Radio America Online News Bureau

All week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has been moving closer and closer to approving the so-called ‘cap and trade’ bill, which is designed to move this country towards a future of renewable energy.  But critics say it’s just a huge tax on the American people.  So where does this legislation stand?  What would it actually do?  Would the new ‘green jobs’ outnumber the amount of manufacturing jobs lost because of this plan?  And what has really happened in countries that have tried this same approach?  We ask Phil Kerpen of Americans for Prosperity.

Standard Podcast [ 5:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Who got the better of whom in Thursday’s national security speeches from President Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney?  Has Obama won Congress over to his plan to shut Guantanamo Bay?  What was accomplished at this week’s meeting between Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?  How much trouble is California facing after voters soundly reject tax hikes and other measures designed to build revenues?  When can we expect a Supreme Court nominee from Obama?  We ask John Gizzi of Human Events, and discover how long his 15 minutes of fame are really lasting.

Standard Podcast [ 7:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Thursday, President Obama delivered a sharply worded address defending his national security approach and slamming the tactics of the Bush administration – including enhanced interrogation techniques and the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.  So is Obama right to insist that Guantanamo close in January of next year as planned?  Is he right that it’s OK to imprison detainees right here in the U.S.?  How about his contention that the Bush administration alienated the world and actually bred more radicals bent on killing Americans and other westerners?  Will Obama’s speech convince Congress to pay for the closure of Gitmo?  And what are constituents across America telling their elected representatives about the possibility of terrorists being held in their communities?  We ask Oklahoma Rep. Mary Fallin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Standard Podcast [ 10:48 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We have Wednesday’s top news…What message did the U.S. Senate send President Obama about his Guantanamo Bay policy?  What did Iran do to raise even more concerns about its nuclear program and its intentions towards Israel?  Which Middle Eastern country is getting the Obama blessing for a civilian nuclear program?  What changes does Obama have in store for Chrysler, GMAC and the SEC?  How did the House vote on credit card reform legislation?  What happened on Wall Street Wednesday?  We have the answers as we bring you the biggest stories for Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

Standard Podcast [ 5:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Wednesday, Congressional Republicans outlined their version of health care reform.  So how is it different?  How will they provide access to care for everyone without spending more money?  What is the basic philosophical difference between the two parties?  We ask California Rep. Devin Nunes, and get his reaction to California voters soundly rejecting tax increases and other gimmicks proposed to cut the massive deficit facing the state.

Standard Podcast [ 10:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Earlier this week, President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House to discuss the Iranian nuclear threat and the effort to restart the Middle East peace process.  But they disagree on which priority ought to be highest.  Which issue needs to be dealt with first?  How soon could Iran be ready to launch a nuclear weapon?  Are today’s missile tests a sign that Iran is in the final stages of its preparations?  Why are other Arab states siding with Israel on the threat of Iranian nukes?  How tough and how specific does Obama need to get with Iran?  We ask James Robbins, senior editorial page editor at The Washington Times.

Standard Podcast [ 8:17 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Why are House Democrats fast-tracking a massive energy bill to passage before Americans even know what’s in it?  How much will your energy taxes go up?  How about the price at the pump?  How about everything you buy?  And why are the CEOs of some major energy firms like GE and Conoco Phillips jumping on board a plan that could cripple them? We ask Tom Borelli, senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research.

Standard Podcast [ 5:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Wednesday, the Senate joined the House of Representatives in refusing to fund the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center because President Obama has not submitted a concrete plan on what to do with the remaining detainees.  So what will Obama likely do?  Will he provide details and stay on schedule?  Will he have to keep it open because no members of Congress want suspected terrorists in their neighborhoods?  What would happen if the detainees were brought to the U.S.?  We ask retired U.S. Air Force General Tom McInerney.

Standard Podcast [ 6:44 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On Tuesday, California voters went to the polls and were expected to roundly defeat a ballot proposal asking the people to impose a $16 billion tax hike on themselves.  Why is the public fed up with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democrats in control of the state legislature?  What will be the strategy if the ballot measures do fail?  Where did the once fiscally hawkish Schwarzenegger go wrong?  We ask longtime political analyst and strategist Carol Liebau.  We also get her reaction to Tuesday’s speech by Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele, who vowed to fight the policies of President Obama and rebuild the party on core conservative values.

Standard Podcast [ 5:50 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

What is the impact of President Obama ordering all cars and light trucks made in this country to get 35 mpg by 2016?  Why will that mean higher costs for consumers?  Why are the auto companies cheering this huge increase in their own costs?  Why could this trend get a whole lot worse in the ‘cap and trade’ legislation?  We ask Tom Pyle, president of the Institute for Energy Research.

Standard Podcast [ 7:18 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download