Politics

Private Sector Included In Plan To Finance Infrastructure Repairs

7:37am January 19, 2015

by David Schaper

The White House is looking to the private sector to help finance costly improvements to aging infrastructure. The plan avoids increasing taxes, but eventually, the public will have to pay.

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President Obama used the word "crisis" 11 times when he addressed a joint session of Congress in 2009. Since then, he's had a hard time hitting the right note when talking about the economy.

Obama's Trouble Articulating The State Of The Economy

7:05am January 19, 2015

by Tamara Keith

It's easy to give a rousing State of the Union speech when the economy is doing well, but Obama has had a hard time hitting the right note in years when the country was hurting.

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U.S. delegation leader Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) talks with reporters as he leaves the Hotel Saratoga, in Havana, Cuba, on Saturday.

Delegation Of Congressional Democrats Visits Cuba

3:26pm January 18, 2015

by Scott Neuman

The group of four senators and two congressional representatives will meet with members of the Cuban government in hopes of enhancing cooperation between the long-time adversaries.

State Of The Union Is Obama's Big Chance To Frame The Debate

12:57pm January 18, 2015

During his State of the Union address, President Obama will announce a plan to help the middle class and raise taxes on the wealthy. NPR's Mara Liasson previews the speech with NPR's Rachel Martin.

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House Speaker John Boehner listens as President Obama speaks to media during a bipartisan, bicameral leadership meeting at the White House this week. Boehner and others have reacted dismissively to Obama's tax overhaul plan.

Republican Leaders Dismiss Obama's Tax Proposal As 'Not Serious'

12:23pm January 18, 2015

by Scott Neuman

House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and others have rebuffed the president's plan to cut taxes for middle income earners by raising them on the wealthiest Americans.

"We've all had an opportunity to get to know each other a little better," House Speaker John Boehner said of this week's Republican retreat in Hershey, Pa.

Republican Lawmakers Retreat Great For Face Time, But Divisions Remain

8:31pm January 16, 2015

by Juana Summers

House and Senate Republicans spoke of the opportunity to talk with members of the opposite chamber and hear their views. But they remain divided on issues like immigration.

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Congressional Budget Watchdogs Change The Way They Keep Score

7:02pm January 16, 2015

by Scott Horsley

House Republicans voted this week to change the way Congress measures the effects of tax and spending bills.

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Obama, Cameron Promise To Cooperate On Cybersecurity

6:32pm January 16, 2015

by Scott Horsley

President Obama hosted British Prime Minister David Cameron at the White House on Friday.

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Politics & Government

Saudis Postpone 2nd Round Of Public Flogging For Jailed Blogger Raif Badawi

4:52pm January 16, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

A doctor who examined Badawi found his wounds from last Friday's public flogging hadn't healed and he would be unable to withstand another round. The punishment could be carried out next Friday.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, will deliver the GOP response to the president's State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 20.

Iowa's Sen. Ernst Grabs Spotlight That's Often Proven Too Hot

10:43am January 16, 2015

by Ron Elving

As often as not, the opportunity to speak right after the president has been the kiss of death for aspiring politicians — especially for the GOP during the Obama years.