National News:
Tuesday, April 23, 2010
Associated Press
Associated Press
Virginia, other states sue federal government over health overhaul
States file suit to stop healthcare delivery
States file suit to stop healthcare delivery
Monday, April 05, 2010
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Rural School Districts Eligible for Federal i3 Grant Application Assistance
Rural School Districts Get Help to Apply for Special Federal Assistance - W.K. Kellogg Foundation sponsors help
Rural School Districts Get Help to Apply for Special Federal Assistance - W.K. Kellogg Foundation sponsors help
Sunday, April 04, 2010
DesMoines Register, DesMoines, IA
DesMoines Register, DesMoines, IA
Rural counties may be surprised
Impact of 2010 Census on Rural America
Impact of 2010 Census on Rural America
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Associated Press
Associated Press
It's the law of the land: Health overhaul signed
Senate Healthcare Bill passes House of Representatives; signed by President Obama
Senate Healthcare Bill passes House of Representatives; signed by President Obama
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Coast guard crews got an early look at the Haiti quake devastation
Some of the first Americans dispatched to Haiti left Florida at 3 a.m. Wednesday with a simple mission: Tell the world how bad it is there.
Coast Guard Lt. Comm. Elizabeth Fielder piloted a C-130 and her seven-member crew three hours south. While another C-130 crew headed to northern Haiti to assess the situation there, her crew headed south toward Port-au-Prince to radio back its observations to Coast Guard operations in Miami.
The first thing she remembers seeing is the presidential palace, pancaked by the force of the quake.
Some of the first Americans dispatched to Haiti left Florida at 3 a.m. Wednesday with a simple mission: Tell the world how bad it is there.
Coast Guard Lt. Comm. Elizabeth Fielder piloted a C-130 and her seven-member crew three hours south. While another C-130 crew headed to northern Haiti to assess the situation there, her crew headed south toward Port-au-Prince to radio back its observations to Coast Guard operations in Miami.
The first thing she remembers seeing is the presidential palace, pancaked by the force of the quake.
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Star Tribune
The Star Tribune
Coleman says he's not going to run for governor
Norm Coleman said no. The former U.S. senator, whose political power loomed large over the Minnesota governor's race, announced late Sunday that he wouldn't run for governor this year.
"This is not the right time for me and my family to conduct a campaign for Governor," he said in a Facebook post. "The timing on this race is both a bit too soon and a bit too late."
Norm Coleman said no. The former U.S. senator, whose political power loomed large over the Minnesota governor's race, announced late Sunday that he wouldn't run for governor this year.
"This is not the right time for me and my family to conduct a campaign for Governor," he said in a Facebook post. "The timing on this race is both a bit too soon and a bit too late."
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Hill
The Hill
Thorny votes await lawmakers this week
The national debt, healthcare and the dispute over who can make airline travel safe from terrorists will dominate a contentious week in the Senate.
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will seek to cut off debate on the stalled nomination of Erroll Southers to head the Transportation Safety Adminstration (TSA).
The national debt, healthcare and the dispute over who can make airline travel safe from terrorists will dominate a contentious week in the Senate.
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will seek to cut off debate on the stalled nomination of Erroll Southers to head the Transportation Safety Adminstration (TSA).
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Public option at center of debate
Democrats had little time to savor their weekend Senate health-care victory, as two of the lawmakers who voted to move the debate forward Saturday night indicated Sunday that they will not vote to pass the package if it includes a government-run insurance program.
Democrats had little time to savor their weekend Senate health-care victory, as two of the lawmakers who voted to move the debate forward Saturday night indicated Sunday that they will not vote to pass the package if it includes a government-run insurance program.
Monday, November 23, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Mammogram recommendation becoming pink-ribbon issue
Breast cancer campaigns have helped raise awareness about breast cancer, as well as money for research. But all those pink ribbons have given women an inflated fear of the disease – and unrealistic expectations about the benefits of mammograms, says Lisa Schwartz, a doctor at the Veterans Affairs Outcomes Group in White River Junction, Vt.
That mixture of fear and faith has helped fuel the backlash against new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, says Fran Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. The independent panel suggested last week that doctors stop routinely performing mammograms on most women under 50 and instead let women make up their own minds about the risks and benefits of the screening tests.
