Politics & Government

Some Democrats want to amend the immigration bill before the Senate to allow foreign-born same-sex spouses of Americans to qualify for green cards.

Some Democrats Back Same-Sex Amendment To Immigration Bill

9:00pm May 06, 2013

by Brian Naylor

When Americans marry noncitizens, their spouses become eligible for green cards and many of the benefits of citizenship — unless the couples are gay or lesbian. Some Democrats are hoping to extend the same benefits to same-sex couples by amending the immigration bill before the Senate.

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The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C, is one of the world's largest cathedrals, and the seat of the Episcopal Church.

A Search For Faith In 'Godless' Washington

4:03pm May 06, 2013

by NPR Staff

When he first moved to Washington, D.C., White House faith adviser Jonathan DuBois had heard people in the nation's capital weren't serious about their religious beliefs. Instead, he found how those in the public eye keep a private faith.

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ATF agents search last week for evidence at the site of the fire and explosion in West, Texas.

ATF Allies Say Agency Handicapped By Lack Of Director

3:27pm May 06, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

While the ATF is a fraction of the size of its sister agency, the FBI, it runs the show when it comes to tracing weapons at crime scenes and investigating bombs and arson. But the agency has been without a permanent director for almost seven years.

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Politics & Government

Sanford, Colbert Busch Clash In Sole Debate Before Election

3:27pm May 06, 2013

by Kathy Lohr

Former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, a Republican, and Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, faced off Monday night in the only debate before a special congressional election in South Carolina. Sanford is trying to make a comeback after he lied about an affair with an Argentine woman while he was in office. His ex-wife has also accused Sanford of trespassing at her home.

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Politics & Government

Advocates Honor LaHood's Time At Transportation Department

3:27pm May 06, 2013

by Brian Naylor

As outgoing Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood prepares to hand off the baton to President Obama's nominee, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, Morning Edition reflects on Lahood's legacy. What have he and the president accomplished? What's still to be done?

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Obama Answers Questions On Syria, Guantanamo, More

3:27pm May 06, 2013

President Obama held a news conference at the White House on Tuesday morning.

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After years in the halls of Congress, Republican Mitch McConnell has to convince Kentucky voters that he's still paying attention to what they want.

McConnell Tries To Show He's Still At Home In Kentucky

8:51am May 06, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

The Senate minority leader is up for re-election next year, and polling in his state shows his popularity is suffering. Some voters complain that Mitch McConnell is out of touch with the people of the Bluegrass State, and others say it's time for some new blood. Still, he will be hard to beat.

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Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch looks over at former Republican Gov. Mark Sanford during a debate Monday in Charleston, S.C., in the 1st Congressional District race.

Politics & Government

Democrats Have High Hopes Of Defeating Sanford In S.C.

8:28pm May 03, 2013

by Kathy Lohr

South Carolina's 1st Congressional District hasn't elected a Democrat since 1978. But in a race against scandal-ridden former Gov. Mark Sanford, Democrats think their candidate, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, has a chance to pull it off in Tuesday's special election.

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The lobbying industry in Washington is becoming more secretive.

Politics & Government

Why Lobbying Is Now Increasingly In The Shadows

12:14pm May 03, 2013

by Peter Overby

Reversing a trend that dates back to the 1990s, the lobbying industry is becoming more secretive. And campaign money now looms ever larger as a critical element in the persuasion business.

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Politics & Government

Gun Background Vote Causes Heat At Home For N.H. Sen. Ayotte

12:14pm May 03, 2013

by David Welna

Ever since her vote against legislation to mandate background checks for all gun sales, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte has seen her poll numbers slip. This week, the Republican met protesters as she made her way around the state.

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