Will Republicans Screw Up Again? Some Are Already Overreaching | Rothenblog

Some Republicans are so excited at the thought of multiple controversies dogging the White House over the next few months (or longer) that they are already foaming at the mouth.

Tracking the Immigration Bill, by the Numbers | #WGDB

With the Senate Judiciary Committee working into the night on a rewrite of the nation’s immigration laws, here’s a look at the markup so far.

Why the IRS Mess Bares Big Campaign Finance Problems

To many on Capitol Hill, the burgeoning scandal dogging the IRS looks like a simple case of partisan political targeting by an overbearing federal agency.

Michelle Nunn Senate Announcement Coming Soon

After appearing at a weekend fundraiser for Senate Democrats, party leaders expect Michelle Nunn to make a final decision on the Georgia Senate race within weeks.

Declines in Driving Complicate Vehicle Tax Changes

A new study suggests the driving habits of Americans may be changing faster than lawmakers can figure out how to tax them.

• Highway Trust Fund Already Feeling Effects of Declines in Driving

Baucus, Hatch Seek Answers From the IRS | #WGDB

In advance of a hearing Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee’s leaders have fired off a letter to the IRS seeking answers to 41 questions and requesting documents about the criteria used for targeting tea party and other groups.

In AP Case, Little Evidence DOJ Broke the Law

Did the Justice Department break the law when it secretly reviewed the phone records of more than 20 Associated Press reporters and editors? Many legal experts aren’t ready to go that far.

A Do-Nothing Congress Won't Surprise These Beltway Insiders | Hawkings Here

Lawmakers will spend the coming week performing yet another chapter of Groundhog Day, returning to debates that generated ample heat but yielded no conclusion during the election year.

Budget Wars Coming to Early Showdown — and Stalemate | Hawkings Here

A routine committee meeting tomorrow will formally lock down this reality about the congressional budget engine: It has totally seized up, and as early as ever — fully 20 weeks before it’s supposed to finish spitting out thousands of line-item decisions about discretionary government spending for next year.

Bob Kasten Works Internationally in D.C. | Life After Congress

Years after leaving Congress, former Sen. Bob Kasten, R-Wis., has kept his eye on the issues he focused on while he was a member.

Most Intriguing Immigration Bill Developments ... So Far | #WGDB

The Senate Judiciary Committee is gearing up for the grand finale in marking up a rewrite of immigration laws, with indications that work can be completed before the Senate departs for the Memorial Day break.

Lauten Makes Decisions Based on Fincher's District | Hill Climber

Elizabeth Lauten tried on a couple of majors before leaving East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., with a degree in classics.

Virginia GOP to Nominate Mark Warner Challenger via Convention

Virginia Republicans voted on May 17 to hold a nominating convention next year — rather than a primary — to select a challenger to Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, the Virginian-Pilot reported.

Mia Love Announces Utah Rematch

Sarasota Springs Mayor Mia Love officially announced this weekend that she will challenge Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, again for the 4th District.

Will Obama Administration Controversies Affect Democratic Recruitment? | Rothenblog

There is no doubt that the three major controversies on which President Barack Obama finds his administration on the defensive — Benghazi, the IRS targeting of conservatives and the subpoenaing of AP phone records — have changed the political narrative of the day.

Sequester Withholding of FDA User Fees Irks Industry

The Food and Drug Administration is able to do its work in part because of a symbiotic relationship with the industries it regulates. But recently that relationship has been knocked off balance.

Frederick Douglass Statue Moves One Step Closer to Capitol | Campus Notebook

The District of Columbia’s Frederick Douglass statue is one step closer to being unveiled in the Capitol now that the Senate has passed a resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the event.