Brian Naylor

How A Merger Could Affect Congress' Favorite Airport

Brian Naylor — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:19:00 +0000

If the US Airways-American Airlines merger announced earlier this year is approved, the combined airline would control two-thirds of the takeoff and landing slots at Reagan National Airport, outside Washington, D.C.

The government could force the airline to give up some of those slots as a condition of the merger. But lawmakers warn that could have consequences for some small- and medium-sized cities. And, not coincidentally, it could affect flight plans for lawmakers themselves.

Reagan National Airport is just a short taxi ride away from Capitol Hill.

Many Bridges Are Unsafe, But Few Agree on Fixes

Brian Naylor — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:39:00 +0000

As you head out for summer vacation, ponder this: There's a 1 in 9 chance that the bridge you're crossing has been deemed structurally deficient or basically in bad shape by the federal government.

The collapse of the I-5 bridge in Washington last week has once again raised questions about the state of the nation's infrastructure. But there is no consensus on how to tackle the problem or how to pay for proposed solutions.

The I-5 bridge was not one of the nearly 67,000 bridges across the nation deemed structurally deficient.

Public Employee Unions Take Issue With Immigration Overhaul

Brian Naylor — Wed, 29 May 2013 20:46:00 +0000

A bill that would overhaul the nation's immigration laws is headed to the Senate floor early next month, where it will need all the friends it can get to pass. The measure would give the estimated 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally a path to citizenship, as well as tighten border protections.

The bill has split organized labor. Unions with workers likely to benefit from the proposed changes, including the farm workers' union, support the measure.

Nonconservative Groups Say IRS Scrutinized Them, Too

Brian Naylor — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:41:00 +0000

The IRS was in the hot seat Friday, with its outgoing acting commissioner testifying before a House committee. A Senate panel is scheduled for Tuesday. Congress is prodding to find out why the agency singled out conservative groups for special scrutiny.

Attention has focused on the IRS' flagging of these groups starting in 2010.

One Reason To Apply For Tax-Exempt Status: Anonymity

Brian Naylor — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:32:00 +0000

Revelations that the Internal Revenue Service targeted some conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status for extra scrutiny have put a spotlight on a part of the tax code increasingly popular with political groups: section 501(c)(4).

But what's the benefit for organizations to get approved for 501(c)(4) status?

The Mississippi Tea Party, a volunteer organization, first applied for tax-exempt status in 2010.

Push To End Teens' Distracted Driving Targets Parents, Peers

Brian Naylor — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:28:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JVspjqaFro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MJN7ncuIQo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI6MKwCADb8

Some Democrats Back Same-Sex Amendment To Immigration Bill

Brian Naylor — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:29:00 +0000

The immigration overhaul bill before the Senate would provide, among other things, more visas for migrant farm workers and high-tech workers, and a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.

One thing it would not provide is help for same-sex couples in which one partner is an American and one foreign-born. For heterosexual couples, a foreign-born spouse automatically qualifies for a green card and many of the benefits of citizenship.

Boston Response Praised, But Intelligence-Sharing Questioned

Brian Naylor — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:07:00 +0000

In the days since the Boston Marathon bombings, local law enforcement officials have been given high marks for their response to the attack and the coordination among numerous federal, state and local agencies involved.

But at the same time, questions are being raised about the coordination among federal agencies handling intelligence they had about the suspects in the months before the attack.

At a Senate hearing Tuesday, there was nothing but praise for the actions of the responders.

Boston Lockdown 'Extraordinary' But Prudent, Experts Say

Brian Naylor — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:03:00 +0000

Local officials have defended the decision to essentially lock down the city of Boston on Friday while law enforcement searched for a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing.

Residents were told to remain indoors during the hunt for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who survived an early morning shootout with police in the suburb of Watertown during which his brother, Tamerlan, was killed.

Massachusetts Gov.

Some States Hike Gas Tax; Va. Tries New Route To Fund Roads

Brian Naylor — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:34:00 +0000

It's no secret that many of the nation's roads are in pretty bad shape. In the latest report card from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the condition of America's highways rated a grade of D.

