Politics

Most Pages In New U.S.-Cuba Chapter Still Have To Be Written

6:32pm December 18, 2014

by Scott Horsley

President Obama is re-opening diplomatic ties to Cuba, and easing restrictions on travel and commerce. A day after that historic announcement, we look at what it actually means for would be travelers and exporters.

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Obama Announces Diplomatic Thaw With Cuba

5:22pm December 18, 2014

In re-opening ties with Cuba, the president follows through on strategy he outlined during his first White House campaign. He believes engagement with Cuba is a more powerful tool than isolation.

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Rep. Sires Pushes Back Against Obama's Cuba Plans

12:31pm December 18, 2014

President Obama's action to begin normalizing relations with Cuba has drawn harsh criticism from members of Congress in both parties. One of those critics is Rep. Albio Sires, who was born in Cuba.

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Mixed Reactions In Miami On Diplomatic Overtures To Cuba

12:31pm December 18, 2014

by Greg Allen

When he announced the release of Alan Gross and plans to resume diplomatic ties with Cuba, Obama also referenced Miami. Some Cuban Americans welcome the changes, others see the action as a betrayal.

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Obama Expected To Impose New Sanctions On Russia

9:15pm December 17, 2014

by Scott Horsley

Aides say Obama will sign a bill authorizing new economic sanctions against Russia in retaliation for its ongoing interference in Ukraine. Russia's economy is reeling from earlier western sanctions.

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Judge John Gleeson says, about mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes, "people in Congress meant well. ... But it just turns out that policy is wrong."

Judge Regrets Harsh Human Toll Of Mandatory Minimum Sentences

3:08pm December 17, 2014

by Carrie Johnson

Thousands of people are imprisoned for decades, if not life, because of tough drug sentences. Now judges, lawyers and advocates ask whether it's time to dial back those penalties.

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Politics & Government

Senate Adjourns, GOP To Take Over In January

11:29am December 17, 2014

by Ailsa Chang

The adjournment brought the 113th Congress to a formal close. Democrat Harry Reid ended his run as majority leader, as Republicans take control of the Senate next month.

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Senator Harry Reid of Nev. on Tuesday, walks to one of his final meetings as the Senate Majority Leader. In January, Republicans take over the majority.

Senate OKs Judicial Nominees, Tax Extensions Before Republican Takeover

4:27am December 17, 2014

by Lauren Hodges

Lawmakers in the Senate approved an extension of tax breaks and confirmed 12 more judicial nominees, but a terrorism insurance bill didn't survive the night.

Economists: Congress Gets A Hat Tip (Barely) For Its Efforts

10:59pm December 16, 2014

by Marilyn Geewax

Congress passed no laws addressing the minimum wage, tax reform, trade or immigration this year. But judged by the low recent standards, lawmakers got light applause from economists.

'Warning Shot': Sen. Warren On Fighting Banks, And Her Political Future

6:20pm December 16, 2014

by Steve Inskeep

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, took a passionate stand against a provision in the spending bill that rolls back a major part of the Dodd-Frank financial regulation legislation.

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