Majority Leader Schumer, Judiciary Committee Chairman Durbin plan to move fast when Biden makes his pick - whom he's said will be a Black woman - even before Justice Breyer retires

Susan Collins becomes first GOP member of the US Senate to call for decision on Supreme Court nominee to be put off until after November 3

Key Republican senator opposes fresh testimony; defense attorney Dershowitz causes controversy by suggesting president is immune if he believes he acted in national interest

Senator Tim Kaine says 4 Republicans are willing to support bill requiring Trump to seek authority from Congress if military hostilities with Iran last more than 30 days

Nonbinding statement affirming Congress role in declaring war passed the House last week; Republican leader McConnell urges Democrats not to 'screw up' US deterrence in Mideast

Ady Barkan, an ALS sufferer name-checked by Warren at recent Democratic debate, says issue 'too important for 30-second sound bites shouted between ten different candidates'

John Ratcliffe comes to job with resume long on vociferous support for president, but not much in way of national security, critics say