FEMA is currently housed under the Department of Homeland Security, but the House's effort would solidify FEMA as its own separate agency.

Republicans are divided over how to handle state and local tax deductions in the reconciliation process.

Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died. He was 85.

Congressional Republicans, who finally have the power to reduce massive federal spending, are paralyzed over how to make cuts and could instead scale back their plan to slash taxes.