Politics

President Obama nominates Robert Wilkins, Patricia Millett and Nina Pillard to fill the remaining vacancies on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on June 4.

Republicans Push Back On Obama's D.C. Court Nominees

7:07pm September 19, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

President Obama has been able to fill one opening on a key appeals court, but three more remain. And GOP senators are signaling that they'll block those remaining nominations, saying the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals doesn't really need that many judges.

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Brazil's President Postpones U.S. Visit Over Spying Concerns

4:27am September 18, 2013

by Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has put off her state visit to the United States over allegations that the National Security Agency spied on her, ordinary Brazilians and the state oil company. This was supposed to be the first state visit by a Brazilian leader in two decades.

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Home Care Workers To Be Included In Wage And Overtime Law

4:27am September 18, 2013

by Wendy Kaufman

There are about 2 million home care workers in the U.S. But currently they are not covered under minimum wage and overtime laws. That will change in January of 2015 under new regulations announced by the Obama administration.

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Politics & Government

The Role Of The Attorney General Throughout History

3:39pm September 17, 2013

Attorney General Eric Holder faces calls for his resignation following controversy over his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee last week. Critics are questioning his denial of involvement in the prosecution of press members for recent leaks.

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Politics & Government

Colorado Voters Recall Two Gun Control Backers

11:28am September 14, 2013

This week, voters in Colorado recalled two members of the state Legislature who had supported stricter gun control laws. Host Scott Simon talks to Colorado Senate President John Morse, one of those who lost his seat.

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Without Action, Government Will Shut Down At Month's End

5:44am September 13, 2013

by Tamara Keith

The four top congressional leaders held a closed-door meeting Thursday to assess where they stand on the coming government funding and debt-ceiling deadlines. As has become typical in recent years, some conservative House Republicans appear to be the stumbling block with their insistence that any deal repeal or defund Obamacare.

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For Native Americans, Mental Health Budget Cuts Hit Hard

9:49am September 12, 2013

by Laurel G. Morales

Suicide rates among Native Americans are already four times the national average. And with recent cuts in federal funding for mental health services across the country, suicide prevention programs may lose ground in the communities that need them most.

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Conservatives Use Budget Deadline To Revive Obamacare Debate

7:03pm September 11, 2013

by Tamara Keith

With the pause button pushed on the congressional debate over Syria, the House is turning its attention back to the budget. The House was supposed to act this week to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month, and Republican leaders had hoped to avoid drama. But drama is brewing.

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U.S. Fleshes Out Russian Plan For Syria's Chemical Weapons

7:54am September 11, 2013

The situation is growing more complicated as the U.S. delves into a Russian proposal to make Syria turn over its chemical weapons. Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona has supported limited U.S. military intervention in Syria. McCain talks to Steve Inkseep about whether the Russian proposal will work.

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Colorado Voters To Decide 2 Lawmakers' Fates In Recall Elections

2:01pm September 10, 2013

by Bente Birkeland

The Democratic senators were targeted by gun rights activists after sweeping gun control laws were passed. The elections have attracted donations from major players across the country.

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