Congestion is a big problem, and so is upkeep. Most states rely on gas taxes to raise the money for repairs and new construction, but that funding source is not the stream it used to be, says James Corless of Transportation for America.

"Cars are getting more efficient, and people are actually driving less," Corless says.

FBI Building May Soon Be 'Put Out Of Its Misery'

Brian Naylor — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:29:00 +0000

The nation's capital has been undergoing something of a building boom. Dozens of construction cranes dot the Washington, D.C., skyline.

So it comes as no surprise that the federal government is hoping to take advantage of the real estate values and unload what's seen by many as an eyesore on Pennsylvania Avenue: the J.

'Unprecedented': Budget Cuts Could Hit Some Airports Towers

Brian Naylor — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:45:00 +0000

Control towers at many small and medium-sized airports around the country are set to shut down next month because of the across-the-board federal budget cuts. The towers have been operated under contract to the Federal Aviation Administration.

One of the airports affected is in Latrobe, Pa., southeast of Pittsburgh — the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, named after the golf great who grew up a well-placed drive from the runway.

Senate Mostly Blamed For Agency And Court Vacancies, But Obama Isn't Helping

Brian Naylor — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:34:00 +0000

Hear Brian Nayor, Julie Rovner, Yuki Noguchi and Carrie Johnson talk with Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep about the many federal entities operating without permanent leadership by clicking the audio link.

Some workers may dream about how productive they'd be without a boss. But for thousands of federal employees, being without a boss is a reality.

TSA Will Lift Ban Of Small Knives, Whiffle Ball Bats Aboard Planes

Brian Naylor — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:07:00 +0000

The TSA is whittling down the list of objects air travelers are forbidden to carry on board and says small pocket knives will soon be allowed on commercial flights.

But thats not all! According to the TSA, travelers will also be able to take on board golf clubs (a maximum of two), hockey sticks, and wiffle ball bats. Yes, wiffle ball bats.

One Place You May Notice The Sequester: At The Airport

Brian Naylor — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:02:00 +0000

Unless Congress acts, across-the-board spending cuts scheduled to take effect March 1 will be felt throughout the government. Some of the most visible effects will be noticed by air travelers.

Officials predict that cutbacks at the Federal Aviation Administration could lead to takeoff delays and fewer flights overall.

The FAA's work is done largely out of public view, in airport control towers and regional radar centers, in hangars and workshops.

Get A Social Security Check? Treasury Says It's Time To Go Electronic

Brian Naylor — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 07:59:00 +0000

Every month, the government sends out about 5 million checks to Americans who receive federal benefits. On March 1, the Treasury Department is making those paper checks a thing of the past.

Since May 2011, all new Social Security recipients are required to get direct deposit of their benefits.

Effects Automatic Spending Cuts Become Clearer

Brian Naylor — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:12:00 +0000

Transcript

RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:

This is MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:

And I'm Linda Wertheimer.

As we've been hearing, clock is ticking on the sequester. That is the Washington term for the across-the-board cuts that will take effect March 1, unless Congress acts to put them off.

The impact the $85 billion reduction in government programs could have became a bit clearer yesterday, as NPR's Brian Naylor reports.

BRIAN NAYLOR, BYLINE: Prepare for higher prices for meat, longer waits at the airport, and fewer kids in Head Start.

Rubio's Job: Play Second Fiddle To The President, And Don't Mess Up

Brian Naylor — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:23:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNQD0v0SLbs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly7oPRMcDrU

Banning Assault Weapons Now 'Much More Difficult' Than '94, Aides Say

Brian Naylor — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:25:00 +0000

President Obama's proposed renewal of a ban on assault-style weapons is expected to be based on the legislation approved by Congress in 1994 that expired 10 years later.

But when the first assault weapons ban was approved — outlawing 19 specific weapons — it was a very different time, and Congress was a very different place.

Democrats controlled both the House and Senate, and the nation's crime rate was a major concern.

In News Conference, Obama Calls For Raising Debt Ceiling

Brian Naylor — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:26:00 +0000

Transcript

DAVID GREENE, HOST:

I'm David Greene. We'll begin NPR's business news with a warning from President Obama.