Breast cancer campaigns have helped raise awareness about breast cancer, as well as money for research. But all those pink ribbons have given women an inflated fear of the disease – and unrealistic expectations about the benefits of mammograms, says Lisa Schwartz, a doctor at the Veterans Affairs Outcomes Group in White River Junction, Vt.
That mixture of fear and faith has helped fuel the backlash against new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, says Fran Visco, president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. The independent panel suggested last week that doctors stop routinely performing mammograms on most women under 50 and instead let women make up their own minds about the risks and benefits of the screening tests.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
RNC, DNC Spent More Than $30 Million In October
The Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee combined to spend $30 million in October, the last full month before some key off-year elections on Nov. 3.
According to campaign finance reports filed Friday, the RNC spent $16.7 million last month. It transferred $2.5 million to its state affiliate in Virginia, where Bob McDonnell (R) decisively won the gubernatorial election, Republicans also won races for lieutenant governor and attorney general and also increased their majority in the state House of Delegates.
The Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee combined to spend $30 million in October, the last full month before some key off-year elections on Nov. 3.
According to campaign finance reports filed Friday, the RNC spent $16.7 million last month. It transferred $2.5 million to its state affiliate in Virginia, where Bob McDonnell (R) decisively won the gubernatorial election, Republicans also won races for lieutenant governor and attorney general and also increased their majority in the state House of Delegates.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
U.S., China may come to talks with emission-reduction goals
Buried in the text of Tuesday's joint declaration between President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao was a hopeful clause about climate talks: The Obama administration is likely to offer emission-reduction targets at next month's climate summit, as long as the Chinese offer a proposal of their own.
Buried in the text of Tuesday's joint declaration between President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao was a hopeful clause about climate talks: The Obama administration is likely to offer emission-reduction targets at next month's climate summit, as long as the Chinese offer a proposal of their own.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Hispanic Growth and the 2010 Reapportionment
The 2010 census will confirm continued robust population growth among Hispanics, who hope to translate their status as the nation's largest minority group into more political power.
"The Latino electorate has been consistently increasing both their total number of voters as well as their share of the electorate," Andres Ramirez, senior vice president and director of Hispanic programs at the center-left think tank NDN, said at a briefing Tuesday in Washington.
The 2010 census will confirm continued robust population growth among Hispanics, who hope to translate their status as the nation's largest minority group into more political power.
"The Latino electorate has been consistently increasing both their total number of voters as well as their share of the electorate," Andres Ramirez, senior vice president and director of Hispanic programs at the center-left think tank NDN, said at a briefing Tuesday in Washington.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Americans Trust Democrats More Than GOP On Health Care
If Congress were to vote faithfully today with public opinion on proposals to overhaul the nation's health care system, there's a chance that nobody would win, according to a poll for The Washington Post and ABC News taken Nov. 12-15.
While a 56 percent to 42 percent majority approve of the way President Obama is handling his job, 47 percent approve of his handling of the health care issue, and 49 percent disapprove, according to The Post-ABC poll.
If Congress were to vote faithfully today with public opinion on proposals to overhaul the nation's health care system, there's a chance that nobody would win, according to a poll for The Washington Post and ABC News taken Nov. 12-15.
While a 56 percent to 42 percent majority approve of the way President Obama is handling his job, 47 percent approve of his handling of the health care issue, and 49 percent disapprove, according to The Post-ABC poll.
Monday, November 16, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Drug Makers Raise Prices in Face of Health Care Reform
Even as drug makers promise to support Washington’s health care overhaul by shaving $8 billion a year off the nation’s drug costs after the legislation takes effect, the industry has been raising its prices at the fastest rate in years.
Even as drug makers promise to support Washington’s health care overhaul by shaving $8 billion a year off the nation’s drug costs after the legislation takes effect, the industry has been raising its prices at the fastest rate in years.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Virginia Freshmen Diverge on Path to Re-Election
Freshman Reps. Glenn Nye and Tom Perriello share some similarities in their background and how they came to Congress.
The Virginia Democrats were elected last year, wielding impressive credentials in international policy but little background in local politics. Both unseated Republican incumbents in districts that traditionally have leaned toward the GOP.
