White House steps up bid to thwart new Iran sanctions
The White House warned Congress Tuesday that passing new sanctions on Iran -- even with a delayed launch date -- would give Tehran an excuse to undermine an interim nuclear deal.
US shutdown cost $2.0 billion in lost govt output
The 16-day US government shutdown cost 6.6 million in lost workdays for furloughed federal workers, amounting to $2.0 billion in lost productivity, the White House said Thursday in a report.
Only six Americans enrolled on 'Obamacare' first day
Just six people managed enrol in Obamacare on day one of the health plan's troubled rollout, documents released by Republican lawmakers showed, in a new embarrassment for the White House.
White House talks fail to end government shutdown
Talks between an exasperated President Barack Obama and top Republicans failed to end a government shutdown, with both sides accusing the other of refusing to negotiate.
Richest member of US Congress worth at least $355 mn
Republican Darrell Issa of California was 2012's richest member of Congress, worth at least $355 million.
Republicans to TV networks: Don't 'promote' Clinton
The US Republican Party on Monday threatened to prevent two US television networks from carrying party primary debates if they don't abandon planned documentaries on Hillary Clinton.
Obama kicks off economy tour as new fiscal fight looms
US President Barack Obama hits the road this week to drum up support for his economic program as rival Republicans warn of a new showdown over the government's debt ceiling.
US House passes bill banning abortion after 20 weeks
The US House of Representatives approved a Republican measure Tuesday restricting abortion to the first 20 weeks after conception, one of the most stringent pro-life bills in the past decade.
Obama on campaign trail amid controversies
President Barack Obama rallied voters Wednesday to elect fellow Democrats, defending the role of government as he faces a series of high-profile controversies.
Arm Syrian rebels or risk rise of extremism: McCain
The United States must deepen its engagement in Syria by equipping the rebels or setting up a safe zone to protect the opposition.
Republican lawmakers step up calls for US action on Syria
Republican lawmakers stepped up calls for US action against Syria Sunday in the face of growing evidence that it used chemical weapons against its population in a bitter civil war.
Senator to speak 'as long as it takes' over CIA pick
A Republican senator seeking to block President Barack Obama's nominee to lead the CIA is vowing to speak as long as it takes to do so, citing concern about drone strikes on US soil.
$85 billion austerity hit lines up US economy
An $85 billion dollar austerity time bomb was to detonate against the US economy Friday, as President Barack Obama blamed a Republican refusal to compromise for a failure to avert "dumb" spending cuts.
US House speaker urges senators to get 'off their ass'
House Speaker John Boehner laid bare the Republican leadership's exasperation Tuesday over looming US budget cuts, as he demanded senators get "off their ass" to forge a compromise and avert a crisis.
High risks for Obama in new spending fight
Barack Obama may have the upper hand against Republicans in a high-risk new spending showdown, but a drawn-out clash would likely damage the economy and put his presidential legacy on the line.
Obama courts key Republicans on immigration reform
US President Barack Obama on Tuesday called key Senate Republicans, with whom he is at odds on other many top issues, to discuss the prospects for bipartisan immigration reform.
Emotional Clinton angrily denies Benghazi cover-up
A fiery Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday angrily dismissed Republican charges of a cover-up over the deadly Benghazi attack and warned the world needs to combat rising extremism.
US House Republicans back 3-month debt limit rise
Republicans proposed a three-month increase to the US debt ceiling Friday as they mulled breaking a protracted fiscal impasse, but warned any long-term deal would require Congress to pass a budget that cuts spending.
Obama denies being aloof, says 'I like a good party'
President Barack Obama on Monday dismissed the perception that he is aloof and disdains the backslapping bonhomie a US leader sometimes requires to drive his priorities through Congress.
Obama 'modestly optimistic' for fiscal deal
President Barack Obama said Friday he was "modestly optimistic" a last-minute deal was possible with Republicans to avert a "fiscal cliff" crisis that could spark a recession and rock global markets.