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For months, the U.S. has been without a surgeon general, a largely ceremonial position affectionately dubbed "the nation's top doctor." That could change with the Senate Democrats' final days in office. (Kaplan, 12/10)

Sen. David Vitter finally got a win on his eponymous amendment — sort of. The Louisiana Republican’s proposal to force members of Congress and their staffs onto the Obamacare health exchanges was approved by the Senate Republican Conference during a closed-door meeting Wednesday afternoon. Earlier Wednesday, Vitter said he was unsure whether the controversial measure would be approved, but the toothless provision easily passed by voice vote, drawing little opposition. ... Privately, congressional aides have fumed about Vitter’s proposal every time it comes up, because leaving the subsidized federal health insurance program might require them to pay more and change their doctors. It’s unclear if Vitter’s amendment will force GOP senators to change their aides’ insurance plans, but at least one colleague said even before the vote that he would take Vitter’s cue. (Kim and Everett, 12/10)