NPR News Now: February 12, 2025, 9 AM EST

Released on February 12, 2025

1. Congressional Republicans Push for President Trump's Agenda

Overview: Congressional Republicans are actively working to advance President Trump's key policy priorities, focusing primarily on enhancing security along the U.S. southern border and extending existing tax cuts. However, internal disagreements between the House and Senate GOP members are shaping the legislative approach.

Key Points:

• Senate's Strategy: The Senate Budget Committee is reviewing a plan allocating $175 billion to the southern border and $150 billion for new military expenditures. Senate Republicans aim to pass this package through the reconciliation process, which requires only a simple majority, thereby avoiding a potential Democratic filibuster.

• House vs. Senate Approaches: While the Senate seeks to address border security and military spending first, deferring tax cuts to a later date, House Republicans prefer consolidating all agenda items into a single bill. House leaders argue that segregating the tax component might lead to its jeopardization.

Notable Quote:

"GOP senators think one bill won't move through quickly enough, but House Republican leaders favor a one bill approach," explains NPR's Barbara Sprunt. (00:34)

2. Accusations Against FBI Director Nominee Cash Patel

Overview: A significant controversy has emerged surrounding President Trump's nominee for FBI Director, Cash Patel. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin has leveled serious accusations against Patel, alleging misconduct that could jeopardize the nominee's confirmation.

Key Points:

• Allegations: Durbin accuses Patel of orchestrating a purge of senior FBI officials prior to his confirmation, contradicting Patel’s sworn statement during his confirmation hearing where he denied any knowledge of such plans.

• Potential Consequences: If the allegations are verified, Patel could face charges of perjury. Durbin has requested the Justice Department's inspector general to initiate an investigation into these claims.

Notable Quotes:

"Multiple whistleblowers have disclosed to my staff highly credible information indicating that Mr. Cash Patel has been personally directing the ongoing purge of senior law enforcement officials at the FBI," stated Senator Dick Durbin on the Senate floor. (01:32)

"If the allegations are true, then Patel may have committed perjury," Durbin emphasized. (01:53)

3. NIH Funding Cuts Temporarily Blocked by Federal Judge

Overview: President Trump's administration faces a setback as a federal judge has temporarily halted efforts to reduce funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The proposed policy aimed to cap NIH expenditures on certain medical research costs, potentially resulting in significant financial losses for research institutions.

Key Points:

• Impact on Universities: Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of Science, highlights that major universities might need to secure an additional $150 to $200 million annually to compensate for the reduced federal funding. This financial strain could force institutions to cut programs or compromise on research administration.

• Future Implications: The blockage of funding cuts preserves the current financial stability of research institutions, allowing them to continue their work without immediate fiscal constraints imposed by the administration.

Notable Quote:

"A lot of the larger ones would have to find 150, even $200 million every year to replace the money that they're getting from the federal government," explained Holden Thorp. (02:40)

4. Inflation Remains Persistent, Influencing Federal Reserve Decisions

Overview: Recent economic data indicates that consumer prices rose by 3% in January compared to the previous year, surpassing economists' expectations. This persistent inflation trend is likely to impact the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy decisions regarding interest rates.

Key Points:

• Inflation Data: The reported 3% increase in consumer prices suggests that inflation remains stubborn, posing challenges to economic stability and purchasing power.

• Federal Reserve's Dilemma: With inflation higher than anticipated, Federal Reserve policymakers may lean towards maintaining current interest rates to prevent exacerbating the inflationary pressures, rather than opting for rate cuts.

Notable Quote:

"The data show inflation is stubborn. That may influence Federal Reserve policymakers to hold interest rates where they are rather than cut them," Barbara Sprunt reports. (03:08)

5. Flood Watches Issued for Southern California Amid Heavy Rains

Overview: The National Weather Service has issued flood watches across much of Southern California due to forecasts of heavy rainfall from a series of storms. The situation is further complicated by recent wildfires, increasing the risk of debris flows and mudslides.

Key Points:

• Rainfall Projections: Forecasters predict up to 6 inches of rain in mountain areas, with a 50-70% chance of debris flows occurring, especially in regions previously affected by wildfires.

• City Preparedness: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the heightened state of alert among city departments. Residents are proactively placing sandbags in vulnerable locations to mitigate potential flood damage.

• Vulnerable Areas: The foothills in Altadena, which were left barren by recent fires, are particularly susceptible to debris flows, posing significant risks to canyon roads and surrounding communities.

Notable Quotes:

"The National Weather Service forecasts some of the heaviest downpours will come on Thursday and Friday," Mayor Karen Bass warned. (03:52)

"Residents are taking action ahead of time, placing sandbags in potentially dangerous spots," Steve Futterman reports from Los Angeles. (04:07)

6. Senate to Vote on President Trump's Director of National Intelligence Nominee

Overview: The Senate is set to cast a confirmation vote for President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Despite receiving substantial support from Republican members, Democrats have raised concerns regarding her qualifications for the role.

Key Points:

• Support and Opposition: Tulsi Gabbard has garnered significant backing from GOP senators, facilitating her path to confirmation. However, Democratic senators argue that she lacks the necessary expertise to effectively lead the U.S. intelligence community.

• Potential Impact: The confirmation of Gabbard could influence the direction and priorities of the National Intelligence Director's office, shaping intelligence policies and operations.

Notable Quote:

"The Senate is expected to hold a confirmation vote today for President Trump's choice to be director of National Intelligence," Barbara Sprunt reports. (04:35)

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode covers a spectrum of critical issues ranging from legislative maneuvers in Congress to high-stakes confirmations and pressing economic indicators. The developments in border security funding, the controversy surrounding the FBI Director nominee, the temporary halt on NIH funding cuts, persistent inflation concerns, severe weather warnings in Southern California, and the Senate's impending vote on the Director of National Intelligence nominee collectively underscore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of current U.S. affairs.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the podcast have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the informative content discussed.