce their liability.
Congress Tunes In

Robert W. McChesney, John Nichols & Ben Scott : Corporate Media & Consolidation

Chastened by voter response to their earlier errors, many legislators push reform.
The Schiavo Hypocrites

: Law & Justice