Reuters - The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Tuesday that lifts a longstanding ban on offshore oil drilling, opening most of the U.S. coastline to exploration.

AP - Sen. John Kerry fended off his first Democratic challenger in nearly a quarter century, handily defeating political newcomer Ed O'Reilly in Tuesday's primary.

AP - The Democratic congressman who writes the tax code will be meeting the tax collector. Republicans couldn't be happier.

AP - Key provisions of House energy bill:

AP - Offshore oil drilling, which has dominated energy debates in the presidential campaign, is now coming to the Senate.

Politico - Earlier this month, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made a personal appeal to Barack Obama: Help me grow the Democrats’ Senate majority by sharing some of the $77 million you’ve got in the bank.

AP - Four years after losing his party's bid to unseat President Bush, John Kerry is asking Democratic voters to back him for another term in the Senate.

AP - Former POWs and civilians who were tortured or held hostage during the 1991 Gulf War could pursue lawsuits against Iraq under legislation the House has approved.

Reuters - The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on Tuesday on a comprehensive energy package that would open most of the U.S. coastline to offshore drilling, a Democratic aide said on Monday.

AP - The House moved toward a vote Tuesday to end the longtime ban on oil drilling in Atlantic and Pacific waters. Republicans called it a Democratic ruse that would leave most untapped offshore oil out of bounds.