Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) discuss U.S. Cuba policy in light of their recent trip to the country.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has issued a new report on United Nations reform (PDF).

Nancy E. Roman, director of CFR’s Washington office, says Congress can use the power of the purse and the bully pulpit to try to influence Iraq policy.

Democratic congressional leaders say improving energy security is a priority. But while there is broad interest in lessening U.S. dependence on foreign oil and in promoting renewable fuels, comprehensive energy legislation remains a distant prospect.

President Bush’s decision to send more troops to Iraq has sparked a clash with a war-weary Congress, and his "surge" policy continues to draw fire at hearings. Yet while Congress controls a number of levers, its Democratic leaders appear intent on taking only a symbolic stand against the new policy.

Congressional Research Service report that provides information about the current perspectives and policies of Iraq’s neighbors; analyzes potential regional responses to continued insurgency, wider sectarian or ethnic violence, and long-term stabilization; discusses shared concerns and U.S. long-term regional interests; and reviews U.S. policy options for responding to various contingencies.

Environmentalists heralded the power shift in Washington with optimism and expectations of a new, greener Congress. But environmental legislation—particularly on global warming—still looks like a tough sell to many legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Stephen E. Flynn, CFR senior fellow for national security studies, discusses a new Democratic homeland security bill, which attempts to address what Flynn calls "very serious" problems.

The new Democratic Congress is looking to spend political capital with a flurry of legislation on everything from green energy initiatives to homeland security. But lawmakers will be spectators when President Bush unveils his new plan for Iraq.

With a new team of Iraq advisers emerging, President Bush looks set to call for a “surge” of more U.S. forces to Iraq. Some critics, including newly empowered congressional Democrats, think the emphasis should be on redeployment from Iraq.