Philip Ewing

"Yesterday, in my view, was one of the darkest days in the history of our nation," President-elect Joe Biden said Thursday.

NPR Headlines

Biden Says Capitol Attack Was 'Culmination' Of Trump's Assaults On Democracy

Brian Naylor, Philip Ewing

The president-elect made the remarks before introducing his choice for U.S. attorney general, Judge Merrick Garland.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will lead a tighter majority this congressional session after the Democrats lost seats in the November election.

National headlines

Pelosi Is Narrowly Reelected Speaker

Philip Ewing

The long-serving Democratic House leader begins another term as the Capitol waits to see what kind of political dynamic will prevail in a new Congress and with a new administration.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., at the Capitol on Wednesday. The Senate voted Friday to override President Trump's veto on the annual defense bill.

National headlines

Congress Overturns Trump Veto On Defense Bill After Political Detour

Philip Ewing

Senate Republicans rejected their own president's veto on New Year's Day, and the National Defense Authorization Act is set to take effect despite President Trump and a feud over relief payments.

Jake Sullivan is President-elect Joe Biden's incoming national security adviser.

National headlines

Biden's National Security Adviser: Pentagon Hasn't Granted Meetings Since Dec. 18

Philip Ewing

Jake Sullivan tells NPR in an exclusive interview that the transition isn't getting what it needs from the outgoing Trump administration to take power properly next month.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has blocked an attempt to have senators vote on increasing direct coronavirus relief payments.

National headlines

Outlook Unclear For $2,000 COVID-19 Relief Payments As Action Shifts To Senate

Philip Ewing

Senate Democrats excoriated majority Republicans and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday, but the road ahead remains uncertain for more in direct disbursements from the government.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, pictured on Dec. 10, led her chamber in a vote to override President Trump's veto of the annual defense bill on Monday.

National headlines

House Rejects Trump's Defense Bill Veto In Highly Unusual Vote

Philip Ewing

Members of Congress voted to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act, which had passed overwhelmingly in both parties. The Senate's next moves are unclear.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Capitol Hill last month. The House voted Monday to increase direct payments to Americans above what is provided in the COVID-19 relief legislation President Trump signed on Sunday.

National headlines

House Endorses Trump-Backed $2,000 Payments Amid Feud Within GOP

Philip Ewing

Democrats sought to make a point about their desire to provide more money for Americans than congressional Republicans — picking up an attack line from none other than President Trump.