Sean Lengell

HEALTH CARE REPORT: English not required

The second phase of a California state law requiring that health insurers provide language interpreters and translated materials at no charge took effect last week; millions of state residents with limited English skills benefit from the law. Published April 7, 2009

Inside Politics

Is Rudy Giuliani running for governor of New York? It sure look so. Published April 7, 2009

Health care reform battle begins

While congressional Democrats easily passed the most expensive budget in history Thursday, the real fight now begins over whether leaders will try to ram through health care reforms or seek bipartisan support for one of the Obama administration's key priorities. Published April 4, 2009

No tax talk at Sebelius hearing

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, President Obama's choice for Health and Human Services secretary, faced no questions about her tax problems while testifying at a Senate confirmation hearing Thursday, a hint that the issue will not derail her nomination. Published April 3, 2009

No tax talk at Sebelius hearing

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, President Obama's nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, faced no questions about her tax problems Thursday, instead telling a friendly Senate panel about how pushing the White House's health-care reforms would be her primary "mission" if confirmed. Published April 2, 2009

Senate brakes Obama’s energy plan

In a bipartisan rejection of one of President Obama's key budget proposals, the Senate voted Wednesday to prevent Democrats from using fast-track procedures to push through a plan to combat greenhouse gases. Published April 2, 2009

Sebelius’ tax woes downplayed

A key Senate Republican said Wednesday that tax problems should not derail the nomination of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as health and human services secretary. Published April 2, 2009

Bill to repeal Cuba travel ban gains support

A bipartisan group of senators is calling for the United States to end its almost five-decade ban on travel to Cuba, and they say they have the votes in Congress - after years of failed attempts - to pull it off. Published April 1, 2009

HHS nominee Sebelius corrects tax returns

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, President Obama's pick to head the Health and Human Services Department, became the latest in a string of Cabinet appointees with income-tax problems Tuesday. Published April 1, 2009

Sebelius vows to act on health care

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who is battling brain cancer, on Tuesday urged quick action on a health care overhaul when opening the confirmation hearing for the person President Obama picked to tackle the daunting task, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Published March 31, 2009

HEALTH CARE REPORT: Insurance warnings

The health insurance industry, which initially held its tongue from criticizing President Obama's push to overhaul the nation's health care system, is beginning to speak out against the administration's proposed reforms. Published March 31, 2009

Bailout fund nearly spent

The federal government has spent all but $135 billion of the Wall Street bailout fund established by Congress last year, Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner said Sunday. Published March 30, 2009

McCain: Obama, Hill allies not bipartisan

Sen. John McCain says President Obama and the Democrat-controlled Congress have failed to live up to a campaign pledge of improving bipartisanship on Capitol Hill. Published March 30, 2009

Dems face ‘partisan warfare’

The chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee has predicted "partisan warfare" that would jeopardize one of President Obama's top priorities if some Democratic leaders continue efforts to ram health care reforms through Congress. Published March 27, 2009

HEALTH CARE REPORT: The health care budget

The debate over reforming the nation's health care system amps up this week as Congress begins piecing together the 2010 fiscal year budget. Published March 24, 2009

GOP banks on AIG outcry

If Republicans have their way, AIG will remain a household name through the 2010 congressional elections - and possibly beyond. Published March 23, 2009

Obama plan for vets dropped amid outcry

The Obama administration dropped a proposal to require some disabled veterans to pay for medical treatments through their private insurance companies, heeding a chorus of outrage from veterans groups and Capitol Hill that the idea was immoral, unconscionable and un-American. Published March 20, 2009

Obama drops vet medical plan

The Obama administration dropped a proposal to require some disabled veterans to pay for medical treatments through their private insurance companies, heeding a chorus of outrage from veterans groups and Capitol Hill lawmakers who said the idea was immoral, unconscionable and un-American. Published March 19, 2009

Obama medical plan for vets spurs outcry

President Obama's plan to generate extra budget money by forcing veterans to pay for some medical treatments through their private insurance is generating a firestorm among political parties and veterans alike. Published March 18, 2009

Obama tries to block AIG’s bonuses

UPDATED: President Obama, seeking to quell anger from taxpayers whom he soon may have to ask to support another bailout, on Monday called for trying to block the $165 million in AIG bonuses. Published March 17, 2009