Senate Moves to Privatize Anemic Restaurants

(NEWSER) - Republicans are slamming Nancy Pelosi for saying she felt she had no recourse when informed of harsh interrogation tactics in 2003, Politico reports. “If she felt it was wrong, she should have acted,” John McCain said. Some critics suggest the House speaker could have written a letter or requested a meeting with the president. A Pelosi aide said, “We were not in a position to change the policy.” More»

Lawmakers likely to let special tax die, with the nod from Obama

(NEWSER) - With populist outrage cooling and the White House even cooler, the 90% AIG bonus tax that sailed through the House last week is stalled in the Senate, where it's likely to die, reports Bloomberg. Majority Leader Harry Reid said yesterday this week will be devoted to debating national service and the budget—with Congress taking spring break in just two weeks, that pushes the tax bill into late April. More»

(NEWSER) - Joe Biden defended the pick of Leon Panetta to head the CIA but offered an apology of sorts for the way it was handled, Politico reports. “I think it was just a mistake,” Biden said of not informing top Democrats of the choice, which led to a chiding by Dianne Feinstein yesterday. "I think it's always good to talk to the requisite members of Congress,” Biden continued. “I’m still a Senate man.” More»

Democrats timed symbolic vote for day before taxes are due

(AP) - Senate Republicans derailed a "Buffett rule" bill today, using the day before Americans' taxes are due to defy President Barack Obama on one of his signature election-year issues. By a near party-line 51-45 tally, senators voted to keep the bill alive but fell nine votes short of the 60 needed to continue debating the measure. The bill would force the nation's top earners to pay at least 30% of their income in taxes, More»

2011 saw least-productive session since 1992

(NEWSER) - The 2011 Senate produced less legislation than any other since 1992, according to a report by the chamber's own secretary. Throughout its 170 days, the Senate was in session an average of just 6.5 hours per day; only 2008's Senate had a lower figure, with three members running for president. The 2011 Senate also confirmed just 19,815 nominations, the fewest in 20 years, and passed a total of only 402 measures, the second-fewest since 1992. The data is particularly embarrassing because 2011 wasn't an election year, when productivity typically falls, the Washington Examiner reports. More»