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David Welna David Welna is NPR's national security correspondent.
David Welna 2010
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David Welna

Politics

For Democrats, A Mixed Year In Congress

Although Democrats had a majority in Congress, they didn't have the votes to end the war in Iraq and lost on efforts to expand children's health care. On the positive side, they expanded the GI bill and gained bigger majorities in the election.

For Democrats, A Mixed Year In Congress

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Memo To The President

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 Many say it is now outdated — but will the new president want to take up the same issue that roiled Bill Clinton's White House debut?

Will Obama Press To End 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'?

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U.S. Senate In Flux

Senate Race Results Still Close In Minnesota

A winner is supposed to have been declared already in the last U.S. Senate race to be decided. The too-close-to-call contest in Minnesota is between GOP incumbent Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken. Instead, it looks like the new year will begin with the contest unresolved.

Senate Race Results Still Close In Minnesota

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U.S. Senate In Flux

Minn. Panel Reviews Disputed Ballots

In Minnesota, the five-person election canvassing board has met to begin reviewing disputed ballots in the Senate race between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and challenger Al Franken. The board is inspecting as many as 1,500 challenged ballots.

Minn. Panel Reviews Disputed Ballots

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Politics

Auto Deal Falls Apart

The auto bailout had the support of a majority in Congress, yet the deal fell apart. On Thursday, the measure to provide struggling automakers with a $14 billion emergency loan failed after opposition from Senate Republicans.

Auto Deal Falls Apart

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Auto Bailout Dead, Unless White House Steps In

Bipartisan talks on the $14 billion auto rescue broke down Thursday in the Senate. The United Auto Workers rejected Republican demands that the union agree to steep wage cuts by 2009 to bring their pay into line with Japanese carmakers. The UAW refused to do so until the current contract expires in 2011. It's now up to President Bush to save GM and Chrysler.

NPR's David Welna reports on the auto bailout, on 'Morning Edition'

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Business

Automakers Likely To Get $15B Bailout

Congress and the White House are working toward a $15 billion short-term agreement to bail out the auto industry. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Congress could act on an auto bailout as early as the end of the day.

Automakers Likely To Get $15B Bailout

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Politics

Incoming Ore. Senator Comfortable Breaking Rank

Incoming Democratic Sen.-elect Jeff Merkley won a hard-fought contest against incumbent Republican Gordon Smith in Oregon. Merkley is a former speaker of the Oregon House with a reputation as someone unafraid to break ranks with the leadership.

Incoming Ore. Senator Comfortable Breaking Rank

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Politics

What's Next For Sen. John McCain?

Sen. John McCain took questions from reporters Tuesday for the first time since he lost the presidential election. At a news conference in Phoenix, he said he had seen the future — and it held a bid for a fifth term in the U.S. Senate.

What's Next For Sen. John McCain?

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Congress Gives Automakers Homework

Lawmakers are demanding that GM, Ford and Chrysler submit a plan for improvements before Congress will consider a $25 billion aid package for the auto industry. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid say if there's a viable plan, Congress might return to work early next month for a vote. Some lawmakers wanted Congress to stay in session.

Congress Gives Automakers Homework

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Politics

Congress Stalls Automakers' Bid For Relief

After the Big Three auto executives spent two days seeking support on Capitol Hill for a bailout, the grand finale is no finale at all. Democratic leaders say they are delaying a vote until the auto companies present a plan showing how they will restructure their business.

Congress Stalls Automakers' Bid For Relief

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Confirmation Hearings For Obama Cabinet Picks

Key Senators Receptive To Holder As AG

Senators on the Judiciary Committee had mostly favorable reactions to news that Eric Holder is likely to be President-elect Obama's choice for attorney general. But some potential stumbling blocks remain.

Key Senators Receptive To Holder As AG

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Politics

Lieberman Gets To Keep Committee Chairmanship

Democrats in the Senate decided Tuesday that Joe Lieberman may keep his committee chairmanship — even though he campaigned for Republican John McCain. Democrats secretly voted 42-13 to let him remain chairman of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. His only sanction was being removed from the Environment Committee.

Lieberman Gets To Keep Committee Chairmanship

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Politics

Lieberman To Keep Key Senate Committee Post

Sen. Joe Lieberman will keep his job as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Democrats decided against replacing the independent from Connecticut, but did strip him of the chairmanship of an environmental panel.

Lieberman To Keep Key Senate Committee Post

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Politics

Senate Debates Bailout For U.S. Automakers

Help for the auto industry is a top priority for Democratic leaders, and it was the opening item of business as the U.S. Senate resumed its duties after a six-week break. But many senators appear to be feeling bailout burnout.

Senate Debates Bailout For U.S. Automakers

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