NPR Politics
Turnabout Is Fair Play: Senators Have Many Questions For IRS
The IRS gave some conservative groups extra, improper scrutiny. Now there's a bipartisan request for the IRS to answer dozens of questions. Read the queries and demands for information from the top Democrat and top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee.
ABC's Karl Expresses Regret, But Stands By Benghazi Story
The White House correspondent's story about administration emails created an uproar. Then a key part of it turned out to be wrong.
Decades Of History Behind IRS Flap
Host Michel Martin looks into why some non-profits are tax exempt, and how something like the recent IRS flap could happen. She speaks with David Cay Johnston, a columnist for Tax Analysts and reporter Brentin Mock of Colorlines.com.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Supreme Court Takes Case On Prayer At Government Meetings
Prayers said before meetings of the town board in Greece, N.Y., have predominantly been Christian. A lower court ruled that officials hadn't done enough to seek out prayers from other faiths. That violates the Constitution's Establishment Clause, the court said. Now the Supreme Court will weigh in.
Why Congress Has Reasons Not To Be Bipartsan
Some political columnists say President Obama needs to exercise more "leadership" to bend a divided Congress to his will. But congressional Republicans have little incentive to cooperate with the president. And the more he "leads," the harder it may be for them to follow.
Is There Really A Second-Term Curse?
Whether it's Richard Nixon's resignation or Bill Clinton's impeachment, presidents tend to have a tough time during the back half of an eight-year presidency.
Political Takeaways: Headaches For The White House
Controversies dominated this past week's political headlines, leaving the Obama White House on the defensive, trying to contain any lasting damage. Host Rachel Martin talks with NPR's Mara Liasson.
Nonconservative Groups Say IRS Scrutinized Them, Too
The IRS has admitted it flagged tax-exemption requests from groups with "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their names starting in 2010. But some liberal groups and journalism organizations say their applications also faced long delays during the same period.
Tesla Rides High, But Faces Formidable Foe: Car Dealers
The Model S from electric car manufacturer Tesla has been named Motor Trend Car of the Year. But the company's business model is under attack by a formidable foe: the National Automobile Dealers Association, one of the most powerful lobbying groups in Washington.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
What A Week: White House Rattled By Controversy
NPR's Ari Shapiro joins host Scott Simon to talk about the Obama administration's week. The president was buffeted by revelations that the IRS had targeted Tea Party groups seeking tax-exempt status and that the Justice Department had subpoenaed reporter phone records. On top of that, Republicans continue to allege that the White House engaged in a cover-up of talking points about the attack in Benghazi, Libya.
Highly Charged IRS Case Pulls In Political Agendas
NPR's Peter Overby reports on the Congressional testimony of IRS officials in response to the scandal over special scrutiny of tea party groups. Underneath all the politics, there's a policy question that hasn't been addressed.
Immigration Bill Chugs Along, But Some See Deal-Breakers
The bipartisan immigration overhaul proposed by the Senate's Gang of Eight has been the target of scores of amendments. So far, the bill has largely held its own, but its prospects for getting through Congress are uncertain.
Why The IRS Scandal Is Built To Last
Of all the current Washington scandals, the one involving the IRS appears to have the most staying power. It rolls into one package an agency many love to hate, partisan suspicions and the American appetite for conspiracies.
Why The IRS Scandal Is Built To Last
Of all the current Washington scandals, the one involving the IRS appears to have the most staying power. It rolls into one package an agency many love to hate, partisan suspicions and the American appetite for conspiracies.
Obama U: What Graduation Speeches Say About The President
President Obama's commencement speeches often seem more about the big-picture state of the union than do his State of the Union addresses, which read like to-do lists. And his assessment of where the country stands and where it's going has changed over the past four years.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
A Field Guide To Democratic Responses To Scandals
A long week of scandal has been tough on more than just the White House. President Obama's allies are struggling with how to respond to their first taste of really bad news within the administration.
After Deadly Chemical Plant Disasters, There's Little Action
Proposals for chemical plants to use "inherently safer" design practices have been blocked by industry executives and their allies in Congress, despite deadly accidents and the risk of a potential terrorist attack that could harm an entire community or city.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
After Deadly Chemical Plant Disasters, There's Little Action
Proposals for chemical plants to use "inherently safer" design practices have been blocked by industry executives and their allies in Congress, despite deadly accidents and the risk of a potential terrorist attack that could harm an entire community or city.
Outgoing Acting IRS Director Grilled By House Lawmakers
The House Ways and Means Committee became the first oversight panel in Congress to weigh in on the IRS tax-exempt group controversy on Friday morning.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Conservative Advice To GOP: Don't Legislate, Focus On Scandals
The political arm of the conservative Heritage Foundation wants GOP leaders to set aside legislation like the farm bill that might turn attention away from questions about the IRS and Benghazi.
» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
