Politics

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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Wind Industry Secures Tax Credit, But Damage May Be Done

6:10pm January 03, 2013

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Uncertainty over the credit had lingered for a while, causing the industry to put off long-term planning. So while the now-approved tax credit revives prospects for an industry facing tens of thousands of layoffs, don't expect to see many new turbines coming up soon.

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House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks at a Dec. 19 news conference on Capitol Hill.

Politics & Government

Democratic Leader Pelosi to GOP Colleagues: 'Take Back Your Party'

9:00am January 03, 2013

by Greg Henderson

In an interview with NPR, Pelosi said the GOP has "made enormous contributions to the success of our country." But she added: "There are many members in the Republican caucus who do not believe in government. And bless their hearts, they act upon their beliefs."

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Politics & Government

Farmers Frustrated By Farm Bill Extension

7:09am January 03, 2013

by Jeremy Bernfeld

Farmers and ranchers across the country expected to start 2013 with a new farm bill, the legislation setting agricultural policy for the next five years. But the new farm bill got scrapped after more than a year of work when Congress passed the "fiscal cliff" deal.

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Then-candidate Eric Swalwell speaks as Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., walks offstage during an endorsement meeting at the Alameda County Democratic Lawyers Club in Oakland, Calif., in September.

Politics & Government

After Upset Win, House Freshman Looks To Make A Name For Himself

6:27am January 03, 2013

by Aarti Shahani

California Democrat Eric Swalwell, one of the youngest new members of Congress, defeated a 40-year incumbent for his seat. But his first challenge in Washington might be getting people to pronounce his name correctly.

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Politics & Government

Incoming Congressional Reps. Discuss The Fiscal Fights Ahead

2:08pm January 02, 2013

NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics from the winners and losers of the 'fiscal cliff' deal to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's health concerns. Incoming freshman representatives Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) share their expectations as new members of Congress.

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