New Congress' Key Fights Could Be Dem-on-Dem

Marathon sessions fail to reach a deal as tempers fray

(NEWSER) - The Democratic leadership is scrambling to make progress on health care reform before Congress breaks for its August recess, but last night's marathon negotiations failed to break the stalemate—and may even have increased the number of issues up for debate. "We're making progress," Nancy Pelosi said as she left the Capitol. But talks with Blue Dog Democrats aren't moving anywhere, Politico reports. More»

Pelosi 'delighted' Obama will be present for 'historic' passage

(NEWSER) - Democrats got ready for a health care rumble today, with Nancy Pelosi telling her troops to clear their schedules, be ready to stay in session, and expect a vote next week. Pelosi will move to pass the Senate's December bill as soon as Thursday or Friday, and though Politico reports that the speaker likely doesn't yet have the 216 votes she needs, most believe she's within reach. More»

Dems waffle on high-income tax; timetable cloudy

(NEWSER) - Democrats are growing queasy about their plan to tax the wealthy to help pay for health care reform, the New York Times reports. Nancy Pelosi yesterday suggested revising the contentious provision so that fewer households would have to pay the surtax. Under the current House draft, individuals earning more than $280,000, and couples earning more than $350,000 would have to pay. Pelosi wants those figures upped to $500,000 and $1 million. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama today called on lawmakers to send him a health care reform bill before the end of the year, the Wall Street Journal reports. “We've got to get it done this year,” the president said in a meeting with House Democrats. “We don't have any excuses, the stars are aligned.” He also applauded Nancy Pelosi’s pledge that the House will introduce legislation before the August recess. More»

Perriello loses in Virginia, Grayson in Florida

(NEWSER) - Nancy Pelosi's reign as House speaker will soon be over. Republicans will easily take control of the House of Representatives by night's end, say both CNN and NBC . The GOP entered the evening needing to gain 39 seats, and they'll likely end up with about 60, a development that will make John Boehner the next speaker. An emotional Boehner (see here ) called the outcome a "repudiation of Washington" and later took a congratulatory phone call from President Obama. More»