Congress, Politics, Books
and American History

Energy Secretary Steven Chu testified today before the Senate Appropriations Committee on his Department’s budget, which contains billions in programs to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, like oil and coal. They will also look at clean energy in the United States.

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A Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee holds a hearing on the shortage of foreign language speakers in the federal government. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) chairs the hearing. 

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Justice John Paul Stevens retired in 2010 after serving 35 years on the nation's highest court. Today, he addressed the annual meeting of the American Law Institute.

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The Small Business Administration hosted a conference focusing on the impact made by small business owners and American entrepreneurs.

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Our daily Live program provides a forum for leading journalists and public policy makers to discuss key events, and legislation.

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More than 60 leaders of countries and organizations that work with NATO travelled to Chicago for a summit, which focuses heavily on military, humanitarian and financial aid in Afghanistan. President Obama delivered remarks Sunday at the opening plenary session.

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From the Milwaukee meeting of the Organization of American Historians, Columbia University history professor Eric Foner and University of Iowa history professor Linda Kerber discuss the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the "birthright citizenship" provision.  The historians argue that birthright citizenship dramatically changed American history for the better, and that the provision is unique to the United States. Professor Kerber also discusses women's citizenship in U.S. History.

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Time Magazine Editor-at-Large David Von Drehle talks about 1862 and the 37th U.S. Congress.  While the Civil War was being fought, the 37th Congress passed the Homestead Act, the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act, the Pacific Railway Act, the Revenue Acts, and established the U.S. Agriculture Department. The University of Nebraska in Lincoln hosted this event.

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Why do we study first ladies? That was the question posed -- and answered -- at a conference titled, "America's First Ladies: An Enduring Vision." The conference was the second of three planned at presidential libraries in Texas, and was convened at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. ABC News correspondent Cokie Roberts moderates a panel considering the role and influence of first ladies throughout our history.

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We tour the restored 1892 mansion of Captain Frederick Pabst in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The sea captain not only founded the world famous Pabst Brewery, he was a philanthropist and real estate developer and had a great influence on the growth of this Midwestern city on Lake Michigan. Historian John Eastberg shows us examples of craftsmanship, original furnishings and art which teach us about Pabst’s German heritage, Milwaukee’s history, and America’s Gilded Age.

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