Politics & Government

President Biden named David Chipman, seen here in 2019, as his nominee to lead ATF back in early April.

Politics & Government

ATF Hasn't Had A Confirmed Leader In Years. Now Biden's Nominee Is Languishing

7:58am August 25, 2021

by Alana Wise

The ATF has gone extended periods without a confirmed director. Now, as President Biden hopes to make sweeping changes to America's gun laws, his nominee faces steep opposition in the Senate.

Afghan Adviser At U.S. Embassy Says There's Been No Contact From Kabul

7:31am August 25, 2021

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Fawad Nazami, the political counselor at the Embassy of Afghanistan, about how his job has changed since the Taliban took control of the Afghan government.

Politics & Government

Sen. Sasse: It Will Be A Disgrace If Americans Are Left Behind In Afghanistan

7:21am August 25, 2021

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to GOP Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska about the Biden administration's efforts to evacuate people from Afghanistan ahead of the planned Aug. 31 withdrawal of U.S. forces.

'Remain In Mexico' Policy For Asylum-Seekers Is Reinstated By The Supreme Court

7:21am August 25, 2021

The high court dealt a blow to the White House's efforts to cancel a Trump-era immigration program. Immigration advocates said it is a dangerous policy for thousands seeking humanitarian aid.

Politics & Government

Lawmakers In The House Narrowly Approved A $3.5 Trillion Budget Blueprint

7:21am August 25, 2021

The approval of the budget resolution follows an impasse between House leaders and centrist Democrats that threatened to derail progress on the vast majority of President Biden's domestic agenda.

Politics & Government

House Democrats Encourage Moderates To Pass Infrastructure Bill, Spending Package

6:59am August 25, 2021

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey about the small groups of House Democrats that object to their party's budget proposal.

News Brief: Afghan Evacuations, Asylum-Seekers Ruling, House Passes Budget Plan

6:11am August 25, 2021

Biden says Aug. 31 remains the deadline for the U.S. to leave Afghanistan. The Supreme Court orders the "Remain in Mexico" policy reinstated for asylum-seekers. A Democratic budget stalemate ends.

Calif. Gov. Newsom's Fate Will Be Decided In A Recall Election On Sept. 14

5:53am August 25, 2021

by Scott Shafer

The election that will decide whether Gavin Newsom remains the state's governor is less than a month away. Polls indicate a tight race between those who want to keep him and those who want him out.

Civil rights leader Ben Jealous speaks at a voting rights rally outside the White House on Tuesday, ahead of a House vote to advance a bill named for the late Rep. John Lewis.

Politics & Government

The House Has Passed A Bill To Restore The Voting Rights Act

9:52pm August 24, 2021

by Juana Summers

Democrats voted to approve legislation named after the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis. It's aimed at protecting the right to vote, but the bill faces steep Republican opposition in the Senate.

British and Canadian soldiers stand guard late Sunday near a canal as Afghans wait outside the foreign military-controlled part of the airport in Kabul, hoping to flee the country following the Taliban's military takeover of Afghanistan.

2 Congressmen Make 'Secret' Trip To Kabul Amid U.S. Withdrawal Chaos

9:43pm August 24, 2021

by Alana Wise

The two congressmen, a Republican and a Democrat, are now casting doubt on an Aug. 31 withdrawal timeline.