Sean Lengell
Articles by Sean Lengell
Senate ethics panel says Ensign was right to resign
The senior party leaders on the Senate Ethics Committee have commended Sen. John Ensign for his decision to resign amid a sex and lobbying scandal. Published April 22, 2011
Bold moves by new GOP governors spur a political backlash
Impeach Scott Walker? Recall Rick Scott? Although it's highly unlikely either first-year governor will be booted from office anytime soon, both are among a list of tea party-backed Republican heads of state who are facing significant public backlash after less than four months on the job. Published April 20, 2011
Senate budget chief cool on Ryan plan
The fate of the GOP House Budget plan that easily passed the chamber last week grows far murkier as budget talks proceed to the Senate, where the controlling Democrats have little enthusiasm for the bill's aim to cut government spending by almost $6 trillion during the next decade. Published April 17, 2011
House passes 2012 budget plan on a 235-193 vote
The House on Friday passed a Republican budget blueprint for the 2012 fiscal year that aims to reduce government spending by $5.8 trillion during the next decade through a series of program cuts, entitlement reforms, tax-code overhauls and a repeal of the 2010 health care law. Published April 15, 2011
House factions plan to offer budget alternatives
While the House is expected Friday to approve the Republicans' official budget plan for 2012, it's not the only spending blueprint the chamber will consider. Published April 14, 2011
Pelosi: House Democrats left out of 2011 spending bill deal
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi complained Thursday her caucus was shut out of the negotiating process last week when congressional leaders and the White House hammered out a 2011 spending deal that avoided a government shutdown. Published April 14, 2011
In a symbolic move, House votes to defund proviso of health law
The House on Wednesday voted to defund a portion of the 2010 health care reform law that deals with preventative health services - a mostly symbolic gesture as the bill almost certainly will be blocked in the Senate. Published April 13, 2011
Ryan’s plan for Medicare, Medicaid is game-changer in benefits debate
As the House begins debate this week on the Republicans' budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, provisions that call for massive cuts to Medicare and Medicare will dominate - a precursor to the battles over entitlement spending expected to define the 2012 elections. Published April 12, 2011
House GOP targets Obama regulatory policies
House Republicans waged a two-fronted attack on President Obama's agenda last week by passing measures to repeal rules regarding Internet "neutrality" and the regulation of greenhouse gases. Published April 10, 2011
Obama faces fight in choice for judge
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a controversial appeals court nomination Thursday, setting up the first big battle in this Congress over an Obama judicial nomination. Published April 7, 2011
Debate on Ryan’s budget blueprint heated, predictable
House Democrats and Republicans dug in their heels Wednesday during debate on the GOP's 2012 budget proposal, as supporters defended the plan as a bold attempt to return the country to financial solvency while critics portrayed it as dishonest gimmick that would kill Medicare. Published April 6, 2011
GOP budget plan exceeds Obama savings by $4.8T
House Republicans introduced a budget plan Tuesday that would reduce government spending by $5.8 trillion during the next decade through a series of program cuts, entitlement reforms, tax code overhauls and a repeal of the 2010 health care law. Published April 5, 2011
Geithner: U.S. to hit debt ceiling by May 16
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner predicts the federal government will reach its debt ceiling no later than May 16 and urged Congress to quickly raise the limit or risk another national financial crisis. Published April 4, 2011
Democrats say safety sacrificed in aviation bill pushed by House
A sweeping overhaul of aviation regulations the House passed Friday - a measure that would modernize the nation's aging air traffic control system - may not fly in the Senate. Published April 4, 2011
House OKs aviation bill despite Democratic flak
The House passed a sweeping overhaul of aviation regulations Friday, pushing aside Democratic complaints that the bill doesn't do enough to protect airline passengers or keep tired pilots from flying. Published April 1, 2011
Aviation safety bill runs into head wind
A move by some House Republicans to alter the way rail and airline workers organize could threaten a comprehensive aviation safety bill, continuing the GOP's push back at collective bargaining rights. Published March 31, 2011
House votes to restart D.C. school vouchers
The House passed a measure Wednesday to revive a school-voucher program for the District of Columbia despite opposition from the mayor, the District's congressional delegate, teachers and the White House. Published March 30, 2011
Spending fight in Senate turns to GOP riders
Democrats said Tuesday that in an effort to find a spending compromise that would keep the government from shutting down April 8, they are willing to look at some of the legislative add-ons House Republicans tacked onto their spending-cuts bill. Published March 29, 2011
Key GOP leadership targeted for backing nuke program cuts
An arms control advocacy group has launched a media blitz targeting key Capitol Hill Republican leaders, arguing their support for spending cuts to government nuclear security programs will compromise the nation's ability to defend itself against terrorism. Published March 27, 2011
Fallen tea party stars may rise again
As the sting of their November defeats subsides, many fallen GOP tea party stars are taking steps again toward the public stage. Published March 24, 2011
