Governing

3 Business Best-Sellers Show Inequality Is Now The Hot Topic

2:30pm December 19, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Many business books try to help you get rich quick. But three of 2014's biggest sellers focused on unfairness and inequality. Economists say expect more: Books on inequality are riding a huge wave.

Senator Harry Reid of Nev. on Tuesday, walks to one of his final meetings as the Senate Majority Leader. In January, Republicans take over the majority.

Senate OKs Judicial Nominees, Tax Extensions Before Republican Takeover

4:27am December 17, 2014

by Lauren Hodges

Lawmakers in the Senate approved an extension of tax breaks and confirmed 12 more judicial nominees, but a terrorism insurance bill didn't survive the night.

Economists: Congress Gets A Hat Tip (Barely) For Its Efforts

10:59pm December 16, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Congress passed no laws addressing the minimum wage, tax reform, trade or immigration this year. But judged by the low recent standards, lawmakers got light applause from economists.

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz talks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Friday, as the Senate considers a spending bill.

Senate Passes $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill

2:28pm December 14, 2014

by Scott Neuman

Senators meeting in a rare Saturday session had earlier voted to extend their deadline until midnight Wednesday, but they managed to pass the spending measure Saturday night by a 56-40 vote.

House's Budget Bill Debate Unveiled Democratic Rifts, GOP Ambitions

2:43pm December 12, 2014

by Juana Summers

Passing the spending package took intense lobbying from the president to get 60 Democrats on board, and persistence by soon-to-be-Speaker John Boehner to fend off the most Republican representatives.

Queue Listen Now

For Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Aiding Children With Disabilities Is Personal

7:03pm December 04, 2014

by NPR Staff

While Thursday's House vote on immigration reminds us that Congress remains divided, one bill enjoyed bipartisan support this week.

Queue Listen Now

National

Justice Department Plans New Cybercrime Team

1:17pm December 04, 2014

by Carrie Johnson

The reorganization being announced today will "provide a central hub for expert advice and legal guidance" and improve coordination among law enforcement, businesses and elected officials.

Republican Senator-elect Thom Tillis of North Carolina says he expects his party to challenge the president immediately on immigration, and that he hopes President Obama's Defense and Justice nominees will be acceptable to both parties.

Republicans Debate: Fight The President Now, Or Fight Him Later?

9:16am December 01, 2014

by Lauren Hodges

Congress returns from recess Monday, tasked with funding the government past Dec. 11. Some in the GOP want to tie it to halting Obama's immigration plan, while others aim to avoid a damaging shutdown.

National

In Las Vegas, Obama Sells His Immigration Plan

11:21am November 22, 2014

by Tamara Keith

President Obama has begun to try to sell the American public on his controversial executive action on immigration. He started Friday, with a visit to Del Sol High School in Las Vegas.

Queue Listen Now

National

Asians — Not Just Latinos — Benefit From Obama's Immigration Action

11:21am November 22, 2014

President Obama used executive action this week to reshape the country's immigration system. NPR's Scott Simon talks to Karthick Ramakrishnan of the University of California about the new policies.

Queue Listen Now