Governing

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks Wednesday before the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, where he laid out his

4 Questions For Republicans On Foreign Policy

4:51pm May 14, 2015

by Mara Liasson

Republicans are critical of President Obama's foreign policy with the rise of the Islamic State militant group and the Iran negotiations. But the GOP faces its own challenges related to world affairs.

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Feds Probe Failure To Collect Mine Safety Penalties After NPR Report

2:55pm May 14, 2015

by Howard Berkes

The Labor Department's investigation follows an NPR/Mine Safety and Health News series about the failure of federal regulators to collect millions in safety penalties at the nation's mines.

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Dream Action Coalition Co-director Cesar Vargas, at a news conference on Capitol Hill in 2014. He wants immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children to later be allowed to serve in the military.

GOP Split Over Bill To Let Immigrants In U.S. Illegally Serve In Military

8:20pm May 13, 2015

by Juana Summers

Some members of Congress would like to allow immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally when they were children to serve. But some Republicans are threatening to hold up a key defense bill over it.

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An Amtrak train leaves Chicago's Union Station on its way to Los Angeles.

Train Derailment Highlights Amtrak's Infrastructure Needs

6:56pm May 13, 2015

by Brian Naylor

Amtrak was created in the 1970s to allow several private railroads to get out of the passenger business. Experts say that while its safety record is generally good, it needs upgrading.

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"Starving rail of funding will not enable safer train travel," Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., told the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, admonished Democrats: "Don't use this tragedy in that way," he said. "It was beneath you

The Morning After: Lawmakers Vote To Reduce Amtrak Funding

5:24pm May 13, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

In Philadelphia, an Amtrak train derailed on Tuesday. But in Washington on Wednesday, transportation supporters still could not get the House on track for providing more funding.

National

New York Governor Pledges Action After Revelations Of Nail Salon Work Conditions

4:36pm May 11, 2015

by Sam Sanders

After The New York Times published a series on exploitative work conditions at nail salons, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has launched a task force to confront the issue.

Maria Hamilton (left) marches in Milwaukee with her sons on April 30 in remembrance of her son Dontre, who was shot and killed by a now-former police officer in a park last year. Hamilton founded Mothers for Justice United, which planned a march on Washin

'Million Moms March' Walks Washington To Protest Police Violence

10:26am May 11, 2015

by Lauren Hodges

Mothers who have lost their children to deadly encounters with law enforcement will march on the nation's capital Saturday to protest police brutality.

Workers unload cargo at the Port of Portland's Terminal 6 in Portland, Ore.

Would More Trade Help The Job Market Run Faster Or Trip It Up?

3:48pm May 08, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Friday's jobs report showed tepid wage growth in April. Hours after its release, President Obama gave a speech arguing that a new trade deal would strengthen the labor market. Opponents disagree.

Children attend their oath of U.S. citizenship ceremony at the Birmingham Public Library in Alabama onAug. 14, 2014.

China, India Surpass Mexico As Leading Sources Of New Immigrants To U.S.

3:18pm May 08, 2015

by Richard Gonzales

A surge from Asia and a decline in new arrivals from Mexico change the outlook for U.S. demographics.

Senate Votes For Congressional Oversight Of Iran Nuclear Deal

4:15pm May 07, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The measure, which now goes to the House for consideration, enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support, passing by a 98-1 vote.