The Hill Articles: February 18, 2013

Tea Party challenger to McConnell emerging What the mainstream media don’t understand about Ted Cruz Online sales tax effort may get swallowed by push for larger tax reform deal Karzai bans Afghan forces from requesting US, NATO airstrikes Israel to award Obama Medal of Distinction Hillary Clinton to join speaking circuit GOP lawmakers propose $30 million a year to fund Cops in Schools program Report: Recchia to take on Rep. Grimm Sen. Johanns will not seek reelection Dems propose US engage diplomatically with Iran over nukes Have a great Jefferson’s Birthday! NRCC hits Shea-Porter in first ad of 2014 cycle Setting the record straight Former Gov. Palin to address CPAC 2013 Illinois Gov. criticizes outside money in race to replace Jackson, Jr. Poll: New Jersey tabs Clinton as favorite president EU Parliament President Martin Schulz: Keep lawmakers involved in drafting the new EU-U.S. trade pact Sanford addresses scandal in first ad, says no one lives ‘life without mistakes’ Report: Rubio PAC raises $100,000 from sale of water bottles No-cost sugar policy works for America Opinion: Dispensing with a new ‘dagger’ against immigration reform Booker will need to mend fences in time for 2014 Senate campaign Lawmakers welcome Obama’s ‘new emphasis’ on Middle East in second term Housing stakeholders warn against strict mortgage down-payment requirements GE, Siemens plead with lawmakers to preserve federal helium reserve Press corps expresses ‘frustration’ over lack of access to Obama