Crazy Or Canny? Talk Grows About $1 Trillion Platinum Coin
In theory, some say, President Obama could have a $1 trillion coin made and that would head off the next big battle over the federal government's debt ceiling.
Politics
Geithner Began With 'Smoldering' Economy; What Does He Leave?
Timothy Geithner presided over Treasury at a particularly tumultuous time. The banking system was still in a crisis, and people were soon calling for his head. Naming his replacement four years later, President Obama said Geithner will be remembered "as one of our finest secretaries of the Treasury."
For Young Republican, Defying Boehner In Washington Plays Well Back Home
After trying to help remove fellow Republican John Boehner as House speaker, Rep. Justin Amash got a very warm reception upon returning to his Michigan district. For a conservative Republican from a conservative district, being labeled a Washington troublemaker is not necessarily a bad thing.
Estimated Costs Drive Debate As Florida Weighs Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Rick Scott says he's concerned about how much expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act would cost. But after he was charged with exaggerating, his administration released a new study with much lower estimates.
How Nixon Re-Shaped The Presidency
Today would be the 100th birthday of President Richard Nixon. From civil rights to Watergate, Nixon's term shaped the office of the presidency. NPR's Ken Rudin and Stanley Kutler, professor emeritus in history at the University of Wisconsin and author of Abuse of Power, talks about the legacy of the 37th president.
Former Cabinet Members On Being Part Of The President's Team
President Obama nominated Jack Lew, his current chief of staff, for Treasury Secretary today. Former cabinet members explain what it takes to put together a good cabinet, and how to get the members to work together.
Farm Bill Critics Claim Partial Victory Despite Stalemate
Payments to farmers survived in the latest extension of the farm bill. But not all of the groups that argued for the end of the subsidies see this as a loss. They've just been given nine more months to make their case to Congress.
After 'Fiscal Cliff' Debate, The State Of The GOP
NPR's Political Junkie Ken Rudin recaps the week in politics — from Chuck Hagel's nomination for Secretary of Defense, to the swearing-in of the 113th Congress. Exiting Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH) shares his thoughts on the current state and future of the Republican Party.
Gun Control Advocates Say ATF's Hands Have Been Tied
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the primary enforcer of the nation's gun laws, but advocates and former ATF officials say agents face legal restrictions that limit their effectiveness. In addition, the agency has been without a permanent director for years.
Tea Party Texan Cruz Gives GOP Hope In Hunt For Hispanic Votes
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.