Philip Brasher

The clock is ticking on an effort to get Congress to preempt state GMO labeling laws.

Not everyone who graced the stage at the Iowa State Fairgrounds was asked the same question, but moderator Bruce Rastetter did a great job making sure they responded to several key issues, while limiting each one to about 20 minutes. HereÐs an overview of how they answered.

Next week, the congressional budget committees are expected to take up resolutions laying out tax and spending plans aimed at reducing the federal budget deficit.

Dietary science has always been shifting and incomplete. ThatÐs the reason the federal dietary guidelines are required by law to be revised every five years. But recent shifts in scientific thinking and increasingly public debates have emboldened critics inside and outside Congress t

The Obama administrationÐs ambitious agricultural development initiative known as Feed the Future has never been authorized in law, leaving it with an uncertain future. But supporters are about to renew an effort to provide the $1-billion-a-year program with congressio

The SenateÐs budget resolution is providing an important chance for senators to test support for a number of issues, and no vote may be more interesting than one expected today, Wednesday, on the Obama administrationÐs proposed Clean Water Act rule.

The signs are pointing to movement on Trade Promotion Authority next month. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he wants the Senate Finance Committee to approve a TPA bill Ðvery quickly after we come backÐ from the two-week-Easter recess.

The Senate passed its version of the Trade Promotion Authority bill (HR1314) just ahead of the recess. House GOP leaders say they€ll take it up in June but haven€t announced a schedule yet.

The Obama administrationPs release of its final Clean Water Act rule sets the stage for a battle with Congress in coming weeks that could divide Senate Democrats.

The Obama administration has issued a final rule re-defining what streams, ponds, wetlands and other features will be regulated under the Clean Water Act. The rule includes some changes that administration officials say address concern that definitions in the proposed rul