Audie Cornish : NPR

National

$20 Billion Needed For Highway, Transit Projects

June 30, 2009 • The Highway Trust Fund is almost out of money and current law is about to expire. Lawmakers in the House want to pass a six-year, $500 billion plan to improve congested highways, crumbling bridges and under-funded mass transit. But Senate lawmakers are siding with the Obama administration in calling for a less expensive, 18-month stopgap bill.

$20 Billion Needed For Highway, Transit Projects

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Politics

Holder Urges Congress On New Hate Crimes Bill

June 25, 2009 • U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called on senators to expand federal statutes against hate crimes to include protections for gays, women and people with disabilities. The law now provides for federal prosecution and increased penalties for violent crimes motivated by race or religion.

Holder Urges Congress On New Hate Crimes Bill

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Law

Defense Says Rep. Jefferson Was Caught In Sting

June 16, 2009 • The former Louisiana congressman is charged with soliciting bribes, money laundering and racketeering. But in opening statements at the Democrat's trial Tuesday, his lawyer said the $90,000 in cash found in his freezer doesn't prove it.

Law

Corruption Trial Set To Begin For Ex-Rep. Jefferson

June 8, 2009 • Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana is set to go on trial Tuesday on federal bribery and corruption charges. The case made headlines after the FBI found $90,000 in cash in his freezer.

Corruption Trial Set To Begin For Ex-Rep. Jefferson

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Auto Industry In Turmoil

GM, Chrysler: Slashing Dealerships Is Necessary

June 4, 2009 • General Motors and Chrysler say they need to trim their network of franchises so when they emerge from bankruptcy proceedings they will be successful. In a Senate hearing Wednesday, lawmakers questioned whether the companies are abandoning the loyal dealerships and consumers who have supported them.

GM, Chrysler: Slashing Dealerships Is Necessary

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National

National Archives Gets Lost Lincoln Letter

May 28, 2009 • The National Archives received a special gift today: the missing half of a letter written by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It was ripped from the pages of his Treasury secretary's correspondence and bought at auction by a collector who waited for Lincoln's bicentennial year to donate it.

National Archives Gets Lost Lincoln Letter

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Politics

Credit Card Overhaul Bill Sent To Obama

May 21, 2009 • Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have sent President Obama a bill that would rein in credit card fees and interest rates, while allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons in national parks. The Senate passed the measure Tuesday. The House acted on Wednesday.

Credit Card Overhaul Bill Sent To Obama

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Politics

Senate Passes Credit Card Overhaul Bill

May 20, 2009 • The Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would impose new restrictions on the credit card industry. It slows interest rate increases and places restrictions on penalty fees. It limits cards for minors. The House is on track to pass the bill as early as Wednesday and send it to President Obama.

Senate Passes Credit Card Overhaul Bill

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Politics

Senate Passes Its Version Of Credit Card Bill

May 19, 2009 • The Senate passed a bill to impose new restrictions on the credit card industry. It would slow down interest rate hikes and place restrictions on penalty fees, while limiting cards for minors. But it's tougher than a similar House bill, and the two measures will have to be reconciled.

Senate Passes Its Version Of Credit Card Bill

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Auto Industry In Turmoil

'Cash For Clunkers' Would Help Car Buyers, Climate

May 15, 2009 • Lawmakers on the House Energy Committee are putting the finishing touches on a climate change bill that is exposing rifts among Democrats. But one idea in the bill has support from all sides. "Cash for clunkers" is a voucher plan that helps car owners trade in their old rides for more fuel efficient models.

'Cash For Clunkers' Would Help Car Buyers, Climate

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Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets

Can Washington Help Ailing Newspaper Industry?

May 12, 2009 • Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are looking for ways to shore up the struggling newspaper industry. Bills have been introduced that would allow newspapers to operate as tax-exempt non-profits and loosen anti-trust laws. Senator John Kerry held a hearing recently to come up with answers.

Can Washington Help Ailing Newspaper Industry?

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Politics

Congress Passes Obama's Budget Plan

April 30, 2009 • Democratic majorities in the House and Senate hustled to give President Obama a symbolic victory on his 100th day in office. They adopted a budget plan — a non-binding resolution that provides a framework for future legislation. The blueprint got no Republican support.

Congress Passes Obama's Budget Plan

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Business

Obama Pledges New Credit Card Rules

April 23, 2009 • President Obama meets with top executives from the credit card companies on Thursday. The administration is planning to crack down on the companies that commit unfair practices.

Obama Pledges New Credit Card Rules

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Welcome To The 'Troubled Skies'

Funding Debate Stalls Air Traffic Control Upgrade

April 14, 2009 • The radar system used to guide U.S. flights is more than 40 years old, but Congress and the airline industry are at odds over how to fund a new satellite-based system.

Funding Debate Stalls Air Traffic Control Upgrade

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Politics

Bill, Loaded With Earmarks, Sent To Obama

March 11, 2009 • Congress has managed to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate Tuesday night sent the president a $410 billion spending bill to keep domestic agencies and the State Department running for the rest of the fiscal year. The measure is six months late and $30 billion over last year's budget.

Bill, Loaded With Earmarks, Sent To Obama

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