Politics & Government

Rep. Cole Weighs In On Syria Resolution

7:25am September 09, 2013

The White House is pursuing a major effort to persuade members of Congress to support a military strike in Syria. Estimates show the number of House members publicly against a strike near an outright majority. Renee Montagne talks to Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma who is opposed to military action.

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Politics & Government

Congress Returns Facing Work Besides Syria Resolution

7:25am September 09, 2013

When Congress left on its August break five weeks ago, members knew they had a string of fiscal deadlines coming up upon their return — from the budget bill funding the government to a debt ceiling increase. The Syria debate has overshadowed all of that.

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President Obama holds a press conference in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Friday on the sideline of the G-20 summit.

Syria Puts Obama's Multilateralist Philosophy To The Test

1:11am September 08, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

Multilateralism has been the foundation of the president's foreign policy, and not just on issues of war and peace. At the G-20 summit in Russia this week, he used familiar words when urging military action in Syria. So far, few allies are onboard.

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Secretary Napolitano Finishes Up At Homeland Security

12:40pm September 06, 2013

by Brian Naylor

Friday is Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano's last day on the job. She is leaving Washington, and will become president of the University of California system at the end of the month.

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Politics & Government

Calif. Gov. Debates Changing Who's Eligible For Jury Duty

6:58am September 05, 2013

by Shereen Marisol Meraji

The California legislature passed a bill that would allow lawful permanent residents to sit on juries. Governor Jerry Brown has until Oct. 13 to sign the bill into law. If he does, California will be the first state to allow non-citizens to perform jury duty.

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Politics & Government

Is Operation Streamline Worth Its Budget Being Tripled?

6:58am September 05, 2013

by Ted Robbins

The Senate immigration bill calls for tripling a controversial federal court program called Operation Streamline. The program takes people caught crossing the border illegally, gives them prison sentences, then deports them. It's hugely expensive — but does it work?

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Politics & Government

Sen. Tom Udall On Syrian Resolution

6:58am September 05, 2013

On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a resolution authorizing President Obama to take military action against the Syrian regime. It goes to the full Senate over the objections of New Mexico Democrat Tom Udall. Steve Inskeep talks with Sen. Udall about his concerns over intervention in Syria.

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Politics & Government

Lawmakers Struggle With Wording Of Syria Resolution

6:58am September 05, 2013

by Larry Abramson

Congress is trying to fashion language that would restrict U.S. involvement in Syria from escalating. But lawmakers often find it uncomfortable to rein in the commander in chief once U.S. forces have been committed.

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Politics & Government

Mayor Allen Joines Says He Wants to Build On Momentum for More Economic Development

5:42pm September 04, 2013

by Keri Brown

The campaign trail is heating up for candidates, as we approach the September 10 primary for partisan municipal elections in North Carolina. Mayor Allen Joines is seeking a fourth term as mayor of Winston-Salem. Joines faces opposition for the first time since his initial run in 2001. His opponent is fellow Democrat Gardenia Henley.

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Politics & Government

Sen. McCain Caught Playing Poker During Syria Hearing

6:58am September 04, 2013

During the more than three hour hearing on Tuesday, Sen. John McCain started playing poker on his phone. A photographer for The Washington Post snapped the photo. McCain confessed on Twitter, and said, "Worst of all I lost."

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