Sean Lengell
Articles by Sean Lengell
Freshman has GOP abuzz with talk of 2012
Rep. Allen B. West has served his South Florida district for less than three months, but already his supporters are demanding more. Published March 23, 2011
McCaskill hits more political turbulence
Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill was a top target of Republicans in 2012 even before a messy scandal expanded this week over her use of a private airplane. Published March 22, 2011
Republicans say regulations, taxes stifle new jobs
Before the 2010 midterm elections, Republicans promised an intense focus on creating and preserving American jobs. But spending and program cuts instead have dominated their agenda since taking control of the House in January — so much so that Democrats now accuse the GOP of reneging on a key campaign pledge. Published March 16, 2011
Nevadan to seek Senate seat
Nevada Rep. Dean Heller said Tuesday he will run for the Senate seat held by fellow Republican John Ensign, who said last week he won't seek a third term in 2012. Published March 15, 2011
Obama pressed on trade pacts
The Obama administration is under growing pressure from both parties on Capitol Hill to wrap up work on a package of long-delayed, Bush-era trade pacts, with lawmakers saying the United States continues to lose market share to China, Canada and others without the deals. Published March 14, 2011
Bill requires Smithsonian museum to ‘Buy American’
Four million visitors annually flock to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to view such priceless national treasures as the top hat Abraham Lincoln wore the night of his assassination and a military uniform donned by George Washington. Published March 10, 2011
Mayors balk at cuts to community grants
A bipartisan chorus of mayors nationwide is crying foul over a House Republican proposal to slash funding for a popular grant program, warning that everything from job training and child nutrition to homeless shelters and senior care will be devastated. Published March 10, 2011
Ensign won’t run, cites probability of ‘ugly’ campaign
Sen. John Ensign, a Nevada Republican mired in an ethics investigation stemming from a sex and lobbying scandal, said Monday that he won't seek re-election in 2012. Published March 7, 2011
Lawmakers deny last doughboy honor of lying in state at Capitol
When the last-known surviving U.S. veteran of World War I died late last month, there was no shortage of praise or accolades for the 110-year-old doughboy, although one posthumous honor seems to have escaped him — lying in state at the U.S. Capitol. Published March 6, 2011
Ex-lawmaker accuses pro-life group of ‘lies’
Former Rep. Steve Driehaus says the Susan B. Anthony List is a big-time liar that cost him his job in Congress. Published March 3, 2011
Hawaii senator to call it quits
Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Akaka said Wednesday he won't seek re-election next year, the fifth member of the Senate Democratic Caucus to decide not to face the voters in 2012. Published March 2, 2011
Social Security reform looms with or without Obama
Despite President Obama's promises to lower the deficit and rein in spending, there was a conspicuous omission from his 2012 budget blueprint that many say would go a long way toward easing the nation's financial woes: Social Security reform. Published February 27, 2011
Shutdown’s ‘essential’ question: Which workers are indispensable?
As Washington and the nation brace for a possible government shutdown next week, federal agencies are scrambling to determine how many "essential" workers will stay on the job. Published February 24, 2011
Governor: Florida could see Wisconsin-style protests
Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday he expects his proposed overhaul of the state's pension system will be met with protests similar to the ongoing labor battle in Madison, Wis. Published February 23, 2011
Wisconsin legislative standoff continues
No resolution to the standoff over union rights in Wisconsin appeared in sight Monday, as neither side showed signs of retreat in a bitter game of political chicken that again drew thousands of protesters to the state Capitol in Madison. Published February 21, 2011
Cabinet out in force on Hill to defend budgets, programs
Wednesday was a whirlwind day for the Obama administration on Capitol Hill. Published February 16, 2011
Florida spurns federal funds for Tampa-Orlando rail link
Florida's Republican Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday announced he will return $2.4 billion in federal funds for building a high-speed rail link between Tampa and Orlando — killing the project and setting off a bipartisan chorus of complaints from Sunshine State lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Published February 16, 2011
Senate passes bill to extend Patriot Act
A proposal to temporarily extend the expiring USA Patriot Act for almost three months sailed through the Senate on Tuesday, a day after the House passed a similar measure that would continue the anti-terrorism law for several additional months. Published February 15, 2011
Senate lets TSA hold vote on union
Airport security screeners pushing for full union rights cleared a significant hurdle Tuesday as the Senate rejected a Republican-authored proposal that would have barred them from collective bargaining. Published February 15, 2011
House passes extension of Patriot Act
The House on Monday passed another extension of the almost decade-old USA Patriot Act — six days after an initial attempt to pass the anti-terrorism law failed in the Republican-controlled chamber to the surprise of GOP leaders. Published February 14, 2011
