Oversight

Republican Debate Turns Spectacle and Leaves Trump on Top

The prime-time event produces fireworks and some surprises as second-tier candidates find ways to break through.

Management

Chris Christie's Maneuver to Put Himself Right of the 2016 Field

He’s doing it in New Hampshire—and by tackling entitlements.

Oversight

Meet the Senate Candidate Already Collecting a Congressional Pension

Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's pension was worth more than $31,000 six years ago.

Oversight

Rand Paul, Reluctant Warrior, Makes No Promises on Increased Defense Spending

In an appearance with The Wall Street Journal's editorial page editor, Paul declares, "I will not want to take the country to war."

Oversight

Rand Paul Rips Hillary Clinton: Not 'Fit to Lead the Country'

Republican attacks his potential 2016 opponent over both her wealth and handling of Benghazi.

Oversight

Darrell Issa Subpoenas Top Obama Political Aide

Oversight Committee chairman wants information about the political office the White House reopened earlier this year.

Oversight

Ethics Chair: House Will Reverse Itself on Disclosure of Free Trips

The panel's decision to delete a disclosure requirement—as lawmakers' travel climbs—sparked quick criticism.

Oversight

Pelosi Says Decision to Delete Reporting Requirement for Free Trips 'Must Be Reversed'

A spokesman for Speaker Boehner says Democrats already signed off on 'bipartisan change to reduce duplicative paperwork.'

Oversight

Congress Quietly Deletes a Key Disclosure of Free Trips Lawmakers Take

House Ethics reverses decades of precedent as lobbyist-sponsored lawmaker travel expands.

Pay & Benefits

Why Do Washington's Women Leaders Make Less?

What National Journal's 2014 salary survey says about the pay gap.

Management

Everyone Won the Government Shutdown

It's getting hard to find a political figure who didn't come out ahead, 150 days later and counting.

Oversight

Congress Took More Free Trips in 2013 Than in Any Year Since Lobbying Reforms

The tally: 1,887 trips at a cost of $6 million, new data from LegiStorm shows

Oversight

Paul Ryan Says Conservative Attacks Are a 'Strange New Normal'

As outside groups pile on, the Republican budget negotiator says he is sticking to principles.

Oversight

The Next Budget Crisis Is Only 90 Days Away

Lawmakers have pinned hopes to avert a repeat performance on a new bipartisan, bicameral conference committee.

Oversight

Senate Republicans Float Plan to Open Government, Lift Debt Limit

Proposal would create a six-month window for negotiating a broader fiscal reform plan.

Oversight

In Congress, It's the Fresher Faces Pushing for Vote on Syria Strike

Three elections after the Iraq invasion, many lawmakers are experiencing the drumbeats of war for the first time.

Oversight

Democrats: New Documents Definitively Show 'Progressive' Groups Targeted Too

Republicans plan to continue their investigations.

Oversight

Push for a Government Shutdown Over Obamacare Falls on Hard Times

Defunders try to drum up support on the road as potential allies say 'no.'

Oversight

The Republican Plan to Exploit the IRS Scandal (Even Without a Smoking Gun)

GOP sends lawmakers home with scandal-focused talking points, prepares August campaign.

Pay & Benefits

Nearly 1 in 5 Members of Congress Is Paid Twice

They draw government pensions from previous work in addition to their congressional salary.