Politics

Sen.-elect Ted Cruz of Texas answers a question from a television reporter on Nov. 6 in Houston.

Politics & Government

Tea Party Texan Cruz Gives GOP Hope In Hunt For Hispanic Votes

2:19pm January 08, 2013

by Wade Goodwyn

Sen.-elect Ted Cruz is a bright young Hispanic star who will be sworn in this week in Washington. Many in the GOP hope he'll be able to bring more Latino voters into their column. But Cruz takes a Tea Party hard line on immigration.

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John Brennan speaks in the East Room of the White House on Monday, after President Obama announced his nomination of Brennan to run the CIA. Obama also announced his choice of former Sen. Chuck Hagel (left) to head the Department of Defense.

CIA Nominee Brennan Has Obama's 'Complete Trust'

6:19pm January 07, 2013

by Tom Gjelten

President Obama has nominated his counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, to lead the CIA. Brennan's work with the agency under George W. Bush has been controversial, and he's also drawn criticism for his lead role in the Obama administration's use of unmanned drones.

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Politics & Government

The Consequences Of A Short-Term Farm Bill Fix

2:09pm January 07, 2013

Lawmakers in Washington extended some provisions of the farm bill that expired in October. Subsidies for grain cotton and soybeans will be renewed, and budgets for some organic and environment initiatives will be cut. Since the extension only lasts nine months, many farmers are left with uncertainty.

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Recent episodes of gridlock in Congress have some arguing for the return of legislative earmarks, which, though often abused for political gain, helped get bills passed.

Politics & Government

Could Reviving Earmarks Get Congress Moving Again?

9:54am January 07, 2013

by NPR Staff

The so-called "Bridge to Nowhere" came to symbolize all that's wrong with earmarks in Congress. But during the past few weeks, as Speaker John Boehner struggled to rally support for his alternate tax plan, some said earmarks could have helped him convince fellow Republicans to push legislation through the House.

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Politics & Government

Kentucky's Andy Barr Says He'll Focus On Compromise In New Congress

5:10pm January 05, 2013

by Kenny Colston

The 113th Congress reconvened this week with 84 newly elected members. Kentucky Public Radio's Kenny Colston travels to Lexington, Ky., to meet the newest member of the Kentucky Republican delegation, Andy Barr.

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Obama's On-Again, Off-Again Relationship With Progressives

5:10pm January 05, 2013

by NPR Staff

President Obama handily won re-election, but Congress remains fairly unchanged. Will the status quo prevail during his second term? Or will he follow through on promises that got progressives excited about him in 2008?

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Vice President Joe Biden leads the first meeting of the working group to explore solutions following the Newtown shooting with Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and other law enforcement leaders on Dec. 20.

Politics & Government

Often Written Off, Biden Has Long List Of Deals To His Name

9:59am January 05, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

The "fiscal cliff" wasn't the first time Vice President Joe Biden has helped carry a deal across the finish line. Though critics dismiss him as a gaffe-prone windbag, he has reached across the aisle many times to get compromises through Congress.

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Potential Geithner Departure Could Complicate Debt Ceiling Battle

7:02pm January 04, 2013

President Obama may go into the next round of fiscal battles without his long-time Treasury Secretary. Tim Geithner reportedly plans to step down in January, even as the Treasury Department is scrambling to avoid cracking the government's debt ceiling. Robert Siegel talks with Scott Horsley about that and other personnel changes as the president prepares for his second term.

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The F-35 Fighter Jet: The Cost And Controversy

12:13pm January 04, 2013

The sleek and efficient F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is scheduled to replace as many as ten planes currently in service. As Congress looks to make budget cuts, some question the value of the world's most expensive fighter jet.

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After losing his bid for re-election in 2010, Democrat Alan Grayson of Florida is back in Congress after winning a safer district.

Outspoken Alan Grayson Gets Another Chance In Congress

9:24am January 04, 2013

by Greg Allen

The Florida Democrat known for his biting comments targeting Republicans was among the House freshmen sworn in this week. He started serving in Congress four years ago but lost a bid for re-election. Now he's back and shows no signs of softening his tone.

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