Capitol lockdown lifted after shots fired  —  The U.S. Capitol and adjacent buildings were locked down Thursday afternoon, after multiple gun shots were fired on Capitol Hill.  —  Capitol Police have advised House and Senate employees to “shelter in place” and move away from and lock doors and windows.

House Republican reports being assaulted outside the Capitol  —  Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) reported being the victim of a minor assault outside the Capitol on Wednesday night.  —  The congressman told Capitol Police he was walking from his Longworth office building for votes when …

Congressman Confronts Park Ranger Over Closed WWII Memorial  —  Conflict over the responsibility for the government shutdown got personal at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Wednesday when a member of Congress confronted a U.S. Park Service Ranger over access to the closed park land.

Fiscal Crisis Continuing Coverage of the Budget Debates  —  Republicans Say Boehner Has Offered Assurances on Default  —  WASHINGTON — With a budget deal still elusive and a deadline approaching on raising the debt ceiling, Speaker John A. Boehner has told colleagues that he is determined …

GOP aides: Boehner tells colleagues he will avoid a default on federal debt  —  House Speaker John A. Boehner, apparently sharing Obama administration alarm about a possible debt default, has told colleagues he will act to raise the federal debt limit even if he has to rely on the votes of House Democrats, GOP aides said Thursday.

McConnell, Rand Paul Caught On Hot Mic Talking Shutdown Strategy (VIDEO)  —  Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) were caught on a hot mic Wednesday night while discussing their party's messaging on the government shutdown.