Failed Supreme Court nomination made U.S. political history.
Four officials step down less than a day after a damning review.
House Speaker says GOP will forge its own fiscal cliff plan, draining momentum from his own compromise negotiations with Democrats and President Obama.
The influential Democrat, who was first elected in 1962, died at 88.
U.S. Congress will be briefed on its findings this week.
Former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel is president Obama's top candidate for defense secretary; likely favors rapid Afghanistan withdrawal.
Landmark law faced strong opposition by the Catholic church.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman John Kerry vaults to top of list to lead Secretary of State, following Susan's Rice withdrawal.
Aides hoped the "frank" Thursday night talk might break the impasse over a deal.
The state House swiftly approved two bills reducing unions' strength as thousands of furious protesters at the state Capitol roared in vain.
