Foreign Relations Panel Blasts Human-Trafficking Report

Testimony from a State Department official Thursday did little to dispel claims that an annual human-trafficking report was driven by politics.

Planned Parenthood Gives DesJarlais Challenger an Opening

Grant Starrett, 27, doesn’t think Rep. Scott DesJarlais has been conservative enough for Tennessee’s 4th District. DesJarlais thinks his voting record speaks for itself. “If he wants to run to the right, there’s not much room,” the Republican lawmaker told CQ Roll Call last week.

Candidates Need Answers to New Hampshire's Heroin Crisis

It’s hard to get through a political event in New Hampshire these days without someone mentioning heroin.

Senate Democrats Call for Higher Wages for Capitol Food Workers

Nearly all members of the Senate Democratic Conference are calling for Capitol food service workers to receive higher wages and improved working conditions, according to a letter obtained by CQ Roll Call.

Rand Paul Allies Indicted in Iowa Campaign Fraud Case (Updated)

A longtime ally of Sen. Rand Paul who at one point served as the 2014 campaign manager for now-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been indicted for alleged campaign finance fraud.

Chaffetz Calls for Removal of OPM CIO

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, reiterated his call Thursday for the chief information officer at the Office of Personnel Management to step down in the wake of data breaches that affected millions of federal employees.

Democrats Likely to Gain One House Seat in Florida Redraw

The Florida Senate released a draft of a new congressional district map Wednesday that, if approved, would likely lead to Democrats netting one House seat in 2016.

• Rep. Corrine Brown Files Lawsuit Against Redrawn Florida Congressional Map

Democrats, Party Switchers and the Ghost of Ed Jany

Former Republican state Sen. Tom O’Halleran announced Tuesday he was running as a Democrat in Arizona’s 1st District. It’s not the first time party strategists have crossed the aisle to recruit, and O’Halleran isn’t even the only party-switcher running this cycle.

Recovering Governors Take Senate One Day at a Time

Sen. Thomas R. Carper kicked off his Senate floor tribute to retiring Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., in December by noting the two of them, along with presiding officer Joe Manchin III, were all “recovering governors.”

Marine Had Two Loaded Guns, 114 Live Rounds Outside Capitol, Police Say

The Marine Corps congressional fellow arrested Tuesday on Capitol grounds was carrying two loaded guns, 114 rounds of live ammunition, a military ballistic vest and two knives in his car, court documents state. Following an arraignment, he appears headed for a new assignment, off the Hill.

Capitol Police Board Aims to Replace Chief Quickly

Two former Secret Service agents and an architect walk into a board room. They’re charged with finding a replacement, and soon, for outgoing Capitol Police Chief Kim C. Dine.

An Easy Fix for Members Who Want Overtime for Staff

Even if Congress takes no action on amending the Congressional Accountability Act to add overtime protections for staff, individual offices can lead the way and implement changes for their own staff, much as they have done for workplace protections such as maternity and paternity leave.

Sinema Tells D.C. Democrats 'Not Yet' on Senate Bid

Among her peers in Arizona’s congressional delegation, there was a time when Rep. Kyrsten Sinema seen as a top prospect to carry the Democratic Party’s mantle against Republican Sen. John McCain when he seeks re-election next year.

Fattah Could Have Avoided Some Trouble Through Possible Student Loan Repayment

Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., was one of five members present in July 2002 when the House Administration Committee made the Student Loan Repayment Program a reality for the House of Representatives.

Cruz Ready for Next Debt Limit Debate

Remember what happened the last time Congress acted to raise the debt limit?

Former Republican Running as Democrat to Replace Kirkpatrick

In Arizona’s 1st District, Democrats may turn to a former Republican as they try to hold on to outgoing Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick’s seat.

One Last Hurrah for Joe Biden?

The news that Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is giving serious consideration to running for president spread like wildfire over the weekend.

Democratic Primary to Challenge Zeldin Will Be Competitive

The Democrat who challenges GOP Rep. Lee Zeldin in New York’s 1st District will face a close race. But the eventual nominee will have a primary shaping up to be just as competitive, political handicappers say.

Joe Baldacci Complicates Cain's Challenge to Poliquin in Maine

New England’s only Tossup election got a little more complicated last week, when Maine’s Joe Baldacci, the brother of former Gov. John Baldacci, filed to run as a Democrat in the 2nd District.

Democrats Vote to Filibuster Planned Parenthood Defunding Bill

Planned Parenthood funding will continue despite outrage — mostly from Republicans — over videos showing officials discussing the sale of aborted body parts.

Second Hill Langar Raises Awareness About Sikh Faith

For the second time on Capitol Hill, staffers, lawmakers and citizens gathered in the Rayburn foyer, removed their shoes, donned orange head scarves and participated in a centuries-old Sikh tradition.

Hatch Calls ADA One of His Most Important Achievements

Lawmakers across the political spectrum have celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act over the past week — none more than Sen. Orrin G. Hatch.

Azerbaijan Travel Probe Shows Strained Ties Between Congress' Ethics Cops

By the looks of the most recent report from the Office of Congressional Ethics, the first six months of 2015 were some of the busiest since the agency launched six years ago, at the beginning of the 111th Congress. But lawmakers remain lax about policing themselves.

In Senate Race, Alan Grayson Could Be Own Worst Enemy

In his bid for Senate in Florida, the biggest thing standing in Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson’s way is . . . Alan Grayson.

Pot Bills Stalled Despite Increased Support

Even though Senate support for a medical marijuana bill is building, it’s not getting the backing it needs to advance.