All DC Decoder
President Obama, Rep. Rodgers duel over budget showdownAs Speaker John Boehner was trying to organize his troops in the face of Democratic stone-walling over linking Obamacare to a budget deal, President Obama and GOP conference chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers were weighing in from the sidelines.
Obamacare 101: What happens starting Oct. 1?Oct. 1 is the first day the uninsured can shop on the new online marketplaces, or 'exchanges,' for health-care coverage. Under Obamacare, they have until March 31, 2014, to enroll in a health plan, or opt to pay a penalty later.
Political clock ticks toward government shutdown. Here鈥檚 what would happenUnless Congress agrees on a budget bill before next Tuesday, many federal government agencies and programs could cease operating or be curtailed. Here's a look at what could happen if the crisis is not averted.
Government shutdown 101: 12 ways it could affect you With Congress failing to fund the federal government by Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year, the government has gone into partial shutdown. Here is a list of what's open, and what isn't, during the shutdown.
If some Kenya attackers are American, is the US obliged to do something?US officials are not confirming reports that 'two or three' Americans were among the Kenya mall attackers, but if it is true, it could have legal and security implications for the US.
Why retirement of Lois Lerner doesn鈥檛 end IRS tea party scandalThe controversy over the IRS targeting of tea party groups for extra scrutiny has been a political boon to conservatives. Republicans in Congress said Lois Lerner's retirement 'does not mean the investigation is over.'
Why Hillary Clinton needs to distance herself from ObamaWhile making it official she is thinking about running for president, Hillary Clinton has already begun the distancing process: She and Obama are friends, she says in an interview, but they have their differences.聽
US gun massacres mount up, but no more gun control. Why?The United States has seen a string of recent mass shootings, but support for stiffer gun control has dropped. NRA chief Wayne LaPierre 鈥� and most Americans, polls show 鈥� say the emphasis should be on the mental health system.
Government shutdown: how the GOP descended into civil war The GOP wants to avoid a government shutdown on Oct. 1 by passing a temporary government funding bill that would not include any money for Mr. Obama's health-care reform law. Here is a comprehensive primer on how we got here and who's involved.
Obamacare defunding: Will there be a filibuster?Egged on by fellow conservatives in the House, Sen. Ted Cruz now says he's willing to lead a filibuster that would defend the 'defund Obamacare' effort.- Government shutdown coming? Boehner raises stakes on defunding Obamacare.The GOP-led House is now poised to pass a bill that would fund government operations but defund Obamacare. The president spoke Wednesday of a 'faction' of House Republicans risking a government shutdown.
Touting Obamacare, US says millions could pay less than $100 a monthA report by HHS says 56 percent of uninsured could pay $100 or less (or nothing) for health coverage. Enrollment opens on Oct. 1, but public resistance to Obamacare is stronger than ever.聽
How liberal 'triumphs' on Syria and Summers have weakened ObamaLiberals are feeling their oats after Obama's retreats on Syria policy and the expected Summers nomination. That could cost him as he negotiates with Republicans over government funding.
Obama: Deficits falling at fastest rate since WWII. Is that true?In a speech marking the fifth anniversary of the financial crisis, President Obama claims credit for cutting the deficit in half. But one reason it fell so fast is that it shot up so high in the first place.
Drudge hates new shield bill, but is defining 'journalist' really 'fascist'?A media shield law approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee defines a 鈥渞eal reporter鈥� deserving of extra protection. Bloggers, "citizen journalists," and others cry "foul!"
Is Syria backtracking on chemical weapons pledge?Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with Russian state TV that he would not turn over chemical weapons unless the US stops threatening to attack him and agrees to cease arms shipments to Syrian rebels.
Does a US strike on Syria have a 'sell by' date?US officials want a quick signal from the Russians that Syria is really willing to give up its chemical weapons. But there's a chance everyone's just kicking the can down the road.
Syria's chemical weapons: why it could take decades to destroy themIf Russia's plan to destroy Syria's chemical weapons goes through, it would be the beginning of a complicated and expensive process.
Syria speech: What we learned about ObamaThe suffering of children 鈥� mentioned seven times in the speech 鈥� sparks Obama's moral outrage like nothing else. And his presidential 'bubble' isn't as impervious as some might think.
Syria: Why Obama needs to give two speeches in oneObama's address on Syria was meant to build support for votes in Congress authorizing force. But with diplomacy now front and center, Obama has to explain his reasons for embracing both.
