In a cordial Senate hearing that would seem to bode well for his confirmation, Anthony Foxx said that as secretary of transportation, he would prioritize safety, efficiency, and multi-modal infrastructure.

The sequestration cuts are being felt, and Congress is rolling back some of the bill they passed earlier this year. Nancy Cook, economic and fiscal policy correspondent for National Journal, talks about the latest news from Washington, including the congressional response to sequestration-induced flight delays.

Yesterday, the senate voted down a plan to expand background checks on firearm sales, as well as several other amendments gun control advocates said would help prevent gun violence. Glenn Thrush, Senior White House Reporter for POLITICO, discusses the vote, President Obama's impassioned reaction to the defeat, and what comes next.

The Senate has rejected a bipartisan effort to expand federal background checks to more firearms buyers in a crucial showdown over gun control.

In a groundbreaking move, a compromise has been reached on gun legislation between Senators Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia and Senator Pat Toomey, a Republican from Pennsylvania. It sets the stage for the Senate to take up a debate on gun legislation today. Todd Zwillich, Takeaway Washington correspondent, explains.

A "gang of eight" senators says it is close to a blueprint for immigration reform. Jackie Calmes, New York Times White House correspondent, discusses the latest on immigration, President Obama's renewed push for gun legislation, and all the latest news from Washington.

At 4:56am Saturday morning, Senate Democrats passed a budget for the first time in four years. Karen Tumulty, national political correspondent for the Washington Post, discusses the dueling Republican and Democratic budget proposals, whether there were any surprises in the 500+ amendments proposed during the Senate negotiations, and other news of the week from Washington.

The assault weapons ban will not be one of the measures in a Senate gun control bill to be introduced next month. Jennifer Steinhauer, New York Times reporter, explains why and tells us what's left in the Senate's proposals.

Obama and Boehner continue to square off over long-term deficits, while Congress tries to come up with a budget. Nancy Cook, budget and tax correspondent for the National Journal, discusses Democrat Patty Murray and Republican Paul Ryan's dueling plans. Plus: After CPAC, the RNC has released a "Growth and Opportunity Plan" (read it below) that includes a call for immigration reform, a shorter primary season, and a turn to "data-driven" campaigning. Will it jumpstart a GOP turnaround?

.@nancook says Murray/Ryan budgets "are more political docs at this point" but "at least they outline the priorities" wny.cc/XkxeGI

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) March 18, 2013

WNYC’s Bob Hennelly discusses the Senate ethics probe into the relationship between New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez's and a major campaign donor. We’ll also look at Sen. Menendez’s campaign finance operation and his broader sphere of influence.

The politics of beehives might be able to teach our Congressional leaders a little bit about governing.

Yesterday the Senate voted "no" -- by one vote -- on a move that would have allowed the confirmation of Chuck Hagel as Defense Secretary. Steven Dennis, White House corespondent for CQ/Roll Call, discusses why Republicans are delaying the vote, and what next week may hold.

New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg says he will not seek re-election in 2014.

The Senate Ethics committee is looking at whether Senator Bob Menendez acted improperly when he failed to disclose gifts from a political donor who is under investigation by the FBI.

Julia Preston, national immigration correspondent for the New York Times, explains the differences between President Obama's immigration reform proposal and the Senate's.

There was drama and division on Capitol Hill today in the first Congressional hearing on gun control since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting last month. Todd Zwillich, The Takeaway's Washington correspondent, has been following the hearings from Capitol Hill.