2chambers - Breaking news and analysis from The Washington Post's Capitol Hill Bureau. - February 20, 2011

Styrofoam cups, coming to a Capitol near you

When the House returns Monday from a week-long recess, members and staffers will see something that hasn't been in the Capitol for four years: Styrofoam.

By Felicia Sonmez | February 26, 2011; 8:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (29)

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Threat of shutdown appears to wane as Democrats say they're 'encouraged' by GOP plan

The gulf between Senate Democrats and House Republicans on keeping the government funded past early March appeared to narrow late Friday as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) office issued a statement expressing tentative support for a House Republican plan to cut $4 billion over two weeks.

By Felicia Sonmez | February 25, 2011; 5:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (15)

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On Bogota visit, Baucus urges approval of Colombia trade deal

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) on Friday pushed for progress on a long-stalled trade deal between the U.S. and Colombia, emphasizing in a Bogota speech before Colombian business leaders that he will work to ensure the pact is approved this year.

By Felicia Sonmez | February 25, 2011; 1:55 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)

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House GOP freshmen mirror longtime members on conservative budget amendment

The 87 freshman Republican members in the House have flexed their muscle thus far in the 112th Congress, succeeding earlier this month in securing deeper cuts in a resolution to keep the federal government funded and winning key spots on House committees.

By Felicia Sonmez | February 25, 2011; 12:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)

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House-Senate federal shutdown standoff approaches, as GOP plans spending cuts

House Republicans on Friday afternoon will release their plan for a stop-gap government funding measure that would include $4 billion in cuts through March 18, setting the stage for a showdown with Senate Democrats, who have dismissed the proposed cuts as "draconian" and have begun drafting their own stop-gap measure that would include more limited cuts.

By Felicia Sonmez | February 25, 2011; 10:12 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)

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Eric Cantor at Harvard: America 'at a crossroads' on spending

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) outlined Republicans' economic vision on Thursday evening, saying in a speech at Harvard University that Washington must reduce the role of government in order to preserve America's role as the "crucible of innovation."

By Felicia Sonmez | February 24, 2011; 9:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (17)

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Darrell Issa issues first subpoenas of Obama administration

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) issued his first subpoenas of the Obama administration earlier this week.

By Felicia Sonmez | February 24, 2011; 4:21 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (66)

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Mayors criticize House budget cuts as 'hypocritical' and 'un-American'

At a Washington news conference Thursday afternoon, a group of thirty mayors from around the country announced their opposition to the the resolution passed by the House last week that would cut $61 billion in federal spending, blasting the measure as devastating to children, seniors, the poor and others.

By Felicia Sonmez | February 24, 2011; 2:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (11)

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2chambers: February 20, 2011 - February 26, 2011