To the Point
Benghazi, the IRS and the Business of Government
House Republicans are investigating American deaths in Benghazi again. Is it all about politics? Will Congress manage to address other issues before midterm elections?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenHouse Republicans are investigating the deaths of Americans in Benghazi all over again. Is it all about politics? Will there be any time left for Congress to address the economy, immigration reform and other issues until this year's elections are over? Also, pro-Russian Eastern Ukraine separatists declare independence. On today's Talking Point, will the Pentagon lift the ban on transgender soldiers?
Banner image: Earlier today, Speaker Boehner (R) met with South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy (L), who is to serve as chairman of the select committee to investigate the events surrounding the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, May 7, 2014. Official Photo by Heather Reed
In this episode
3 storiesPro-Russian Eastern Ukraine Separatists Declare Independence
Yesterday's referendum in two provinces of eastern Ukraine was chaotic and sometimes violent. Voters were asked one question about self rule. Today — just two hours after ballots were counted — the self-proclaimed People's Republic of Donetsk asked to join Russia. Andrew Kramer is in Donetsk for the New York Times .
Read the story8 minBenghazi, the IRS and the Business of Government
Did the Obama White House cover up the real reason four Americans were killed in Benghazi in September, 2012? Did an IRS official conduct a political witch hunt? During 13 hearings by four committees over the past year, Congress has accumulated 25,000 pages of documents and testimony.
Read the story34 minTransgender Americans Still Barred from Military
Earlier this year, an independent commission led by a former US surgeon general said there "is not a compelling medical reason for US armed forces to prohibit transgender Americans from serving. Yesterday, on ABC's This Week, Defense Secretary Hagel said he's "open" to reassessing the transgender ban.
Read the story9 min
