Politics Afternoon Edition: Rand Paul begins talking filibuster against John Brennan; House takes first step to avoid government shutdown

Politics Afternoon Edition from The Washington Post

Politics moves fast. Here's a quick afternoon update on the top stories in the world of politics.

View on the Web.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

HEADLINES

Rand Paul begins talking filibuster against John Brennan

Kentucky senator becomes the first in more than two years to hold the Senate floor for an extended period of time.
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House takes first step to avoid government shutdown

Washington is turning its attention to a debate over deficit reduction, forgoing a new fiscal crisis.
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THE FEDERAL EYE: Customs and Border Protection to issue furlough notices Thursday

The agency plans to furlough all employees for up to 14 days, according to internal communications.
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Paul Ryan gets a call from Obama

Add Paul Ryan to the list of targets for President Obama's charm offensive.
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IN THE LOOP: Give boozy negotiations a shot?

A U.S. rep at the United Nations complains about drinking during budget talks... but could imbibing help the deadlocked Congress?
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QUOTE OF THE DAY

Ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (Iowa) filibustering the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, with claims of judicial activism:

"As we all know, judges who sit on the D.C. Circuit are frequently considered for the Supreme Court. So there is a lot at stake with nominations to this court. This is a court where we can least afford to confirm an activist judge"

MULTIMEDIA

Video: What is a continuing resolution?

It's been years since a federal budget was passed. The government has been operating on a series of short-term plans called "continuing resolutions." What are those? Congressional reporter Ed O'Keefe explains.