Reflects a shift in strategy for the GOP, which is wary of triggering public outrage at more brinkmanship.

Barack Obama's nominee for defense secretary faced strong resistance from his former Republican colleagues.

Liberal Democrat easily clears 94-3 Senate vote, setting him up to take the helm from Hillary Clinton and engage on his pet cause of climate change.
-Blouin Politics: Triumphant Kerry heads to the State Department

The way Lombardy goes will likely determine whether the eurozone's third largest economy gets the stable government it needs to take strong action against its economic crisis.

Relief measure for victims of hurricane overcame conservative opposition and will be quickly signed by President Obama.

Signals a shift from late-night, last-minute backroom deals at the White House toward more open (and confrontational) legislative procedure.

The agreement covers border security, guest workers and employer verification, as well as a path to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S.

Far-reaching decision by conservative jurists could limit president's ability to make recess appointments; White House is expected to appeal to Supreme Court.