A bruising debate on health care awaits the Senate after Thanksgiving now that the legislation has cleared a hurdle over Republicans eager to inflict a defeat on President Barack Obama.

No sooner had Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln promised to deliver one crucial vote in support of a health care overhaul than she threatened to withhold the next one.

Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas Tobin has banned Rep. Patrick Kennedy from receiving Communion in Rhode Island because of the congressman's support for abortion rights, Kennedy says.

U.S. Sen. John McCain says that he enjoyed reading running mate Sarah Palin's new memoir and downplays any tension between their campaign aides as "no big deal."