Politics & Government

Birds Of A Feather Spy Together

6:12pm October 13, 2013

by NPR Staff

Journalist Tom Vanderbilt discusses the nonhuman operatives — from pigeons to house cats — deployed by the United States government during the Cold War. He wrote about the program recently for the Smithsonian magazine.

Queue Listen Now

A view of the German Bundestag, or federal Parliament, in Berlin.

Politics & Government

Would The U.S. Be Better Off With A Parliament?

3:31pm October 12, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

The extreme paralysis that has become the norm in Washington is almost never seen in Western European democracies. Political scientists say there are lessons the U.S. can take from Europe.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

D.C. Tourists Shell Out Admission Fees Amid Shutdown

8:05am October 12, 2013

by Alan Yu

With the Smithsonian museums, the White House and other popular — and free of charge — venues closed, visitors are left scrambling to find other Washington, D.C., sights. Many have added admission fees to private museums to their travel budget.

Queue Listen Now

Seniors around the country depend on weekly deliveries of nutritionally balanced food from the USDA's supplemental nutrition program.

Shutdown Leaves Some Seniors Worried About Their Next Meal

7:27pm October 11, 2013

by Patrick Center

Some Michigan seniors may be going hungry thanks to the government shutdown. In western Kent County alone, more than 1,300 low-income seniors depend on a government surplus food program. But the USDA has announced that the program is hold until further notice.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Shutdown Takes A Toll On GOP In Virginia Governor's Race

6:38pm October 11, 2013

by Brian Naylor

Republican Ken Cuccinelli had been trailing Democrat Terry McAuliffe by a few points in the polls before the partial government shutdown. But since then, McAuliffe's lead has clearly widened in a state that's home to many federal employees.

Queue Listen Now

What A U.S. Default Would Mean For Pensions, China And Social Security

12:38pm October 10, 2013

by David Kestenbaum

Whatever happens to a the global economy, one thing is clear: If the U.S. defaults, people all over the world who have loaned the government money won't get paid on time.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Boehner Proposes 6-Week Increase In Debt Limit

11:12am October 10, 2013

House Speaker John Boehner is proposing a six-week debt ceiling increase to his Republican caucus. If adopted, it would take away the immediate threat to financial markets.

Queue Listen Now

Foundation To Pay Military Death Benefits During Shutdown

7:39am October 10, 2013

by Tom Bowman

The partial government shutdown has forced the Pentagon to delay payments to the families of troops killed while serving in the U.S. military. Normally these families would receive a $100,000 payment three days after the death of member of the Armed Forces. More than 20 have died since the shutdown began. A private, non-profit group called the Fisher House Foundation will pay the death benefits during the shutdown.

Queue Listen Now

10 Days Into Shutdown, 'We've Got To Do Better Than This'

7:39am October 10, 2013

A partial federal shutdown has prompted angry debate nationwide. Sen. Michael Bennet, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, tells Steve Inskeep that on the budget impasse issue, "The divide between Democrats and Republicans is less than the divide that exists in the Republican Party."

Queue Listen Now

GOP Shutdown Strategy Gives House A Twilight Zone Feel

6:51pm October 09, 2013

by Tamara Keith

Amid the shutdown, House Republicans have adopted a piecemeal strategy, voting to reopen small parts of the government. That's put politicians in surprising positions — with Democrats voting against their favorite programs and Republicans cheering for fully funding programs they usually argue need a trim.

Queue Listen Now