NPR Politics
Srinivasan's Confirmation First For D.C. Circuit In 7 Years
The partisan war over judicial nominees has accelerated in recent years. It took nearly a year to win Senate confirmation for Sri Srinivasan to the important federal appeals court for the District of Columbia, though he had no formal opposition.
Abortion Opponents Try to Spin Murder Case Into Legislation
Abortion opponents are hoping the recent murder conviction of Pennsylvania abortion provider Kermit Gosnell will lead to more scrutiny of second trimester abortions. They're working on a bill that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy — nationwide.
Black Caucus Leader: We Disagree With Presidents, Even Obama
Rep. Marcia Fudge, the head of the Congressional Black Caucus, says any immigration overhaul significantly boosting the numbers of highly skilled immigrants could negatively affect African-Americans with similar skills.
Health Officials Decry Texas' Snubbing Of Medicaid Billions
The state is turning down an estimated $100 billion in federal funds that would have paid for health care coverage for more than 1 million poor Texans. For Gov. Rick Perry and the state's Republican-dominated Legislature, the potential appearance of supporting "Obamacare" was too much.
Transcript: Obama Addresses Counterterrorism, Drones
President Obama spoke at the National Defense University on Thursday about his views on the next stage in combating terrorism. Read his speech as released by the White House.
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CBC Chair Marcia Fudge Wants Caucus To Be Heard On The Hill
Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge is still relatively new on the block. But she's established herself as the new head of the Congressional Black Congress. In the role, she's already been very vocal about whether the President is doing enough for people of color. Host Michel Martin talks with Congresswomen Fudge about her ideas for America.
IRS Official's Silence Riles House Committee Members
On Wednesday, Lois Lerner, the IRS official overseeing the tax-exempt organizations office, refused to testify during a hearing on Capitol Hill, and was attacked by some Republicans on the House committee. Her brief appearance was the beginning of a five-hour session marked by angry outbursts and allegations of political motives.
Obama Speech Expected To Touch On Drones, Guantanamo
On Thursday, President Obama is expected to explain how the fight against al-Qaida has changed, and how the U.S. will adapt its counter-terrorism policies to the evolving threat. The president will speak at the National Defense University.
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Obama Speech Expected To Touch On Drones, Guantanamo
On Thursday, President Obama is expected to explain how the fight against al-Qaida has changed, and how the U.S. will adapt its counter-terrorism policies to the evolving threat. The president will speak at the National Defense University.
Same-Sex Couples Upset Over Removal Of Immigration Amendment
One of the provisions removed from the immigration overhaul bill would have allowed U.S. citizens to sponsor same-sex partners in the green card process. But senators removed that item in order to get conservative support.
Same-Sex Couples Upset Over Removal Of Immigration Amendment
One of the provisions removed from the immigration overhaul bill would have allowed U.S. citizens to sponsor same-sex partners in the green card process. But senators removed that item in order to get conservative support.
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College Students Wait To See If Loan Rates Double
College students could end up paying a higher interest rate on their government subsidized loans unless Congress steps in. In a replay of last year's battle, Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration all have competing proposals. A vote is scheduled in the House of Representatives Thursday. But with no consensus in sight, it's not clear if lawmakers can keep interest rates from doubling on July 1.
Losers In Chicago School Closings Target Elected Officials
The Chicago school board voted to close dozens of schools, despite community protests that the closings disproportionately affect minority students. Now the teachers union and community activists want to change the system and oust the elected officials who disagreed with them.
Chicago School Closing Battle Targets Elected Officials
The Chicago School board has voted to close dozens of schools, despite community protests that the closings disproportionately affect minority students. The Chicago Teachers Union and community activists aren't ready to let the issue drop.
College Students Eye Calendar, Wait To See If Loan Rates Double
College students could end up paying a higher interest rate on their government subsidized loans unless Congress steps in. In a replay of last year's battle, Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration all have competing proposals. A vote is scheduled in the House of Representatives Thursday, but with no consensus in sight, it's not at all clear if lawmakers can keep interest rates from doubling on July First.
College Students Eye Calendar, Wait To See If Loan Rates Double
College students could end up paying a higher interest rate on their government subsidized loans unless Congress steps in. In a replay of last year's battle, Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration all have competing proposals. A vote is scheduled in the House of Representatives Thursday, but with no consensus in sight, it's not at all clear if lawmakers can keep interest rates from doubling on July First.
Obama Group's Climate Push Puts President Under Scrutiny
Organizing for Action — a group that formed out of President Obama's re-election campaign — has focused its ire on Republicans it calls "climate change deniers." But some environmentalists are frustrated with the president himself on issues like the Keystone pipeline.
Lois Lerner's Brief And Awful Day On Capitol Hill
The IRS bureaucrat showed up long enough at a House hearing into the scandal engulfing her agency to declare her innocence and her constitutional right to say no more.
Think Obama's In Trouble? That Depends On Your Party
Despite the scandals consuming Washington, the president's job approval ratings remain steady. Why? Reaction is breaking along partisan lines, with Democrats inclined to give Obama the benefit of the doubt.
Fears Of Killing Immigration Bill Doomed Same-Sex Amendment
Amid warnings the proposal would shatter support for the measure, Democrats backed away from a provision that would allow gay U.S. citizens to sponsor foreign-born spouses for green cards. Advocates for gay and lesbian immigration rights accused Democrats of caving in to threats.
