Politics & Government

Politics & Government

High Point University Poll: North Carolinians Don't See Syria as a U.S. Responsibility

5:32pm September 24, 2013

President Obama called on U.N. Security Council members Tuesday to approve a resolution that would mandate consequences for Syria if it fails to cooperate with a plan to turn its chemical weapons stockpiles over to the international community. A recent High Point University poll shows that people are wary at this time of costly intervention in Syria whether military or otherwise.

Sen. Durbin Wants Budget Showdown To End Quickly

9:13am September 24, 2013

The Senate is considering a bill to keep funding the federal government past next Tuesday. The measure was passed last week by the Republican-controlled House, and it includes language to defund the Affordable Care Act. To discuss what is the path forward, Steve Inskeep talks to Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois.

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Politics & Government

Most Agree 'Welfare For Farmers' Has To Go

10:35am September 23, 2013

by Frank Morris

The farm bill which Congress is bitterly divided over is set to expire at the end of this month. Included in it is the $5 billion a year subsidy called Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program. It shells out money to farmers and land owners regardless of need or loss.

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Politics & Government

Have Obama's Troubles Weakened Him For Fall's Fiscal Fights?

11:34am September 21, 2013

by Mara Liasson

Observers say the president's recent fumbles on Syria and other issues have emboldened Republicans. But President Obama's supporters say he has the upper hand when it comes to showdowns over a possible government shutdown and default on the nation's debt.

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Obama's Latest Challenges Go Beyond The GOP

5:54pm September 20, 2013

by Scott Horsley

Congressional Republicans are trying to use budget deadlines to extract concessions from the president on his signature health care law. And they aren't alone in choosing this time to test the president's mettle — liberal Democrats have been pressuring Obama, too.

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House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, talks about the deadline to fund the government Thursday on Capitol Hill.

House Nears Vote To Fund Government, Defund Obamacare

11:18am September 20, 2013

by Tamara Keith

The Republican-controlled House is set to vote Friday on a stopgap spending bill to keep the government open for business through the middle of December. And the White House has already said if it makes it to the president's desk, he'll veto it. That's because the bill also would defund the Affordable Care Act.

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After Shooting Tragedies, States React With Legislation

6:10am September 20, 2013

by Ted Robbins

Mass shootings provoke sorrow and outrage, but what actually changes? Not much in Congress regarding gun safety laws, but it's been a busy year for firearm and mental health legislation in states.

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President Obama nominates Robert Wilkins, Patricia Millett and Nina Pillard to fill the remaining vacancies on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on June 4.

Republicans Push Back On Obama's D.C. Court Nominees

7:07pm September 19, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

President Obama has been able to fill one opening on a key appeals court, but three more remain. And GOP senators are signaling that they'll block those remaining nominations, saying the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals doesn't really need that many judges.

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Brazil's President Postpones U.S. Visit Over Spying Concerns

4:27am September 18, 2013

by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has put off her state visit to the United States over allegations that the National Security Agency spied on her, ordinary Brazilians and the state oil company. This was supposed to be the first state visit by a Brazilian leader in two decades.

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Home Care Workers To Be Included In Wage And Overtime Law

4:27am September 18, 2013

by Wendy Kaufman

There are about 2 million home care workers in the U.S. But currently they are not covered under minimum wage and overtime laws. That will change in January of 2015 under new regulations announced by the Obama administration.

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