Politics

What A U.S. Default Would Mean For Pensions, China And Social Security

12:38pm October 10, 2013

by David Kestenbaum

Whatever happens to a the global economy, one thing is clear: If the U.S. defaults, people all over the world who have loaned the government money won't get paid on time.

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Politics & Government

Boehner Proposes 6-Week Increase In Debt Limit

11:12am October 10, 2013

House Speaker John Boehner is proposing a six-week debt ceiling increase to his Republican caucus. If adopted, it would take away the immediate threat to financial markets.

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Foundation To Pay Military Death Benefits During Shutdown

7:39am October 10, 2013

by Tom Bowman

The partial government shutdown has forced the Pentagon to delay payments to the families of troops killed while serving in the U.S. military. Normally these families would receive a $100,000 payment three days after the death of member of the Armed Forces. More than 20 have died since the shutdown began. A private, non-profit group called the Fisher House Foundation will pay the death benefits during the shutdown.

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10 Days Into Shutdown, 'We've Got To Do Better Than This'

7:39am October 10, 2013

A partial federal shutdown has prompted angry debate nationwide. Sen. Michael Bennet, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, tells Steve Inskeep that on the budget impasse issue, "The divide between Democrats and Republicans is less than the divide that exists in the Republican Party."

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GOP Shutdown Strategy Gives House A Twilight Zone Feel

6:51pm October 09, 2013

by Tamara Keith

Amid the shutdown, House Republicans have adopted a piecemeal strategy, voting to reopen small parts of the government. That's put politicians in surprising positions — with Democrats voting against their favorite programs and Republicans cheering for fully funding programs they usually argue need a trim.

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In A Debt Crisis, U.S. May Have To Decide Payment Priorities

12:02pm October 09, 2013

by John Ydstie

If Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling, the U.S. Treasury will be unable to pay creditors and the U.S. will be in default. Some argue Treasury could continue making "priority payments" designed to protect the nation's credit rating. Others say that could undermine the confidence in the U.S. to meet its obligations.

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Democrat Cory Booker (left) and Republican Steve Lonegan stand together after their first debate in the race for U.S. Senate on Oct. 4 in Trenton, N.J.

Booker Gets A Run For His Money In N.J. Senate Race

9:22am October 09, 2013

by Joel Rose

Newark Mayor Cory Booker is still in the lead in the race to fill the seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg. But Tea Party favorite Steve Lonegan is mounting an unexpectedly strong challenge to the Democrat.

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Rep. Labrador Of Idaho Weighs In On Government Shutdown

6:44am October 09, 2013

While the rhetoric between Republicans and Democrats over ending the federal shutdown remains hot, some Republicans have talked about possible alternatives to demands that the Affordable Care Act be delayed a full year. But some Tea Party-backed Republicans are holding firm on that demand, including Idaho Rep. Raul Labrador. Renee Montagne talks to Labrador about the government shutdown debate, and how he thinks the impasse should be resolved.

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Federal Prison Workers Dismayed By Government Shutdown

6:38am October 09, 2013

While the partial government shutdown continues, some federal workers are showing up for work because they are required to. Phil Glover is with the Council of Prison Locals, a federal prison employee union. Glover talks to Morning Edition's David Greene about how the government shutdown is effecting the Bureau of Prisons, correctional workers and his family.

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Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert of Illinois is congratulated by members of Congress during the unveiling of his portrait at the Capitol in 2009.

Hastert: Primary Challenges Making Congress 'Kind Of Neurotic'

11:25am October 08, 2013

by Erica Ryan

"All of a sudden, people are looking over their shoulders," says former House Speaker Dennis Hastert. He says changes in the way campaigns are financed have led members of Congress to worry that if they're seen as not liberal or not conservative enough, they'll be challenged by their own party.

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