The Hill Articles: December 17, 2011

Keystone climbdown leaves Obama supporters scratching their heads House Republicans voice opposition to Senate payroll tax cut package Senate schedules pro-forma sessions to block Obama’s recess appointments Sen. DeMint: Spending bills a shameful end to the year House piracy bill markup to continue Wednesday Senate adjourns until next year Savage two-month lobbying battle over Keystone oil pipeline starts now McConnell demands assurances from Obama on recess appointments Senate to take up PROTECT IP Act after holiday Gingrich ramps up objections to judicial branch’s power Obama applauds payroll tax deal but stays mum on Keystone pipeline Senate working to hotline bill today to help rural communities Senate passes $1T omnibus spending bill, sends it to Obama for signature Senate approves 2012 spending bill in last roll call vote of the year Spectrum dropped from payroll tax deal Senate approves disaster relief without House pay-for Senate approves resolution honoring military service in Iraq Cantor says House will revive and expand insider trading ban Senate approves two-month extension of payroll tax holiday Senate approves short-term pay roll tax cut extension Barney Frank: Obama would win 300-plus electoral votes against Gingrich Corker temporarily stalls votes deal Advocates for extending unemployment benefits see ‘tempered’ victory in deal Perry worth less than GOP rivals, collects retirement pension while governor Barrasso: Obama against pipeline ‘to save his own job’ Obama: US troops in Iraq showed ‘our character as a nation’ Democrats: Concession to GOP on Keystone will force Obama to kill pipeline Senate votes set for Saturday morning Senate payroll tax deal requires quick Keystone pipeline choice from Obama Senate leaders strike short-term deal to extend payroll tax holiday Lone Democrat drops out of Senate race in Texas