To the Point
Can the Republican Congress Get Anything Done?
Despite promised action by Republicans when they won the Senate, gridlock continues on Capitol Hill. But it's not just partisanship as usual. Divisions within the GOP have slowed routine government business — and may delay enactment of the federal budget.
By Warren Olney • • 52m ListenDespite promised action by Republicans when they won the Senate, gridlock continues on Capitol Hill. But it's not just partisanship as usual. Divisions within the GOP have slowed routine government business — and may delay enactment of the federal budget.
Also, Israel has been spying on Iran nuclear negotiations, and as Yemen gets closer to civil war, US forces have withdrawn — leaving behind expensive equipment and a crucial intelligence network.
Photo: (L-R) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio (Speaker John Boehner)
In this episode
3 storiesIsrael Spied on Iran Nuclear Negotiations
Six-party talks on Iran's nuclear program have been happening behind closed doors but, since the beginning, Israel has been spying on the conversations — and feeding the information to members of Congress to sour them on the deal. That's according to an exclusive report in today's Wall Street Journal . The reporter is Adam Entous in Jerusalem.
Read the story6 minCan the Republican Congress Get Anything Done?
Winning the Senate put Republicans in charge of both houses of Congress, and leaders promised an end to gridlock. But the major accomplishment so far -- Keystone XL Pipeline approval — was vetoed and homeland security funding barely passed.
Read the story33 minUS Forces Leaving Yemen and the Opportunity to Gather Intelligence
The government of Yemen is still fighting with Shiite militias backed by Iran. Civil war is all but inevitable. That's led to the closing of the US Embassy and the withdrawal of American Special Forces. Seán Naylor, who reports on intelligence and counter-terrorism for Foreign Policy magazine, has more on what Americans have left behind.
Read the story10 min
