The controversial broadening of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court’s powers after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks is under renewed focus after Wednesday’s report that the panel has given the National Security Agency the authority to collect millions of Verizon customers’ telephone records.
"democratic"
Bipartisan House Group Says It’s Reached Immigration Deal
Members of a bipartisan group of House lawmakers say they’ve overcome disagreements and have reached a tentative deal to overhaul the nation’s immigration system.
Immigration Change Is One Step Closer To A Bill
A final deal on a changing immigration laws is at hand but still incomplete, according to two of the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” senators collaborating on it.
Update: Senate Committee Approves Expanding Background Checks For Gun Sales
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday is set to approve expanded federal background checks for gun buyers, moving the measure to the full Senate, where it could come up for a vote next month before going to the GOP-controlled House.
Bill Clinton: Defense Of Marriage Act That I Signed Is Unconstitutional
Times were different in 1996 when he signed the Defense of Marriage Act into law, former President Bill Clinton writes in today’s Washington Post.
Judge Intervenes In Heated Battle Over Alabama’s Education Bill
A judge in Alabama has blocked the state’s governor from signing a school choice bill, after a lawsuit alleged that lawmakers bypassed state rules when they substantially revised the legislation in committee.
Obama Administration Urges Supreme Court To Rethink DOMA
The Obama administration is following through on its relatively new-found support of gay marriage. On Friday, the administration filed a legal brief with the Justice Department that urges the Supreme Court to strike down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act.
What to Expect From The President
Even with the election behind him, the stakes are still high for President Obama, with his State of the Union speech. Host Michel Martin speaks with former Democratic speechwriter, Paul Orzulak and Republican strategist, Ron Christie, about what it will take for the President to hit the right notes.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Obama Team To Make Important, If Symbolic, Choice On Gay Marriage
By the end of this month, the federal government is expected to file briefs in a pair of same-sex marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. One case poses questions so difficult that the president himself is expected to make the final decision on what arguments the Justice Department will make.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Gun-Control Battle Spills Over To Super Bowl Ads
A Super Bowl ad produced by a group backed by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg uses old video of the NRA chief calling for limited background checks. The ad, which will air in some markets during the third quarter of the Super Bowl, comes amid a heated debate over guns.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us