by Elena Schneider | Jan 12, 2011 | Politics
One year after a catastrophic earthquake devastated Haiti, Gail McGovern, the head of the American Red Cross, defended the pace of the organization’s donation distribution, arguing the group was making a long-term investment in the country. “We resisted the urge to...
by Peter Larson | Jan 12, 2011 | National Security, Politics
WASHINGTON — The nation’s top military officer said Wednesday the growth and development of Afghan national security forces is progressing more quickly and the result is a much-weakened Taliban. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen told reporters at...
by Roshan Nebhrajani | Jan 12, 2011 | Politics
WASHINGTON — Senate Sergeant of Arms Terrance Gainer hosted a security briefing in the Dirksen Senate Office for lawmakers Wednesday. The briefing was also broadcast to 454 police offices. The briefing was intended to “calm the fears” in the wake of weekend...
by Alanna Autler | Jan 12, 2011 | Politics
George Washington University student groups came together on Wednesday to stand by Haiti.
by Elisa Santana | Jan 12, 2011 | Business, Politics
WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner previewed the administration’s position on U.S./China economic relations leading into Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to Washington next week. Geithner, speaking on Wednesday at his alma mater, Johns...
by Alanna Autler | Jan 11, 2011 | Politics
Accused gunman Jared Lee Loughner faces five criminal charges after he allegedly shot dead six people and injured 14 in Saturday’s Tucson rampage. But the 22-year-old will not face charges on at least one count: law enforcement officials say Loughner legally obtained...
by Alex Campbell | Jan 11, 2011 | Politics
WASHINGTON — The House chamber was nearly empty. Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, led the floor in a prayer and a pledge of allegiance, and heard from two members of Congress with procedural questions. With that, the House adjourned – four minutes after the session...
by Roshan Nebhrajani | Jan 11, 2011 | Politics
While on Capitol Hill, layers of security protect members of Congress. Metal detectors and X-ray machines line building entrances. In-office panic buttons provide quick access to authority. Nearly 1,800 U.S. Capitol Police officers attentively guard the perimeter. But...
by Peter Larson | Jan 5, 2011 | Politics
WASHINGTON — Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio., was elected speaker of the House of Representatives as the 112th Congress convened for the first time Wednesday, returning divided government to the nation’s capital after a two year interlude. A cheer went up from...
by Nina Lincoff | Jan 5, 2011 | Politics
WASHINGTON—Vice President Joe Biden, in his role as president of the Senate, has now sworn in 50 senators, 16 of them entering their freshmen term, at the official ceremony that started shortly after noon on Wednesday. But just down the hall in the Old Senate Chamber,...
by Lauren Schwartzberg | Jan 5, 2011 | Politics
Story by Lauren Schwartzberg and Roshan Nebhrajani Business meetings, banquets and bedtime. The offices of some congressmen host all three. By 4 p.m. Wednesday, all new and re-elected members of the 112th Congress will be sworn in. Members of Congress are required to...
by Olivia Marcus & Tal Axelrod | Jan 5, 2011 | Politics
WASHINGTON—Nancy Pelosi handed over the speaker’s gavel to John Boehner Wednesday and assumed her role as the top Democrat in the House, but not without competition inside her own party. While the 241 votes in favor of Boehner were expected due to the new...