Memo To The President http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96825014&ft=1&f=96825014 In this occasional series, NPR will follow the transition from the Bush administration to the Obama administration. From a broken military to a troubled economy to a National Park Service in need of a major overhaul — we'll provide the briefing paper, the options and the obstacles. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:58:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/npr_news_123x20.gif Memo To The President http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96825014&ft=1&f=96825014 Obama Urged To Use Self-Restraint In Oval Office A hallmark of President Bush's administration has been his assertion of powers that he said were his right as president, despite objections from the other two branches of the federal government. President-elect Barack Obama faces pressure to undo many of the Bush administration actions that increased presidential power. Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:58:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99456900&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99456900&ft=1&f=96825014 A hallmark of President Bush's administration has been his assertion of powers that he said were his right as president, despite objections from the other two branches of the federal government. President-elect Barack Obama faces pressure to undo many of the Bush administration actions that increased presidential power.

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]]> Sorting Out A Clear Strategy For Afghanistan When Barack Obama takes office next week, he'll inherit an increasingly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. A troop increase has already begun, but some question the signals that strategy sends. In addition, analysts urge Obama to take a regional approach. Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:13:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99428637&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99428637&ft=1&f=96825014 When Barack Obama takes office next week, he'll inherit an increasingly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. A troop increase has already begun, but some question the signals that strategy sends. In addition, analysts urge Obama to take a regional approach.

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]]> Aging Controllers, Lax Rules Trouble FAA The Federal Aviation Administration faces tough challenges as the Obama administration takes control. An aging air traffic controller workforce and allegations of inspectors "cozying up" to airlines will test the agency and the new government. Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:37:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99189705&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99189705&ft=1&f=96825014 The Federal Aviation Administration faces tough challenges as the Obama administration takes control. An aging air traffic controller workforce and allegations of inspectors "cozying up" to airlines will test the agency and the new government.

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]]> Obama Faces Conundrum In Closing Guantanamo During his campaign for the White House, President-elect Obama was unequivocal about closing the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But the issue of what to do with the prisoners still there presents numerous difficult questions for Obama's team to answer. Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:23:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98984733&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98984733&ft=1&f=96825014 During his campaign for the White House, President-elect Obama was unequivocal about closing the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But the issue of what to do with the prisoners still there presents numerous difficult questions for Obama's team to answer.

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]]> Obama's Education Wish List May Have To Wait With the economy on life support and just about every state now slashing education funding, President-elect Barack Obama is likely to focus less on immediate proposals and more on building political consensus for future action. Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:27:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98963333&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98963333&ft=1&f=96825014 With the economy on life support and just about every state now slashing education funding, President-elect Barack Obama is likely to focus less on immediate proposals and more on building political consensus for future action.

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]]> Obama's Highway Plans Face Funding Roadblock President-elect Obama has big plans for the nation's crumbling roads and bridges. But with people driving less and fewer gas-tax dollars coming in, where will the money come from? That's just one of the questions looming as Obama and Congress get set to overhaul transportation policy. Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98640810&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98640810&ft=1&f=96825014 President-elect Obama has big plans for the nation's crumbling roads and bridges. But with people driving less and fewer gas-tax dollars coming in, where will the money come from? That's just one of the questions looming as Obama and Congress get set to overhaul transportation policy.

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]]> U.S.-China Ties Pose Tricky Proposition For Obama On issues such as halting global warming to stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction, President-elect Barack Obama will need China's cooperation. But in other areas, China is a competitor. Obama faces challenges in managing this complex relationship. Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:38:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98659455&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98659455&ft=1&f=96825014 On issues such as halting global warming to stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction, President-elect Barack Obama will need China's cooperation. But in other areas, China is a competitor. Obama faces challenges in managing this complex relationship.

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]]> What America Needs In Its New First Dog Once they're settled into the White House, the Obamas will begin their search for America's new top dog. Experts say the family should look for an outgoing dog, but one that won't try to run the show. Fri, 26 Dec 2008 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98689317&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98689317&ft=1&f=96825014 Once they're settled into the White House, the Obamas will begin their search for America's new top dog. Experts say the family should look for an outgoing dog, but one that won't try to run the show.

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]]> Hopes Run High In Middle East For Obama The Middle East will likely be a major foreign policy priority for Barack Obama. His election has generated high expectations — some say too high — that he can restore the image of the U.S. in the Arab world and that changes in Mideast policy are imminent. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:17:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98607130&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98607130&ft=1&f=96825014 The Middle East will likely be a major foreign policy priority for Barack Obama. His election has generated high expectations — some say too high — that he can restore the image of the U.S. in the Arab world and that changes in Mideast policy are imminent.

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]]> Will Obama Press To End 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'? The military's policy for gays in the armed forces was an awkward compromise in the 1990s. Many say it is now outdated — but will the new president want to take up the same issue that roiled Bill Clinton's White House debut? Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:59:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98078696&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98078696&ft=1&f=96825014 The military's policy for gays in the armed forces was an awkward compromise in the 1990s. Many say it is now outdated — but will the new president want to take up the same issue that roiled Bill Clinton's White House debut?

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]]> Advocates Want Bush Abortion Policies Reversed Abortion-rights backers want quick action from the president-elect, although they may not press for sweeping changes. Obama has said he is looking to find common ground on reproductive health issues. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:25:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97971002&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97971002&ft=1&f=96825014 Abortion-rights backers want quick action from the president-elect, although they may not press for sweeping changes. Obama has said he is looking to find common ground on reproductive health issues.

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]]> Financial Regulation: Preventing Another Crisis A lack of oversight, transparency and accountability in financial markets led to the worst crisis in decades. Economists weigh in with advice for President-elect Barack Obama on revamping regulations for Wall Street. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97979462&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97979462&ft=1&f=96825014 A lack of oversight, transparency and accountability in financial markets led to the worst crisis in decades. Economists weigh in with advice for President-elect Barack Obama on revamping regulations for Wall Street.

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]]> What Will Obama Do With Bush's Spying Program? There's still a lot about the government's domestic surveillance program that the public doesn't know. Even most members of Congress are in the dark. So Barack Obama will have much to consider when he pulls back the veil as president. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97545652&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97545652&ft=1&f=96825014 There's still a lot about the government's domestic surveillance program that the public doesn't know. Even most members of Congress are in the dark. So Barack Obama will have much to consider when he pulls back the veil as president.

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]]> Hopes High For Foreign Aid In Obama Presidency Aid groups and development experts are urging the incoming Obama administration to revamp U.S. assistance to foreign nations and maintain spending despite the financial crisis at home. Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:27:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97646244&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97646244&ft=1&f=96825014 Aid groups and development experts are urging the incoming Obama administration to revamp U.S. assistance to foreign nations and maintain spending despite the financial crisis at home.

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]]> Will Obama's FCC Push For Internet Access For All? The Federal Communications Commission has a range of responsibilities, including overseeing emergency communications systems and regulating "wardrobe malfunctions." If the president-elect's advisers are any indication, however, high-speed broadband may soon become the commission's top priority. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:49:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97692002&ft=1&f=96825014 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97692002&ft=1&f=96825014 The Federal Communications Commission has a range of responsibilities, including overseeing emergency communications systems and regulating "wardrobe malfunctions." If the president-elect's advisers are any indication, however, high-speed broadband may soon become the commission's top priority.

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