WASHINGTON — Social Security checks would still go out. So would tax payments and refunds for e-filed returns. Soldiers would remain on duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, and sailors off the coast of Libya. FBI agents would still work. Mail would be delivered.

But much of the government would shut down. » read more

WASHINGTON — The White House on Wednesday is announcing a deal to ratify the long-stalled free trade agreement with Colombia — a move that backers say will boost the U.S. economy and improve the U.S. standing in Latin America.

"We are estactic," said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., who just returned from a congressional trip to Colombia. "This is jobs, jobs, jobs. We have small businesses ready to go, to hire people, to get this started." » read more

WASHINGTON — Although tea party influence has waned in recent negotiations to prevent a government shutdown, GOP leaders still want the support of most of the House freshmen Republicans that the movement supported.

In an interview Monday, Ellmers called a shutdown "a last resort." » read more

WASHINGTON — Jack Valenti won his final and most heartfelt lobbying victory when he was lowered into the ground at Arlington National Cemetery.

"When that moment comes for me as it will for all humans, I would dearly love to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery," Valenti wrote then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in December 2002. » read more

WASHINGTON — U.S. corporations continue to post strong profits quarter after quarter, even as the unemployment rate remains high and the U.S. economic recovery plods along in fits and starts. What gives?

The strong profits, however, mask the continued difficult terrain for businesses. Yes, profits are high, but that doesn't mean business is strong. » read more