Politics

President Obama is expected to nominate Gina McCarthy, currently assistant administrator with the Environmental Protection Agency, to head the agency on Monday. The nomination requires a Senate confirmation.

Politics & Government

President Obama To Nominate New EPA, Budget And Energy Heads

1:02pm March 04, 2013

by Scott Horsley

President Obama plans to announce three Cabinet-level nominations Monday, including a new administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, who could be on the hot seat in the looming battle over global warming.

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Obama Announces His Picks For EPA, Other Cabinet Posts

1:02pm March 04, 2013

President Obama rounds out his Cabinet for his second term, nominating three new leaders Monday: Walmart Foundation's Sylvia Mathews Burwell for budget chief, MIT scientist Ernest Moniz to head the Energy Department and veteran regulator Gina McCarthy to run the EPA — a post that's likely be a lightning rod during Senate confirmations.

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Let The Cuts Begin: Sequestration Deadline Passes

11:04am March 02, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

A last-ditch meeting between the president and congressional leaders did not produce a deal, which means sequester cuts have begun.

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Mapping The Effects Of The Sequester On Science

1:03pm March 01, 2013

On Friday March 1, automatic cuts known as the 'sequester' go into effect across the federal budget. Michael Lubell of the American Physical Society discusses what scientific programs will likely be affected, in fields from medical research to renewable energy development.

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Politics & Government

Why Republicans Are Out Of Step With Young Voters

10:16am March 01, 2013

by Don Gonyea

Young voters overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama in each of the past two presidential elections. Making sure they don't vote Democratic again is a top priority for national Republicans. Some young conservatives offer their ideas about what the GOP needs to do to win over their generation.

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Attorney General Eric Holder speaks before a meeting of the National Association of Attorneys General on Tuesday.

Justice Department Warns Of 'Pain' From Looming Cuts

6:30pm February 28, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

The Obama administration warns that the situation looks ugly for the department under the sequester. But for now, the most alarming claims — that prosecutors will drop cases and criminals will walk free — seem to be just that: alarms.

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Koch Industries' Chairman and CEO Charles Koch, shown last year at the company's office in Wichita, Kan.

After Tough 2012, Conservative Koch Brothers Regroup

6:30pm February 28, 2013

by Peter Overby

Conservative groups backed by wealthy industrialists David and Charles Koch spent millions but fared badly in the 2012 elections. Now they're assessing how they can get more for their money in 2014 and beyond.

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Politics & Government

On Heels Of Sequestration, The Business Of Spending Cuts

4:56pm February 28, 2013

With automatic budget cuts set to take effect Mar. 1, politicians are jockeying to control the message about sequestration and what it will mean for their constituents. Meanwhile, the cuts may create economic choke points that could affect industries from agriculture to air travel.

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Politics & Government

Democrats Move To Reinstate Assault Weapons Ban

12:04pm February 28, 2013

by David Welna

The Senate held its first hearing on an assault weapons ban Wednesday, with activists pushing for tighter gun regulations sharing a table with gun-rights activists. They are seizing on public outrage over the December gun massacre at a school in Connecticut.

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Sequester Cuts Could Affect Air Safety

12:04pm February 28, 2013

At a hearing on Capitol Hill Wednesday, FAA administrator Michael Huerta explained to lawmakers what the sequester means to the aviation industry. He said he has limited ability to avoid furloughs for key personnel, such as air traffic controllers. That could lead to delays for passengers and the closing of towers.

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