Passing immigration reform could bolster his party’s dismal relationship with Hispanics, yet much of his caucus appears bent on killing the bill, then proudly flashing the murder weapon.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski Endorses Gay Marriage
Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski endorsed gay marriage Wednesday, becoming the third GOP senator to do so after Ohio’s Rob Portman and Illinois’ Mark Kirk.
District of Columbia Joins States with Statue Representative in Capitol
Here is a two-minute bio of Frederick Douglass, the Capitol’s newest statue representative
Morning Must Reads: June 19
In the news: Obama’s Germany trip, nuclear arms reduction, the NSA, immigration reform, Afghanistan, Obamacare, and reporter Michael Hastings.
Border Security: Will it Block a Final Deal on Immigration?
The two parties have yet to find a sweet spot between tougher security standards and supporters’ insistence on preserving the core of the bill.
House Passes 20-Week Abortion Ban
Championed by Arizona Rep. Trent Franks, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act is symbolic.
Talking With the Taliban
The talks open the possibility that by the time the U.S. formally ends its combat missions in 2014 there will at least be some “de-escalation” in the conflict.
Michele Bachmann, Voice of Reason on Surveillance?
Tea Party Heroine doesn’t share the libertarian view of NSA spying.
CBO: Senate Immigration Plan Reduces Deficit, Would Put 8 Million On Path To Legal Status
The CBO found that that the bill would decrease federal budget deficits by $197 billion over the 2014–2023 period and by an estimated $700 billion over the 2024–2033 period.
After Slow Start, Obama Administration Finds its Voice on Surveillance
After a stunned, fumbling response to Edward Snowden’s leaks, a clearer defense of NSA and FBI programs.
“If you didn’t get it done, then it’s your problem. And I accept that, that’s my job. So until I close Guantanamo Bay, they’re right, I haven't closed Guantanamo Bay.”
— President Barack Obama in an interview with Charlie Rose responding to the question of whether he is "Bush-Cheney Lite" for continuing many of the Bush administration's national security policies.
Morning Must Reads: June 18
In the news: Afghanistan troops, Guantanamo Bay detainees revealed, Obama’s slide, Putin, Syria, the farm bill, and Charlie Rose’s interview.
Your Tube: Bill to Protect TV Viewers’ Privacy
The “We Are Watching You Act” has been introduced in response to reports that companies are exploring technology that would record the activities of TV consumers.