Politics & Government

IRS Inquiries Crossed The Line, Tea Party Groups Say

9:51am May 15, 2013

by Don Gonyea

Activists are calling for a full investigation, and possibly lawsuits, following revelations that the IRS flagged so-called patriot groups for scrutiny in applications for federal tax-exempt status. Groups say they were asked about rallies, Facebook and Twitter activity.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Holder Called To Capitol Hill To Testify On Controversies

6:23am May 15, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

In an NPR interview, Attorney General Eric Holder answers questions about the IRS's processing of tax-exemption applications, the Justice Department's subpoenas for reporters' phone records and other hot issues. Holder faces questions on Capitol Hill Wednesday during an oversight hearing.

Queue Listen Now

Drawing Security Lessons From Benghazi Mission Attack

2:33pm May 13, 2013

The debate continues over the handling of the September attack on the U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya. But retired Marine Col. Gary Anderson says some important lessons have already been learned about strengthening diplomatic security and inter-agency communication.

Queue Listen Now

After Leaving Senate, Snowe Is Still 'Fighting For Common Ground'

9:18am May 13, 2013

by NPR Staff

In a new book, former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe explores how to fix the gridlock in Congress. Earlier this year, the Republican from Maine left the Senate out of frustration with the partisan stalemate. "It has to change, for the country," she says. "People deserve ... better representation."

Queue Listen Now

Benghazi Investigator Reacts To Criticism Of His Report

7:25pm May 10, 2013

Robert Siegel speaks with former top diplomat Thomas Pickering, who led the State Department's investigation into the September 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Pickering's report was criticized by witnesses at this week's congressional oversight hearing about the administration's handling of the attacks.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Immigration Bill Remains Largely Intact After 1st Hearing

8:10am May 10, 2013

by David Welna

A Senate panel began working through hundreds of amendments to the bipartisan immigration bill Thursday. Most were filed by Republicans hoping to slow down, weaken or kill the legislation. And of the most contentious, which would allow same-sex spouses of Americans to apply for green cards, will likely not come up until next week at the earliest.

Queue Listen Now

Deward Cawthon, a plant operator at the Federal Helium Reserve, walks through the Federal Crude Helium Enrichment Unit near Amarillo, Texas, in 2011.

Congress Considers Patch To Keep Helium Supply Afloat

2:39pm May 09, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

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.

Queue Listen Now

House Republicans meet with business owners and working mothers in Northern Virginia on Tuesday to promote the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013.

Politics & Government

Cantor's Rebranding Effort Tested By House Republicans

11:43am May 09, 2013

by Tamara Keith

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.

Queue Listen Now

Voters leave the Old Blanco Courthouse in Blanco, Texas, after casting their ballots in November 2012. Democrats hope demographics and a new organizational push give them a brighter future in Texas.

Politics & Government

Democrats Hope For A Bright Future In The Lone Star State

5:51am May 09, 2013

by Scott Horsley

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.

Queue Listen Now

President Obama answers questions during a news conference on April 30.

Politics & Government

With Texas Trip, Obama Tries To Steer Focus Back To Economy

6:27pm May 08, 2013

by Mara Liasson

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.

Queue Listen Now