Politics & Government

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks at a Dec. 19 news conference on Capitol Hill.

Politics & Government

Democratic Leader Pelosi to GOP Colleagues: 'Take Back Your Party'

9:00am January 03, 2013

by Greg Henderson

In an interview with NPR, Pelosi said the GOP has "made enormous contributions to the success of our country." But she added: "There are many members in the Republican caucus who do not believe in government. And bless their hearts, they act upon their beliefs."

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Politics & Government

Farmers Frustrated By Farm Bill Extension

7:09am January 03, 2013

by Jeremy Bernfeld

Farmers and ranchers across the country expected to start 2013 with a new farm bill, the legislation setting agricultural policy for the next five years. But the new farm bill got scrapped after more than a year of work when Congress passed the "fiscal cliff" deal.

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Then-candidate Eric Swalwell speaks as Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., walks offstage during an endorsement meeting at the Alameda County Democratic Lawyers Club in Oakland, Calif., in September.

Politics & Government

After Upset Win, House Freshman Looks To Make A Name For Himself

6:27am January 03, 2013

by Aarti Shahani

California Democrat Eric Swalwell, one of the youngest new members of Congress, defeated a 40-year incumbent for his seat. But his first challenge in Washington might be getting people to pronounce his name correctly.

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Politics & Government

Incoming Congressional Reps. Discuss The Fiscal Fights Ahead

2:08pm January 02, 2013

NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics from the winners and losers of the 'fiscal cliff' deal to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's health concerns. Incoming freshman representatives Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) share their expectations as new members of Congress.

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Pete Stark, Health Policy Warrior, Leaves A Long Legacy

11:25am January 02, 2013

by Julie Rovner

The California congressman lost his seat this fall. Stark has been part of almost every piece of health legislation enacted while he was in office. The 113th Congress will be the first one in 40 years to convene without him as a member.

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Politics & Government

How Will The Budget Deal Affect The U.S. Economy?

2:35pm January 01, 2013

As the new year started, the Senate adopted a bipartisan agreement that, while temporary, may help ease concerns about America's economic stability. The House considers the deal today. Host Neal Conan talks with NPR senior business correspondent Marilyn Geewax, and then with Yale economics professor Robert Shiller about how the crisis has affected the housing market.

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Politics & Government

House Prepares To Take Up Senate Budget Compromise

2:35pm January 01, 2013

Early this morning, the Senate passed tax and spending measures in an effort to avoid the fiscal cliff. House Republican leadership meets this afternoon to discuss the deal and a possible vote. Host Neal Conan checks in with NPR's senior Washington editor Ron Elving about the current status of the agreement and today's potential outcomes.

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Politics & Government

Rep. Cole Predicts 'Very Strong Majority' Will Approve Budget Deal In House

12:39pm January 01, 2013

A compromise deal to stop broad spending cuts and tax increases is headed to the House of Representatives, after receiving strong support in the Senate. "I really don't anticipate too much of a problem" passing the bill, Republican Rep. Tom Cole, the deputy majority whip, tells NPR's Steve Inskeep.

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What Does Senate Budget Deal Mean For You?

9:44am January 01, 2013

The Senate passed a measure early into the New Year, and now it's up to the house to vote on the deal, which will most likely happen by Wednesday. The measure cleared the Senate on an 89-8 vote, hours after V.P. Joe Biden and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell sealed a deal.

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Rep.-elect Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., enters a room full of supporters on Election Day, Nov. 6, in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Politics & Government

Arizona Democrat Kirkpatrick Making Capitol Hill Comeback

7:55pm December 31, 2012

by Laurel Morales

Rep.-elect Ann Kirkpatrick is returning to Washington this week after sitting out a term following her 2010 defeat. This time around, Kirkpatrick hopes to strengthen her foothold in a swing district, but she's dealing with a tricky electorate.

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