The Senate clears the way for its first vote on the health care overhaul bill... and one tough Byrd breaks a record.

Monday comes and goes without a Senate vote to extend unemployment benefits. So does Tuesday... Meanwhile, the House gears up and counts down to a health care vote

The week began with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid confirming what Congress-watchers had all been expecting...

The Senate Banking Committee got an earful from housing advocates who say renters are suffering. Renters could use some of the federal assistance that Congress has already given to new home buyers.

People under age 35 make up almost 1/3 of the uninsured. Some because they can’t afford coverage; others because they suffer from a pre-existing condition common among young people: invincibility.

Both House and Senate move a legislative ball down the field… so of course there will be lots of talk about scores.

 Senators log a milestone in the energy and climate change debate. And Snowe falls in October on the road to a new health care system.

The Democrats sack a minor player on the opposing team. And inch the ball down field in this 1st-quarter push to score a health care bill. Republicans in turn take advantage of a major fumble: ACORN.

Lawmakers returned from the summer recess united in uncertainty.  Would President Obama utter the magic words to heal a divided Congress and set a course toward passage of a health care bill?

 Public perception of health care reform is a political football. At this point in the game, possession is up for grabs. Democrats made a play to reclaim control this week.