Congressional Softball Rivalry Resumes on June 24

It may be a frozen tundra out there right now. But things are sure to being heating up as pols and press begin training in earnest for the seventh annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game.

Michigan Congresswoman Won't Run for Re-Election

Rep. Candice S. Miller, R-Mich., the sole female House committee chairman, will not seek a ninth term, she announced Thursday.

Lawmakers Urge Obama to Expedite Lethal Aid for Ukraine

Eight House Republicans and three House Democrats agree on something: President Barack Obama should help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression — and fast.

What the 'Big Ten' Tells Republicans They Need in 2016

We won’t know the 2016 Republican presidential nominee for more than a year, but we already know the 10 states — the electoral “Big Ten” — that will select the next occupant of the White House.

How a Tea Party Favorite May Influence Mississippi Race

Mississippi state Sen. Chris McDaniel, the tea party firebrand who nearly ousted a Republican senator in a primary last year, has attempted to shape the state’s upcoming 1st District special election.

Shaheen Finds Her Groove in Successful DHS Funding Fight

Jeanne Shaheen didn’t have months to prepare for becoming the leading Democrat on Homeland Security spending. She didn’t get the chance to start the process at the beginning, with the president’s budget request and weeks of hearings.

Full FMLA Benefits? Not So for Congressional Staff

Capitol Hill employees are in limbo when it comes to workplace rights, or at least when it comes to a key update to the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Senate GOP Has No Definite Options in Response to Obamacare Case

The GOP hasn’t “signed off” on a plan to respond should the Supreme Court strike down most health insurance subsidies in King v. Burwell, Republican Policy Committee Chairman John Barrasso said on the eve of oral arguments in the case.

McConnell Discourages States From Crafting Clean Power Plans

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is suggesting states shouldn’t act on their own to implement the Environmental Protection Agency’s clean power plans.

Rubio, Lee Unveil Tax Code Overhaul, Welcome Critics

Say this much about Sen. Marco Rubio: He’s not afraid to put ideas on the table.

Top Democratic Campaign Staffers Chart 2016 Paths

With Democrats relegated to the minority in both chambers for the first time since 2006, the two top staffers at the party’s House and Senate campaign arms charted a path back to the majority during an EMILY’s List event Tuesday.

• Democrats Have Early Favorite House Pickup Opportunity

Deal or No Deal? How Boehner and Pelosi Funded the DHS

It started with a phone call.

Craigslist for Congress? Farr Makes Far-Fetched Pitches

Trying to find housing near the Capitol? Selling a bike? Need to locate lost jewelry?

Netanyahu Speech Lives Up to Controversial Expectations (Video)

In January, when Speaker John A. Boehner invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak before Congress, it caused the type of controversy and media attention normally reserved for a declaration of war, not a speech that’s little more than a glorified press release.

• Netanyahu Speech Draws Protests, Increased Security

When No One in Your Office Likes You

On some level, we all want to like our co-workers. Eight hours a day (or more) sitting next to someone is certain to go a lot more smoothly if you enjoy the company. But what happens when the relationship among staff has more animosity than amicability? And worse yet, what happens when it’s directed at you? Hill Navigator discusses.

McConnell's Turn to Iran Legislation Surprises Democrats (Video) (Updated)

In between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress and Netanyahu’s meeting with Senate leaders, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced plans to move full speed ahead with legislation to give Congress a say in any potential nuclear deal with Iran.

Centrist New Democrats Want Bigger Role in Party's Message

Members of the New Democrat Coalition have struggled for years to make their centrist message heard in the larger, and distinctly more left-leaning, House Democratic Caucus.

Harry Reid Sticks Up for Capitol Police Leadership (Video)

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, asked Tuesday about lingering concerns over the Capitol Police Department’s handling of a controversial State of the Union night car chase, said the force does a “masterful job.”

Wicker Dubious of Obama's Commitment to Promoting Trade

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker pushed back Tuesday against the suggestion the Obama administration is sending mixed messages about its commitment to a deal on Trade Promotion Authority.

Pat Toomey Is a Strong Candidate. Will That Be Enough in 2016?

Yes, I know Pennsylvania Democrats don’t have a 2016 Senate candidate who excites the entire party yet. I also know the election is 20 months away — plenty of time for them to rally around a nominee.

• Joe Sestak Kicks Off Rematch With Pat Toomey

Mikulski Legacy Is Beyond Longevity

The most obvious distinction Barbara A. Mikulski will take into retirement is that she’s spent more time in Congress than any other woman, and that’s a record worthy of significant recognition. But, especially at a Capitol so deeply mired in dysfunction and partisanship, the meaning of her service is deeper than mere longevity.

• Mikulski Will Not Seek Another Term (Updated)

Both Parties Monitoring Impact of Arizona Redistricting Case

The Supreme Court appeared divided Monday on an Arizona redistricting case that could have implications for congressional elections beyond the Southwestern state’s borders.

Take Five: Rep. Mark Takai

It’s time again for Take Five, when HOH talks with a member of Congress about topics relatively unrelated to legislative work.

Graham: Senate Could Overcome Veto of Iran Deal Review Legislation

Could Congress overcome a promised veto of legislation designed to compel the Obama administration to submit any nuclear deal with Iran to Capitol Hill for approval? At least one of the bill’s champions seems to think so.

Russ Feingold, Joe Sestak and the Improbable Senate Race Rematch

The Senate is filled with members who lost previous races. But Democrats Joe Sestak and Russ Feingold are trying to pull off a rare electoral feat: defeating the people who defeated them six years prior.

Hill East Redevelopment Moves Forward With Land Agreement

District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser signed an agreement Monday launching the redevelopment of the Hill East District, with construction expected to begin next year on a project that includes additional apartments, a public village square and green space.

Judge Dismisses Obamacare Lawsuit Targeting Congressional Health Care

A D.C. Superior Court judge dismissed on Wednesday a lawsuit challenging congressional health care enrollment in the D.C. small business exchange, ruling that federal regulations allow members of Congress and their staffs to enroll in the exchange.