Hawkings

In the GOP’s successful push for its tax overhaul, floor debates appeared to have no influence on changing members’ positions. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Topic for Debate: Time to End Congressional Debates?

By David Hawkings

Posted January 4, 2018 at 5:05am

The Senate will be a very different place after the arrival of two new Democratic senators: Doug Jones, the winner of Tuesday’s stunning upset in Alabama, and Tina Smith, who was tapped on Wednesday to fill the pending vacancy in Minnesota. (CQ Roll Call file photos)

No-Alias: Smith & Jones Will Alter the Senate in ’18

By David Hawkings

Posted December 14, 2017 at 5:04am

Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore and his wife Kayla leave Moore's "Drain the Swamp" rally in Midland City, Ala., on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

How Moore Would Change the Senate From Day One

By David Hawkings

Posted December 12, 2017 at 5:04am

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is still favored for reelection next year, but may have to work harder than past Republicans as the state trends more Democratic. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

A Gun Rights Vote Only the GOP Base Can Appreciate

By David Hawkings

Posted December 7, 2017 at 5:04am

President Donald Trump, flanked by Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell faces the prospect of the first government shutdown when one party controlled all levers of government. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

GOP Gets Ready to Own a One-Sided Shutdown Argument

By David Hawkings

Posted December 4, 2017 at 5:04am

From left, Reps. Jerrold Nadler of New York, Zoe Lofgren of California and John Conyers Jr. of Michigan at a House Judiciary Committee news conference in 2012. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Conyers Scandal Creates Opening for House Democrats

By David Hawkings

Posted November 28, 2017 at 5:04am

Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney has said “a lot of this is a gimmick,” referring to the tax bill’s expiration dates for some of the lower rates. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

An Old Saw’s New Twist: Death (of the Deficit Hawks) and Taxes

By David Hawkings

Posted November 27, 2017 at 5:05am

Those who hope to block Moore from the Senate might look to the paths pursued by, clockwise from top left, Robert G. Torricelli, John Ensign, Roland W. Burris and Lisa Murkowski. (Douglas Graham, Scott J. Farrell and Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photos)

Four Senate Stories That Might Shape Moore’s Fate

By David Hawkings

Posted November 15, 2017 at 5:05am

Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, places books of the current tax code on the dais, during a House Ways and Means Committee markup of the Republicans’ tax reform plan titled the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, in Longworth Building on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Kevin Brady: A Low-Profile Tax Writer for the Highest-Stress Time

By David Hawkings

Posted November 8, 2017 at 5:04am

The four appellate nominees moving through the Senate this week include, from left, Amy Coney Barrett, Joan Larsen, Allison H. Eid and Stephanos Bibas. Barrett and Larsen have already been confirmed. (Courtesy Screenshot/C-SPAN, Joan Larsen/Facebook, University of Pennsylvania Law School)

Trump’s Stamp on Judiciary Starting: It Could Be Much Faster

By David Hawkings

Posted November 2, 2017 at 5:04am