Politics

Pete Stark, Health Policy Warrior, Leaves A Long Legacy

11:25am January 02, 2013

by Julie Rovner

The California congressman lost his seat this fall. Stark has been part of almost every piece of health legislation enacted while he was in office. The 113th Congress will be the first one in 40 years to convene without him as a member.

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Politics & Government

How Will The Budget Deal Affect The U.S. Economy?

2:35pm January 01, 2013

As the new year started, the Senate adopted a bipartisan agreement that, while temporary, may help ease concerns about America's economic stability. The House considers the deal today. Host Neal Conan talks with NPR senior business correspondent Marilyn Geewax, and then with Yale economics professor Robert Shiller about how the crisis has affected the housing market.

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Politics & Government

House Prepares To Take Up Senate Budget Compromise

2:35pm January 01, 2013

Early this morning, the Senate passed tax and spending measures in an effort to avoid the fiscal cliff. House Republican leadership meets this afternoon to discuss the deal and a possible vote. Host Neal Conan checks in with NPR's senior Washington editor Ron Elving about the current status of the agreement and today's potential outcomes.

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Politics & Government

Rep. Cole Predicts 'Very Strong Majority' Will Approve Budget Deal In House

12:39pm January 01, 2013

A compromise deal to stop broad spending cuts and tax increases is headed to the House of Representatives, after receiving strong support in the Senate. "I really don't anticipate too much of a problem" passing the bill, Republican Rep. Tom Cole, the deputy majority whip, tells NPR's Steve Inskeep.

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What Does Senate Budget Deal Mean For You?

9:44am January 01, 2013

The Senate passed a measure early into the New Year, and now it's up to the house to vote on the deal, which will most likely happen by Wednesday. The measure cleared the Senate on an 89-8 vote, hours after V.P. Joe Biden and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell sealed a deal.

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Rep.-elect Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz., enters a room full of supporters on Election Day, Nov. 6, in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Politics & Government

Arizona Democrat Kirkpatrick Making Capitol Hill Comeback

7:55pm December 31, 2012

by Laurel Morales

Rep.-elect Ann Kirkpatrick is returning to Washington this week after sitting out a term following her 2010 defeat. This time around, Kirkpatrick hopes to strengthen her foothold in a swing district, but she's dealing with a tricky electorate.

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Politics & Government

What Stalled Congress On The Fiscal Cliff?

7:55pm December 31, 2012

For perspective on why Democrats and Republicans in Washington have not been able to work together to avoid a countdown to the fiscal cliff, All Things Considered host Robert Siegel talks with Norm Ornstein, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. Ornstein says a big part of the problem is how Republicans in Congress have behaved like a parliamentary minority.

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Politics & Government

President Obama Speaks On The 'Fiscal Cliff'

4:58pm December 31, 2012

Republicans and Democrats have until midnight tonight to avoid going off the so-called fiscal cliff. If they can't reach an agreement by then, automatic tax hikes and spending cuts will kick in.

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Politics & Government

Secretary Clinton Hospitalized With Blood Clot

6:51am December 31, 2012

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in a New York hospital for treatment of a blood clot. Clinton suffered a concussion after a fall earlier this month.

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, leaves the Senate chamber to caucus in the Capitol on Sunday.

After Fruitless Weekend, Congress Still Seeks Fiscal Deal

5:46am December 31, 2012

by David Welna

Both the House and the Senate were in session Sunday evening, but a bipartisan push by Senate leaders fell short. Monday is the last day to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts, though Congress may still reach a deal over the next few days.

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