Chuck Hagel finally confirmed by Senate

Chuck Hagel confirmed for secretary of defense in 58-41 Senate vote http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/chuck-hagel-clears-senate-hurdle-toward-confirmation-88102.html

The ultimate sequester Q&A

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/02/20/the-sequester-absolutely-everything-you-could-possibly-need-to-know-in-one-faq/?hpid=z1

2011 the roots of the sequester

BBC News - Q&A: What next after the super-committee?

How powerful is the presidency? Obama and media control

Obama, the puppet master http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/obama-the-puppet-master-87764.html

Hagel nomination blocked via filibuster in A2 Government & Politicssponsored mega-story

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/14/republicans-senate-block-hagel-nomination

So Senate Committee approved but Republicans blocking progress of the procedure on the Senate floor. It's usually so straight forward...just look at the Kerry nomination.

Hagel confirmed by Senate Committee for Defense

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-20918393

How accurate is the power of parties and party whips in Netflix's "House of cards"?

The Not-So-Secret Truth About Power in Washington http://www.nationaljournal.com/columns/against-the-grain/the-not-so-secret-truth-about-power-in-washington-20130213