Politics NPR's expanded coverage of U.S. and world politics, the latest news from Congress and the White House and elections.

Tuesday

Erskine Bowles (left) and Alan Simpson head the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. David Gilkey/NPR hide caption

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David Gilkey/NPR

Moderator John Donvan addresses the team arguing against the motion "U.S. Airports Should Use Racial and Religious Profiling" in an Oxford-style debate on Nov. 22 at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Seated are (from left) Hassan Abbas, Debra Burlingame and Michael Chertoff. Chris Vultaggio hide caption

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Chris Vultaggio

House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio (center) looks on as President Obama talks to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland in this file photo. Tuesday's White House meeting offers a chance for two sides to move beyond heated campaign rhetoric. Charles Dharapak/AP hide caption

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Charles Dharapak/AP

President Obama walks at the White House with presidential debt commission co-chairs Erskine Bowles (left) and Alan Simpson. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption

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Alex Wong/Getty Images

Monday

Service members handcuffed themselves to the White House fence during an April protest for gay rights. The potential repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy barring openly gay troops from serving raises practical questions about housing and fairness for the Pentagon. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP hide caption

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Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP