What reagan era scandal involved the illegal sale of weapons to terrorists sponsor nation

It was the Iran-Contra scandal.  The Reagan administration was accused of selling weapons to Iran which was later used to fund the Contras in Nicaragua.  This was done in the hopes of releasing hostages in Iran.  Reagan later denied that it was not to exchange hostages.

the best description of postwar writers might be progressive.

following the war, writers showed a tendency to work on artistic or social matters rather than political themes. while postwar literature may not have been the greatest period of english literature, the themes provided excellent critics a high number of novels. such examples include anthony burgess, anthony powell and frank kermode, all of which can be placed under the progressive view.

whose power in the senate is equal to the power of the speaker of the house?