Democrat Doug Jones sworn in

After a contentious political season rife with issues ranging from sexual misconduct allegations and bitter partisan sparring, Democrats Doug Jones was sworn in Wednesday as the next senator from Alabama. Notably, there were three vice presidents on Capitol Hill at the same time Jones bucked tradition in choosing former Vice President Joe Biden to escort him for the occasion.

Tina Smith, Minnesota’s lieutenant governor, sworn in as senator following Franken resignation

Tina Smith, Minnesota's lieutenant governor, was sworn in as the state's junior senator Wednesday, replacing Al Franken, who officially stepped down Tuesday following allegations of sexual misconduct. Smith, 59, served just under three years as lieutenant governor under Gov. Mark Dayton, who appointed her to the Senate seat in December.

Confusion over Trump’s border wall delays spending talks

Donald John Trump House Democrat slams Donald Trump Jr. for 'serious case of amnesia' after testimony Skier Lindsey Vonn: I don't want to represent Trump at Olympics Poll: 4 in 10 Republicans think senior Trump advisers had improper dealings with Russia MORE about his plans for a proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border is holding up talks to avoid a government shutdown. Trump has demanded tougher immigration controls and more border-security measures in return for relief for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program recipients in the 2018 spending bill.

Lawmakers misbehaving? Let us see their names

Americans are being deluged with information about men accused of sexual harassment or assault. Since shocking revelations emerged about Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein in October, the Los Angeles Times notes, "a powerful person has been accused of misconduct at a rate of nearly once every 20 hours" - including such big names as Dustin Hoffman, Charlie Rose, Kevin Spacey, Matt Lauer and Garrison Keillor.

Hatch’s retirement lets him leave at the height of his power

Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said Tuesday he will not seek re-election after serving more than 40 years in the Senate, opening the door for former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney to run for his seat. SALT LAKE CITY - Orrin Hatch's decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading President Donald Trump to downsize two national monuments.

Secret Service building fire at Clintons’ home extinguished

A 25-year-old Los Angeles has waived extradition proceedings in California and will face a Kansas charge that he made a hoax emergency call that led to the fatal police shooting of a Wichita resident. Voters in two-thirds of the states will be electing governors to new four-year terms this year and could indirectly be shaping the future of Congress for a decade to come.

Probe: Fatal California cop shooting of Navy vet justified

A 25-year-old Los Angeles has waived extradition proceedings in California and will face a Kansas charge that he made a hoax emergency call that led to the fatal police shooting of a Wichita resident. A 25-year-old Los Angeles has waived extradition proceedings in California and will face a Kansas charge that he made a hoax emergency call that led to the fatal police shooting of a Wichita resident.

Milwaukee Red Cross reverses visit policy after criticism

The Red Cros... A 25-year-old Los Angeles has waived extradition proceedings in California and will face a Kansas charge that he made a hoax emergency call that led to the fatal police shooting of a Wichita resident. A 25-year-old Los Angeles has waived extradition proceedings in California and will face a Kansas charge that he made a hoax emergency call that led to the fatal police shooting of a Wichita resident.

Hatch’s retirement lets him leave at the height of his power Source: AP

Orrin Hatch's decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading President Donald Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-old's legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising re-election battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term.

2 Democrats sworn in as senators, narrow GOP majority

The Republican majority in the Senate narrowed to 51-49 on Wednesday as two new Democratic senators were sworn into office, complicating GOP efforts to advance the party's legislative agenda before the 2018 midterm elections. Jones is the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in a quarter century.

The Latest: Former VPs at swearing-in of 2 Senate Democrats

In this Dec. 4, 2017, file photo, then-Democratic senatorial candidate Doug Jones speaks at a news conference in Dolomite, Ala. Jones, the first Alabama Democrat elected to the Senate in a quarter century, is one of two new members who will take the oath of office on the Senate floor at noon on Jan. 3, 2018.

Power Lunch: Cold and frosty, Tallahassee readies legislative session

We're just six days away from the first day of the 2018 legislative session in Tallahassee, where snow fell this morning. If we were the superstitious sorts, we would debate whether this augurs a frosty legislative session.

Senate dominoes from Hatch retirement could give Crapo a shot at coveted Finance chair

The news that longtime Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch will retire, rather than seek another term, not only is drawing attention to a possible Mitt Romney run to replace Hatch; it's also focusing attention on Senate seniority dominoes and chairmanships. Hatch chairs the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees taxes, trade, health care and entitlements.