Politics & Government

Politics & Government

'Straw Purchases' Get Keen Eye In Gun Debate

10:11am April 13, 2013

Congress voted to begin debate on a package of new gun control measures this week, passing a key procedural hurdle. But several proposals face a long road before reaching President Obama's desk. One proposal has garnered bipartisan support: additional measures targeting so-called "straw purchasers" and gun trafficking. Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon reports on why advocates say the new measures are necessary, and how one gun, purchased through a surrogate, ended up in the wrong hands.

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First lady Michelle Obama greets students at Harper High School in Chicago on Wednesday. Twenty-nine current or former Harper students have been shot in the past year, eight of them fatally.

'We Have To Do More': Michelle Obama's Next Four Years

10:07pm April 12, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

This week marked a new step in Michelle Obama's evolution as first lady. In her hometown of Chicago, she delivered one of the most emotional speeches of her career. Obama almost never ventures into the top political controversy of the day, but her role may be changing.

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Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan speaks about his new budget plan after a March 19 party conference.

Ryan Says He's 'Cautiously Optimistic' On A Bipartisan Budget Deal

10:55am April 12, 2013

by Scott Neuman

The House Budget Committee chairman says the president's budget, which includes cuts to entitlements, amounts to an "olive branch" to Republicans.

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Looking To Broaden Appeal, RNC Heads To Hollywood

5:49pm April 11, 2013

by Kirk Siegler

Republicans are meeting in a Democratic stronghold this week to talk about retooling their message. So far, there are sharp divisions among RNC delegates about the future direction of the GOP.

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Politics & Government

Paul Ryan Talks About The President's 2014 Budget

9:53am April 11, 2013

The House of Representative Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan says he sees hope for a bipartisan budget agreement for the first time since President Obama came to office.

Drivers travel on Interstate 495, the Capital Beltway, near Tysons Corner in Fairfax County, Va., in November, just days before the opening of four new express lanes. Virginia is among 19 states that have approved or are considering legislation to increas

Some States Hike Gas Tax; Va. Tries New Route To Fund Roads

7:19pm April 10, 2013

by Brian Naylor

Revenues from gas taxes often fall short of what's needed for repairs and construction of the nation's roads, so states are starting to take action. Some are considering an increase in the state gas tax while others are getting creative.

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First lady Michelle Obama on Wednesday speaks about 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed on the South Side of Chicago earlier this year.

Michelle Obama Steps Into Gun Control Debate

7:19pm April 10, 2013

by Cheryl Corley

The first lady gave a personal and emotional speech in her hometown, two months after attending the funeral of a Chicago teen who was shot and killed earlier this year. Michelle Obama is encouraging business leaders to donate millions of dollars for programs to help at-risk youth.

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How The Latest Budget Could Affect You

2:51pm April 10, 2013

President Obama unveiled his fifth annual budget proposal to Congress Wednesday, offering a mix of tax increases and spending cuts. The newest changes include cuts to Medicare and Social Security benefits. Across the country, some are only beginning to feel the affects of sequestration.

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Politics & Government

Congress Nears Agreements On Guns And Immigration

2:23pm April 10, 2013

A bipartisan group of senators announced an agreement Wednesday on gun legislation. If passed by Congress, the agreement would require all buyers, even those at gun shows, to pass a check by a federally licensed dealer. The Senate's bipartisan Gang of Eight is also nearing a deal on immigration.

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Some Public Defenders Warn: 'We Have Nothing Left To Cut'

7:20am April 10, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

Around the country, budget cuts are bringing some federal public defenders to the breaking point. "We can't not pay the rent, and ... everything else is personnel. We can't send a computer to court," says Washington, D.C., public defender A.J. Kramer.

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