Richard Lardner’s Recent Stories
Politics Jul 12
Millions from anonymous donors will help shape fight over Supreme Court nominee KavanaughWhile the groups' positions on Kavanaugh are clear, their sources of cash aren't.
Nation Apr 04
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg to testify before House oversight panel on April 11The panel's announcement comes as Facebook faces scrutiny over its data collection following allegations that the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica obtained data on tens of millions of Facebook users to try to influence elections.
Politics Mar 05
How the NRA flexes its political muscleThe NRA's deep pockets leave the impression it effectively purchases loyalty from lawmakers. But the NRA actually donates small amounts of money to candidates when compared to the large sums it spends on potent get-out-the-vote operations and ad campaigns.
Politics Feb 10
Lobbying expenses spiked as Congress shaped tax overhaulMoney spent on lobbying by corporations, trade associations and special interest groups spiked during the final three months of 2017.
Politics Jan 20
Signs of government shutdown spotty but symbolicSymbols of American promise became emblems of American dysfunction on Saturday when a dispute in Congress over spending and immigration forced scores of federal government agencies and outposts to close their doors.
Politics Dec 15
Return of ill GOP Sens. McCain, Cochran crucial next week for tax billThe presence of ailing Republican senators John McCain and Thad Cochran will be crucial early next week as the GOP tries to pass a sweeping $1.5 trillion tax package in the Senate.
Politics Dec 06
House passes GOP bill that would make it easier to carry concealed weapons across state linesThe measure would allow gun owners with a state-issued concealed-carry permit to carry a handgun in any state that allows concealed weapons. It now goes to the Senate.
Politics Dec 06
Do Trump’s anti-Muslim retweets put Americans at risk? House Democrats press Tillerson for an answerIn a letter sent Wednesday to Tillerson, the 20 members of the Foreign Affairs Committee said they are extremely troubled over Trump's retweets last week of inflammatory videos from a fringe British political group that purported to show violence being…
Politics Nov 14
House approves $700 billion defense billThe funding boost pays for more troops, jet fighters, ships and other weapons needed to halt an erosion of the military’s combat readiness, according to the bill’s backers.
Politics Oct 31
Modernizing America’s nuclear arsenal would cost $1.2 trillion, CBO saysThe costs will accumulate over the next 30 years as existing weapons now considered outdated are replaced, according to the budget office, which projected the expenses will crowd out conventional weapons programs unless the Pentagon's budget is increased substantially.