National security and immigration are at the forefront for this Sunday’s State of the Union. We’ll be following the new information coming out of House hearings about NSA surveillance programs and tracking the progress of immigration reform as it reaches a final vote. It’s the end of a long, hard-fought battle for the Senate Gang of Eight, and last minute compromises are being made to grab the needed votes. The Director of the NSA said on Tuesday that as many as 50 terrorist plots have been stopped by the surveillance programs that leaker Edward Snowden claims are invasions of privacy for Americans. Obama returns this weekend from Germany and departs next week for Africa, but Candy Crowley will be here in Washington on Sunday to talk about the nation’s news with lawmakers and a panel of experts.
We at State of the Union work really hard to put on the best Sunday morning talk show each week. We think through program topics, book guests, do research, pull together sound, write scripts, as well as attend to dozens of other tasks. Even with our busy work week, we never miss a chance to celebrate. Weddings, newborns, show anniversaries, intern sendoffs and birthdays are always feted with treats (usually cake).
A salute to Dad with a little help from some big names; including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Gen. Colin Powell, Liz Cheney, Gov. Jerry Brown, Ron Paul, Condoleezza Rice & many more.
All are from our online exclusive Getting to Know series.
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) says the only road to the White House for the GOP is by passing a pathway to citizenship.
Senate Foreign Relations Chair Robert Menenedez said Sunday "we need to tip the scales, not simply to nudge them" in Syria.
Rep. Mike Rogers (R) Michigan said Sunday that the NSA is not listening to calls without a court order/warrant.
The White House will boost support for rebel groups after Syria crossed a “red line” by using chemical weapons. Republicans want more decisive action. We’ll look at the game plan for U.S. involvement in Syria with two key decision makers: House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) and an exclusive interview with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez (D-NJ).
Then, our political panel on the remaining hurdles to immigration reform with Peter Baker of “The New York Times,” Nia-Malika Henderson of “The Washington Post,” Ray Suarez of PBS’ “The NewsHour” and A.B. Stoddard from “The Hill” newspaper.
Plus, an update on those elusive IRS transcripts we were promised.
Sunday 9a & 12p ET
Sen. McCain (R) Arizona said Sunday that lawmakers should have paid closer attention to what they voted for.
Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) is "unconvinced" data collection has stopped terror plots and wants an open debate about privacy.
Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), ranking member on the House Oversight Committee, calls for the full release of the IRS investigation transcripts and says if Chairman Darrell Issa won't release them, he will.