The first in a new series of interactive podcasts that lets you be the interviewer. Listen here as CNC's Melinda Wittstock asks six excellent user generated questions to Rep. Steve King (R-IA): What would he do to create jobs? How would he bring health care costs down? If he supports Medicare why not a single payer system? Why not take action to spur new 'green industries' to create new jobs.

May 4-8, 2009: Lawmakers remember a football player who became a congressman – and a conservative iconoclast, and Congress takes up mortgage reform and anti-predatory lending bills. A weary Rep. Mel Watt of North Carolina proclaims it "the most challenging piece of legislation I’ve been involved in since I’ve been in Congress.

Turns out your mother was right all along: wash your hands. Plus, Congress investigates... college bowl football?

The long slog toward finalizing the budget makes for frayed nerves and punchy lawmakers. Next up: climate change.

Thousands of tar heel farmers could lose billions if the president slashes subsidies to larger operations. Lawmakers and farmers are pushing back but not necessarily for the same reasons.

Congress is in a lather over big bonuses at AIG, and it’s sending the tax man to make things right… A short-lived case of mistaken identity has a Georgia farmer knowing what it’s like to be the most hated CEO in America… While beyond the bailout and bonus fracas, two Virginia freshmen still find opportunities to get things done in Washington.

Lawmakers have been out all week on recess, but they will be back next week. With the stimulus bill done, what will Congress bicker over now? Some lawmakers are looking to bring up global warming and renewable energy. Also, Todd Zwillich takes a look at the week ahead. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson has more from Washington.

Washington Watchdogs: an Endangered Species? Presented by American Univerisity's American Forum. CNC Founder & CEO Melinda Wittstock takes part in the panel discussion.

Vermont’s Peter Welch is front-and-center among conservation-minded Democrats eager to take on global warming. But those standing in the way of aggressive legislation aren’t just Republicans. As Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports, Welch has made it his mission to win over reluctant members of his own party.

Congress heads back home to hear from their constituents after the House passed the economic recovery package Friday without a single Republican vote. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson has more from Washington.