The Top 5 Stories in Washington DC, Dec 19th

This Week In Washington

Top 5 Stories

1.      The Senate passed the bipartisan budget agreement on a 64-36 vote with nine Republicans joining Democrats in support of the bill.

Look ahead: Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski; her House counterpart, Rep. Harold Rogers; and their subcommittee chairs have already begun discussions and will be working through the holidays to craft a 12-bill omnibus package Congress will address when lawmakers return in January.

2.      The Senate voted 71-29 to invoke cloture on the National Defense Authorization Act, placing the measure on track for a vote.

Look ahead: The measure is expected to pass the Senate and head to President Obama for signature.

3.      US District Judge Richard Leon, a veteran of controversial cases involving the government, ruled this week the National Security Agency's compiling of Americans' phone records is likely unconstitutional.

Look ahead: Leon stayed his own opinion to allow the administration to appeal.

4.      President Obama plans to nominate Senator Max Baucus, who is retiring next year after six terms in the Senate, to serve as U.S. ambassador to China.

Look ahead: Baucus appears to have a clear path to confirmation, and his departure could trigger a domino effect on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

5.      Reps. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, Frank Wolf, R-Va., and Tom Latham, R-Iowa, all announced plans to retire following the 113th Congress.

Look ahead: The trio of retirements could present pickup opportunities for the opposing parties.