(SOUNDBITE OF PRESS CONFERENCE)

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: The debt ceiling is not a question of authorizing more spending. Raising the debt ceiling does not authorize more spending. It simply allows the country to pay for spending that Congress has already committed to. These are bills that have already been racked up. And we need to pay them.

Gun Control Advocates Say ATF's Hands Have Been Tied

Brian Naylor — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 22:09:00 +0000

After the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., President Obama asked Vice President Biden to lead a group tasked with drafting policies to reduce gun violence.

Federal Government Prepares For Uncertain Landing After 'Fiscal Cliff'

Brian Naylor — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 21:23:00 +0000

With negotiations to avoid the "fiscal cliff" uncertain at best, the Obama administration is trying to tamp down anxiety in the federal workforce.

The administration's message to various federal agencies is that there will be little immediate effect on public employees from the budget cuts scheduled to take effect next week if a deal is not reached.

Democrats Slam NRA's Response To School Shooting

Brian Naylor — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 10:38:00 +0000

The nation's largest gun owners group had said little in the immediate aftermath of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

New TSA Standards: Carry On Small Snow Globes and Pies, Keep Checking Jam

Brian Naylor — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:23:00 +0000

The airline industry predicts some 42 million of us will be flying this holiday season, and that this weekend before Christmas will be one of the busiest periods.

For tips on how to get through what's expected to be some long security lines, we turn to the Transportation Security Administration's Lisa Farbstein.

FAA Pressured To Give E-Readers A Pass During Takeoff, Landing

Brian Naylor — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:23:00 +0000

As the holiday travel season approaches, the Federal Aviation Administration is under pressure to allow more widespread use of e-readers on commercial flights.

Passengers can now use devices such as Kindles, iPads and Nooks while in flight, but not during takeoffs and landings. The FAA says it is studying the matter, but the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and a U.S.

Farm Bill Becomes Fodder In 'Fiscal Cliff' Wrangling

Brian Naylor — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:32:00 +0000

Among the loose ends that lawmakers would like to tie up before the end of this lame-duck session is the farm bill, which is made up mostly of crop subsidies and food stamps.

The last farm bill expired in September. The Senate has passed a new one; the House has not. Farm-state lawmakers are urging leaders to include a farm bill as part of any budget deal to avert year-end tax increases and spending cuts.

But not everyone thinks that's a good idea.

Among those pushing for action on the farm bill is the Connecticut-based nonprofit Wholesome Wave.

South Carolina's Jim DeMint To Leave U.S. Senate

Brian Naylor — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:55:00 +0000

Republican Senator Jim DeMint announced Thursday that he is resigning his seat from South Carolina to become president of the right-leaning Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank. What will his departure mean for the Senate and for South Carolina?

White House To Seek Emergency Sandy Funds

Brian Naylor — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 22:52:00 +0000

Billions in damages and not enough in the bank account — that's where federal officials find themselves in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

The White House says it will send an emergency funding request to Capitol Hill this week — expected to be $50 billion to $60 billion. Top administrators told Congress on Wednesday that they want at least some of that money to go toward preventing the kind of devastation caused by Sandy and other recent storms.

The damage from what was dubbed Superstorm Sandy was enormous and widespread. Sen.

As FEMA's Sandy Cleanup Continues, Questions Arise About Long Term Help

Brian Naylor — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 22:29:00 +0000

Political leaders from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast have not been shy about their intent to seek as much federal funding as possible for their storm-struck states. Damages and lost economic activity as a result of Hurricane Sandy have been estimated as high as $50 billion.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., wants $30 billion in federal assistance to help rebuild his state. This request, and others, come at a time when Congress is already consumed with reducing the deficit.

Rep.

Lessons From Katrina Boost FEMA's Sandy Response

Brian Naylor — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 09:15:00 +0000

Following Superstorm Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has received good grades from politicians and even some survivors of the storm. In part, that's due to lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina seven years ago.

For Staten Island resident Deb Smith, whose house was flooded by the storm surge from Sandy, FEMA has been a savior.

"What a hell of an organization. I got on the phone with them yesterday, I got my claim number in already, the guy said he's going to call me in a couple of days," she says.