If Democrats Take the House in November, They Need a Plan for What Comes Next

He was only saying what everyone already understood by then: Not only that Republicans were already trying to make Obama's life miserable, but that if they took the House in that fall's elections , then destroying his chances at winning a second term would be their primary goal. That, and stopping Obama from passing any meaningful legislation; as John Boehner said about Obama's agenda right before the election that made him speaker of the House, "We're going to do everything-and I mean everything we can do-to kill it, stop it, slow it down, whatever we can."

Deficit hawks are dead, and few in Washington can muster any…

Their demise technically came Tuesday when the Congressional Budget Office calculated the federal deficit at $895 billion for the first 11 months of fiscal 2018 - a stunning gap that was met with a collective shrug on Capitol Hill. But the real death of the deficit hawks came late last year and early this year, as Republicans such as Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin who had railed against deficits in the first years of the Obama administration pushed through a massive tax cut despite CBO projections of a surge in federal borrowing.

Ap Fact Check: Tester did rank No. 1 in cash from lobbyists Source: Ap

Republicans say in a television ad that Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester has taken more money from lobbyists than any other member of Congress as he seeks to fend off a challenge from Republican State Auditor Matt Rosendale. Tester, a third-generation farmer and former president of the Montana Senate, has a reputation as a populist.

Former Mexico President Vicente Fox joins High Times board Source: AP

Former Mexico President Vicente Fox, who calls himself a soldier in the global campaign to legalize marijuana, is joining the board of directors of venerable cannabis publication High Times to advance his agenda. Speaking with The Associated Press about his views on cannabis and his new appointment, Fox said he foresees a day when a robust legal marketplace will produce new jobs and medicines while sharply reducing cartel violence in his home country.

End of an era? Tea Party class of House Republicans fades

The Republican newcomers stunned Washington back in 2010 when they seized the House majority with bold promises to cut taxes and spending and to roll back what many viewed as Barack Obama's presidential overreach. Eight years later, the House Tea Party Caucus is long gone.

Estonia offers free genetic testing in nationwide experiment

Emergency officials in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas are bracing for the start of what's historically the most active time of year fo... Emergency officials in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas are bracing for the start of what's historically the most active time of year for tornadoes while also facing wildfire threats because of severe drought conditions. Emergency officials in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas are bracing for the start of what's historically the most active time of year for tornadoes while also facing wildfire threats because of severe drought conditions.

Spike Lee, Godard films to compete at Netflix-free Cannes

Emergency officials in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas are bracing for the start of what's historically the most active time of year fo... Emergency officials in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas are bracing for the start of what's historically the most active time of year for tornadoes while also facing wildfire threats because of severe drought conditions. Emergency officials in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas are bracing for the start of what's historically the most active time of year for tornadoes while also facing wildfire threats because of severe drought conditions.

Connecticut man pleads guilty to hacking celebrity accounts

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens says affair was 'entirely consensual relationship' but the woman with whom he had an affair says he spanked, slapped, grabbed and shoved her during sexual encounters. Former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner says he has had a change of heart on marijuana and will promote its nationwide legalization.

Ryan’s impact: Tax bill but no entitlement reform

House Speaker Paul Ryan steps down in January after a twenty year career in Congress with one major accomplishment -- a massive overhaul of the tax code. But the policy wonk and Republican thought leader departs without meaningful action on the agenda that led to his rise as a national Republican figure -- reforming entitlement programs and tackling the nation's debt crisis.

Ryan’s GOP swept away by a Trumpian revolution

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., tells reporters he will not run for re-election amid Republican concerns over keeping their majority in the House of Representatives, during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, April 11, 2018. WASHINGTON - As he announced his exit from public life, Speaker Paul Ryan tried hard to show appreciation for the man who took the Republican Party from his grasp and transformed it into something else.

US Speaker Ryan confirms retirement plans

Paul Ryan will not stand at the congressional US midterm elections in November but says it has nothing to do with Donald Trump's presidency. US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, dealing a blow to the Republican Party just months ahead of pivotal congressional elections, says he will not seek re-election to Congress in November and will relinquish his leadership post at the start of 2019.

Speaker Ryan is expected to seek re-election; will he stay?

In this March 20,2018, file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., pauses as he speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Ryan's political future as House speaker has been such a topic of speculation that even the simple question of whether he will seek re-election to his Wisconsin seat remains secret.

Clash over abortion hobbles a health bill. Again. Here’s how.

The Affordable Care Act very nearly failed to become law due to an intraparty dispute among Democrats over how to handle the abortion issue. Now a similar argument between Democrats and Republicans is slowing progress on a bill that could help cut soaring premiums and shore up the ACA.