Congress

A microbiologist sorts mosquitoes collected in Hutchins, Texas, to test for Zika virus.

GOP Congressmen Question The Need For $2 Billion To Fight Zika Virus

6:02pm March 02, 2016

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Republicans say the NIH should switch funds from Ebola research to fighting Zika virusi, instead, but NIH officials balk. And a company prepares to test genetically engineered mosquitoes in Florida.

Director of the National Intelligence James Clapper, seated at the table meets with the Senate Intelligence Committee Feb. 9, including Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C. Burr and the committee's minority leader, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., are working on

In Apple-FBI Fight, Congress Considers Aggressive And Measured Approaches

11:06am February 25, 2016

by Brian Naylor

National security hawks want a bill that would order tech companies to open phones for law enforcement; other legislators think a panel should dig into the subject and make recommendations first.

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Politics & Government

McCrory Asks Legislature To Hold Extra Session Addressing New Congressional Districts

5:43pm February 17, 2016

by Sean Bueter

Lawmakers have unveiled proposed changes to North Carolina's congressional maps.

An American flag flies at half staff outside the U.S. Supreme Court after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. The fight to replace him could be historic, resulting in the longest vacancy in history.

7 Things To Know About Presidential Appointments To The Supreme Court

1:30pm February 14, 2016

by Domenico Montanaro

Republicans are adamant they will stop anyone President Obama names to replace for Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. It's possible Obama's nominee would face the longest wait in history for a vote.

Puerto Rico faces a financial crisis with a debt of $72 billion.

As Debt Talks Hit An Impasse, What's Next For Puerto Rico?

8:19am January 25, 2016

by NPR Staff

Negotiations to restructure the U.S. territory's significant debt hit a speed bump Friday. As Congress considers its next step, economist Rosario Rivera explains the origins of the financial crisis.

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In Iranian Funds Case, Justices Ponder Extent Of Congressional Influence

7:29pm January 13, 2016

by Nina Totenberg

The Supreme Court is considering whether legislators can give away Iranian government funds the U.S. controls, providing legal compensation to victims of specific terrorist attacks sponsored by Iran.

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Capitol Hill Political Staffers Find Their Zen

4:11am December 27, 2015

by Will Huntsberry

Most weeks, a group of congressional staffers meet to practice meditation on high-stress Capitol Hill. Some keep their regular moments of mindfulness a secret from their coworkers.

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Rep. Mike Quigley, whose Washington, D.C. office doubles as his home away from Chicago, lays his mattress onto the floor before going to sleep. While some see a political benefit, "it's not something I'm thrilled about," Quigley said. "It's just circumsta

Meet The Lawmakers Who Sleep, Shower, Work — All On Capitol Hill

6:57am December 26, 2015

by Susan Davis

Call it the "couch caucus." At least 40 members of Congress sleep in their offices — from freshman Kristi Noem to Speaker Paul Ryan. It's one way to save a buck, until you see a mouse.

LISTEN: House Speaker On 'Decentralizing' Power And The Zen Of Sausage-Making

11:17am December 23, 2015

by Susan Davis

Paul Ryan became the reluctant speaker of the House after John Boehner resigned. Ryan has the unenviable task of trying to unify a fractious party. He sat down with reporters, including NPR.

No Government Shutdown Likely; Here's What's In The Spending Bill

2:07pm December 16, 2015

by Susan Davis

House Speaker Paul Ryan looks like he will avoid what would've been a government shutdown at midnight with a massive $1.1 trillion spending package. But he had to appeal to Democrats to do it.