NPR Politics

Lawmakers Use Web To Request Help Simplifying Tax Code
Steve Inskeep talks with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus of Montana and House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp of Michigan about their bipartisan efforts to rewrite the tax code. On Thursday, the lawmakers launched TaxReform.gov in an effort to solicit direct input from Americans on simplifying the tax code.
Republicans Vow To Keep Pressure On Benghazi Probe
A House committee held a hearing Wednesday into last year's attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. The event has been a key political weapon for Republicans, first against President Obama's re-election campaign, and now against then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2016.
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Facebook Joins Lobby For Overhauling Immigration
Some progressive groups are angry with Facebook for running ads supporting GOP lawmakers on board with the immigration overhaul bill. The left-wing groups have turned a blind eye to what Facebook gets out of the overhaul measure, and what it may cost American tech workers.
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Democrats Hope For A Bright Future In The Lone Star State
President Obama lost Texas by more than 1 million votes last year. But Democrats believe their fortunes in the state may soon be changing, thanks to demographics and a new organizational push.
Do GOP's Benghazi Charges Harm Hillary Clinton For 2016?
Republican charges against the former secretary of state's handling of Benghazi struck some Democrats as an attempt to damage her presidential chances. Republican officials deny the accusations.
With Texas Trip, Obama Tries To Steer Focus Back To Economy
It has been a difficult spring for the president. He couldn't get Congress to work with him on the sequester or gun control legislation. Now he appears to be making an effort to get back to the issues Americans say they care most about.
Census: Black Voting Rate Topped Rate For Whites In 2012
New details from a Census survey shows just how much more diverse the American electorate is becoming, with political implications still to come.
Push To End Teens' Distracted Driving Targets Parents, Peers
Preliminary data show an increase in highway deaths among 16- and 17-year-olds last year. In response, the government is preaching a message of "don't text and drive" and has urged students to produce their own public service ads. Officials say parental involvement may be even more important.
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It's ScuttleButton Time!
Seriously, who cares about the Jodi Arias verdict when there's a new ScuttleButton puzzle to be solved? Actually, even if there weren't a new ScuttleButton puzzle.
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Fitzgerald Might Disagree With His 'No Second Acts' Line
Audie Cornish talks to Kirk Curnutt, vice president of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Society, about the often misused and misquoted line, "there are no second acts in American lives." A whole generation of American politicians has fallen from grace, only to rise again and disprove the line — Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, Eliot Spitzer and now South Carolina governor turned congressman, Mark Sanford.
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Nearly Three Years After Dodd-Frank, Reforms Happen Slowly
The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was a sweeping legislative package designed to prevent another financial collapse. Journalist Gary Rivlin says passing the bill was just a first step in a long road to real reform, and the financial system is as vulnerable to disaster it was in 2008.
Nearly Three Years After Dodd-Frank, Reforms Happen Slowly
The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was a sweeping legislative package designed to prevent another financial collapse. Journalist Gary Rivlin says passing the bill was just a first step in a long road to real reform, and the financial system is as vulnerable to disaster it was in 2008.
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Iowa's Open Senate Seat And Rumbles About 2016
Iowa is home of the first electoral test for anyone seeking the White House. As 2016 contenders begin to test the waters, NPR Political Junkie Ken Rudin talks with Iowa Democratic Party chair Tyler Olson and Iowa Republican Party chair A.J. Spiker about the election ahead.
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Poll: Obama Approval Up, Effectiveness Down; GOP In Doldrums
Pew survey finds Americans place gridlock blame largely on GOP, but there's good news and bad news for Obama, Democrats and Republicans
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Congress Considers Patch To Keep Helium Supply Afloat
The Senate is considering legislation to prevent a global helium shortage from worsening in October. That's when the Federal Helium Program is set to terminate.
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Congress Considers How To Deflate Nation's Helium Reserve
The Senate is considering legislation to prevent a global helium shortage from worsening in October. That's when the Federal Helium Program is set to terminate.
S.C. Voters Confer Comeback Title On Mark Sanford
Former Republican Governor Mark Sanford reclaimed his political career Tuesday night, winning the South Carolina congressional seat he once held. He defeated Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch in a special election.
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Cantor's Rebranding Effort Tested By House Republicans
The House majority leader has pushed an agenda aimed at creating "health, happiness and prosperity" for American families. But so far Rep. Eric Cantor has had a mixed record in getting his fellow Republicans to go along with the effort.
'Wounded Warrior' Mark Sanford Completes Political Comeback
The former South Carolina governor whose political career seemed to end in ignominy in 2010 defeated Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, 54 percent to 45 percent. The Republican's career had unraveled following a highly publicized extramarital affair in 2009.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford Wins South Carolina House Seat
Republican Sanford, who as governor was dogged by scandal, defeated Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, sister of satirist Stephen Colbert.
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