Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, announced Thursday that he will be resigning. Speaking on the Senate floor, Franken said serving in the Senate has been "the great honor of my life" and that nothing he has done as a senator "has brought dishonor" on the institution. But he said, "it's become clear that I can't both pursue the Ethics Committee process and at the same time remain an effective senator" for the people of Minnesota.

In an emotional return to the Senate floor Tuesday afternoon, Sen. John McCain admonished the leaders of his party for their managing of the health care bill and called instead for "regular order."

Thirteen Republican U.S. Senators continue to work on drafting legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. But Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois says he has no idea what’s in the legislation because Republicans are keeping the details secret.

The U-S Senate on Tuesday confirmed Betsy DeVos as President Trump's education secretary, 51-50. Vice President Pence had to cast an unprecedented tie-breaking vote, after hearings that became fodder for Saturday Night Live; after angry constituents swamped Senate offices with 1.5 million calls a day; after two Republican senators defected; and Democrats held the floor overnight in protest.

Illinois is not considered a battleground state in the presidential election, but it could help decide which party controls the U.S. Senate. First-term Republican Senator Mark Kirk is fighting to keep his job against Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth. Brian Mackey has this look at the two candidates' policy positions and the politics of the race.