Governing

Politics & Government

The President's Plans To Reduce Gun Violence

2:29pm January 16, 2013

A month after the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn., President Barack Obama announced his proposals for gun control policies during a White House ceremony. He issued 23 executive orders on gun control and urged Congress to pass laws that would tighten requirements on gun sales and assault weapons.

Queue Listen Now

Construction was under way on Capitol Hill in November for President Obama's Inauguration Day ceremonies.

Politics & Government

Critics Decry Looser Rules For Inauguration Fundraising

3:27pm January 14, 2013

by Peter Overby

President Obama has changed course from 2009, allowing bigger donations and corporate money. Advocates for overhauling campaign finance laws wonder what happened to the president's old pledge to change the way Washington works.

Queue Listen Now

Politics & Government

Former Cabinet Members On Being Part Of The President's Team

2:07pm January 10, 2013

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.

Queue Listen Now

A photographic screen hangs in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, which is undergoing renovations. On Wednesday, the justices will hear arguments in a case that asks whether police without a warrant can administer a blood test to a suspected drunken driver.

National

Can Police Force Drunken Driving Suspects To Take Blood Tests?

1:32pm January 09, 2013

by Nina Totenberg

The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments Wednesday in a case testing whether police must get a warrant before forcing a driver to have his blood drawn. Missouri, backed by the Obama administration, argues that time is of the essence when alcohol is dissipating in a person's bloodstream.

Queue Listen Now

Officers transfer confiscated weapons after a news conference to announce the arrests of scores of alleged gang members and associates on federal racketeering and drug-trafficking charges in Lakewood, Calif., in 2009.

Gun Control Advocates Say ATF's Hands Have Been Tied

6:37pm January 08, 2013

by Brian Naylor

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.

Queue Listen Now

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."

Queue Listen Now

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Lanny Breuer announces a nearly $2 billion money laundering settlement with British bank HSBC on Dec. 11 in New York City.

Justice Wants Banks To Be Quasi Cops

9:44am January 01, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to be on the lookout for sketchy transactions. The law is 40 years old, but federal prosecutors just recently put more energy into enforcing it. They want banks to spot illegal transactions and blow the whistle before money changes hands.

Queue Listen Now

With Clock Ticking, 'Fiscal Cliff ' Looms Ever-Closer

2:23pm December 27, 2012

Just five days remain for the government to reach an agreement to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect Jan. 1, 2013. Many analysts now say the deadline is unlikely to be met. NPR's Ron Elving explains the looming deadline and the possible ramifications of going over the fiscal cliff.

Queue Listen Now

In this photo illustration, a Rock River Arms AR-15 rifle is seen with ammunition.

Financial Ties Bind NRA, Gun Industry

10:51am December 21, 2012

by Peter Overby

NRA leaders say that when they break their silence on the Sandy Hook shootings Friday, they will be speaking for the group's 4 million members. But they will also be speaking for the gun industry, which has close financial links to the association.

Queue Listen Now

National

Ill. Considers Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants

7:09pm December 09, 2012

by Allison Keyes

Bipartisan support in the Illinois Senate helped pass legislation that would allow undocumented immigrants to get driver's licenses. But critics say granting driving rights to people in the country illegally is putting the cart before the horse.

Queue Listen Now