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Brian Naylor NPR News' Brian Naylor is a correspondent on the Washington Desk.
Brian Naylor in 2018.
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Politics

Congress to Seek Extension on Budget Deadline

The federal government's fiscal year ends Sunday. So far, none of the 12 annual spending bills Congress must pass have been completed. Lawmakers are seeking a six-week extension, putting off a showdown with the president.

Congress to Seek Extension on Budget Deadline

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Iraq

Senate Democrats Persistent About Troop Withdrawal

Defeat after defeat is not preventing Senate Democrats from trying to change the war in Iraq. A day after defeating a plan to withdraw U.S. troops by next summer the Senate takes another vote on a similar plan. Despite political pressure, Republicans have blocked every effort so far.

Senate Democrats Persistent About Troop Withdrawal

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Politics

Plan for D.C. House Seat Awaits Vote

The Senate takes a key procedural vote Tuesday on whether to give Washington, D.C. its first full-fledged member of the House of Representatives. The House seat from D.C., which is heavily Democratic, would be balanced by one more seat for Utah, which leans Republican.

Plan for D.C. House Seat Awaits Vote

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The Mukasey Nomination

Mukasey Nomination Finds Friends on Hill

Democrats offer a positive initial reaction to the nomination of retired federal judge Michael Mukasey as attorney general, saying they believe President Bush listened to Congress in choosing a candidate acceptable to both parties.

Mukasey Nomination Finds Friends on Hill

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Iraq

Re-Elections Loom as Senators Weigh Iraq Shift

Congressional Democrats are proposing various plans to change course in the Iraq war. But if they hope to pass anything, they'll need to bring along some Republicans. A handful of GOP senators — many of them facing tough re-election contests next year — are wavering.

Re-Elections Loom as Senators Weigh Iraq Shift

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Politics

Democrats Vow New Effort on Iraq

After two days of hearings on Iraq, Democratic congressional leaders say they are not satisfied with the planned drawdown of 30,000 troops envisioned by Gen. David Petraeus. They pledge a push for legislation to change course in Iraq.

Democrats Vow New Effort on Iraq

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Iraq

Congress Works Across Aisles on Troop Withdrawal

Gen. David Petraeus is scheduled to testify before Congress on Monday about the status of the war in Iraq, but Congress is already talking about what will happen after that testimony. Democrats have been unable to pass legislation mandating a troop withdrawal. Now some of them are talking with Republicans about other steps.

Congress Works Across Aisles on Troop Withdrawal

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Analysis

GOP Shows Idaho Sen. Craig Slight Support

The last thing Republicans needed was another scandal. And that may help to explain why so few have stepped up to support their fellow Republican, Sen. Larry Craig. The senator is said to be vacationing with his family in his home state of Idaho.

GOP Shows Idaho Sen. Craig Slight Support

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Law

Sen. Craig Denies Wrongdoing in Airport Bathroom

Idaho Sen. Larry Craig made a public statement Tuesday on his guilty plea to misdemeanor charges stemming from an incident in an airport men's room. He has denied any inappropriate conduct.

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Senator Denies Lewd Conduct

Idaho Senator Pleads Guilty in Lewd Conduct Case

Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho pleaded guilty this month to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Roll Call said on its Web site Monday that the Republican was arrested June 11 by a plainclothes officer investigating complaints of lewd conduct in a men's restroom at the Minneapolis airport.

Idaho Senator Pleads Guilty in Lewd Conduct Case

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Analysis

Gonzales Will Leave Justice in September

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has announced his resignation, months after lawmakers said they had lost confidence in the country's chief law enforcement officer. He will leave office on Sept. 17. Gonzales did not say why he is leaving the Justice Department, referring only generally to the controversies during his term.

Gonzales Will Leave Justice in September

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Politics

Rep. Dennis Hastert to Bow Out

For eight years, Dennis Hastert was Speaker of the House — the longest-serving Republican ever in that post. He lost the position this past January, when Democrats took control of Congress. Hastert plans to announce he will not run for re-election next year.

Rep. Dennis Hastert to Bow Out

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Politics

Karl Rove, 'The Architect,' Returns Home

President Bush flew Karl Rove back to Texas aboard Air Force One after announcing his resignation from the White House staff. Rove has been the closest adviser to President Bush since the future president was considering running for governor of Texas.

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Politics

Political Power Player Rove Leaves the Game

It's hard to overstate the importance of Karl Rove to George W. Bush, Texas politics, the Republican Party and the national power picture since 2000. Now, Rove says he is finished with the game.

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Politics

Senate Passes Bill Targeting Lobbyists

The Senate gives final approval to a bill aimed at altering the relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists. Among other things, the measure would shine more light on lawmakers' pet projects (or earmarks) and require lobbyists to disclose "bundled" campaign contributions.

Senate Passes Bill Targeting Lobbyists

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