Inside Politics Archive: June 2013
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Sen. Rand Paul slams government phone spying
Sen. Rand Paul said that it is "an astounding assault on the Constitution" for the National Security Agency to secretly collect telephone records from millions of Verizon customers. Published June 6 2013
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Patriot Act author says Verizon snooping violates the law
The congressman who wrote the Patriot Act said he never intended for the snooping law to be used to grab millions of records in a government fishing expedition like the secret court-approved Verizon phone-records search revealed in news reports this week. Published June 6 2013
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Sen. Jeff Flake: Other phone companies probably aid feds on snooping
Responding to the news that the National Security Agency is collecting the telephone records of millions of Verizon customers, Sen. Jeff Flake said Thursday that he assumes the intelligence agency also is gathering information from "all the other carriers as well." Published June 6 2013
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Dem. challenger hits Christie over election call
The Democrat running against New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in November said Wednesday that the Republican's decision to hold a special U.S. Senate election just weeks before their Election Day showdown smacks of politics. Published June 5 2013
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With Facebook hire, RNC hopes to put tech woes behind it
The Republican National Committee is taking steps to rebound from its troubled relationship with technology by hiring as chief technology officer a former Facebook and Google employee. Andy Barkett will head the party's data and digital departments in that role, it announced Tuesday. Published June 5 2013
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House broadens probe of HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' 'Obamacare' fundraising
A Republican-led House panel has expanded its investigation into reports that Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called members of the health care industry to suggest they donate money to a nonprofit group that is promoting President Obama's health care law. Published June 5 2013
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Five years later, Obama gets Brandenberg date
Five years after being denied the chance to speak at Germany's famous Brandenburg Gate, President Obama will deliver a speech at the site where other U.S. presidents have made history. Published June 5 2013
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White House: Michelle Obama responded to LGBT heckler 'brilliantly'
A day after First Lady Michelle Obama confronted a gay-rights heckler at a fundraiser, the White House said she handled the situation "brilliantly." Published June 5 2013
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Plurality supports targeted killings of U.S.-born terrorists living outside the country: poll
More people support than oppose the targeting and killing of Americans living in other countries who are suspected members of terrorist groups. Published June 5 2013
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Controversies raise doubts about Obama administration, but president's approval rate steady: poll
President Obama's approval rating has remained steady, but the recent dust-ups over the Internal Revenue Service, the attack in Benghazi and the Justice Department's targeting of journalists has raised doubts about the administration, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll. Published June 5 2013
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Big bill to fix U.S. drinking water woes: Report
Roads and bridges aren't the only parts of the nation's infrastructure in desperate need of repair. Published June 4 2013
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Obama takes action against patent-holding firms behaving like 'trolls'
President Obama Tuesday took several actions to protect patent holders from "frivolous" litigation and to spur innovation, the White House said. Published June 4 2013
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Sebelius urged to waive donor rule for terminally ill 10-year-old girl
Republican lawmakers urged President Obama's top health official on Tuesday to intercede on behalf of a 10-year-old Pennsylvania girl in desperate need of a lung transplant. Published June 4 2013
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GOP revives Obama's Christmas tree tax
The Heritage Foundation reports that the Republican-controlled House has revived President Obama's proposed Christmas Tree Tax — a 15 cent fee on every freshly cut Christmas tree. Published June 4 2013
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Sen. Marco Rubio: Time for A.G. Eric Holder to step aside
Sen. Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Attorney General Eric Holder should resign. Published June 4 2013
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Mayors target Ayotte with anti-gun ad
The group Mayors Against Illegal Guns is running another ad against Sen. Kelly Ayotte, disputing the New Hampshire Republican's claim that she voted to strengthen background checks for gun purchasers. Published June 4 2013
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Dems' education bill leaves 'No Child' behind
The "No Child Left Behind" education law is still on the books in more than a dozen states, but legislation unveiled by Senate Democrats on Tuesday would eliminate the decade-old law and replace it with state-designed accountability systems. Published June 4 2013
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Sen. John McCain again calls for intervention in Syrian conflict
Sen. John McCain said Monday that the United States should establish a no-fly zone over Syria and support rebel groups with cruise missile strikes. Published June 3 2013
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Biden cracks humorous in recounting his brain operation
During a discussion of mental illness and the human brain at the White House Monday, Vice President Joseph R. Biden wandered off into a tale of his first brain operation, in 1988 for a leaking aneurysm. Published June 3 2013
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IRS spent $50 million on conferences: report
The inspector general for the Treasury Department is set this week to release a report that says the Internal Revenue Service spent $50 million on conferences for employees between 2010 and 2012. Published June 3 2013