Freshman Reps. Glenn Nye and Tom Perriello share some similarities in their background and how they came to Congress.
The Virginia Democrats were elected last year, wielding impressive credentials in international policy but little background in local politics. Both unseated Republican incumbents in districts that traditionally have leaned toward the GOP.
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Taxpayers on hook as some bailed-out firms prove frail
NEW YORK -- A year ago, the financial system was tottering and government officials arranged a $2.3 billion emergency cash infusion into CIT Group, a troubled lender to small businesses.
Today, CIT is in bankruptcy court, and the taxpayers' investment is on the brink of being wiped out. It would be the largest loss so far from the government's massive rescue of the financial system, but it isn't likely to be the last.
NEW YORK -- A year ago, the financial system was tottering and government officials arranged a $2.3 billion emergency cash infusion into CIT Group, a troubled lender to small businesses.
Today, CIT is in bankruptcy court, and the taxpayers' investment is on the brink of being wiped out. It would be the largest loss so far from the government's massive rescue of the financial system, but it isn't likely to be the last.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama calls for White House summit on job creation
President Obama plans to hold a White House forum on job creation next month, an attempt to signal his concern about the growing ranks of the unemployed and build consensus on future action to stoke the economy.
The summit will bring together small-business owners, corporate executives, economists, financial experts and union leaders to discuss ideas for accelerating job creation during the worst labor market conditions in a generation, Obama said Thursday.
"We all know there are limits to what government can and should do even during such difficult times," Obama said at the White House before leaving on a nine-day trip to Asia. "But we have an obligation to consider every additional, responsible step that we can to encourage and accelerate job creation in this country."
President Obama plans to hold a White House forum on job creation next month, an attempt to signal his concern about the growing ranks of the unemployed and build consensus on future action to stoke the economy.
The summit will bring together small-business owners, corporate executives, economists, financial experts and union leaders to discuss ideas for accelerating job creation during the worst labor market conditions in a generation, Obama said Thursday.
"We all know there are limits to what government can and should do even during such difficult times," Obama said at the White House before leaving on a nine-day trip to Asia. "But we have an obligation to consider every additional, responsible step that we can to encourage and accelerate job creation in this country."
Friday, November 13, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Van Hollen Predicts Republicans Won't Take Over House in 2010
The latest mid-term election prediction from the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland: Democrats are going to have some tough contests in 2010, that doesn't mean Republicans are going to take over the House.
Jennifer Bendery of Roll Call reports that Van Hollen told Thursday's Bloomberg Washington Summit: "People who think this is a redux of 1994 are totally misreading the current situation."
That, of course, is the year that Democrats lost their majority in the House for the first time in four decades.
The latest mid-term election prediction from the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland: Democrats are going to have some tough contests in 2010, that doesn't mean Republicans are going to take over the House.
Jennifer Bendery of Roll Call reports that Van Hollen told Thursday's Bloomberg Washington Summit: "People who think this is a redux of 1994 are totally misreading the current situation."
That, of course, is the year that Democrats lost their majority in the House for the first time in four decades.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Dodd's reform plan takes aim at the Fed
The chairman of the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping regulatory reform bill that would strip the Federal Reserve of nearly all of its power to oversee banks, setting up a possible clash with the Obama administration, which has argued for the central bank to play a pivotal role in addressing financial threats.
The legislation promoted by Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) would impose the most fundamental change in the Fed's mission since the Great Depression, leaving it responsible for little besides setting monetary policy. Senior administration officials and Fed leaders, by contrast, have urged that the central bank retain its power to oversee large and complex financial firms whose collapse could endanger the global system.
The chairman of the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping regulatory reform bill that would strip the Federal Reserve of nearly all of its power to oversee banks, setting up a possible clash with the Obama administration, which has argued for the central bank to play a pivotal role in addressing financial threats.
The legislation promoted by Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) would impose the most fundamental change in the Fed's mission since the Great Depression, leaving it responsible for little besides setting monetary policy. Senior administration officials and Fed leaders, by contrast, have urged that the central bank retain its power to oversee large and complex financial firms whose collapse could endanger the global system.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
A hard choice on health care
For some years, Democrats have denounced parodies that cast their party as utterly closed to the views of those who oppose abortion. Last weekend, Democrats proved conclusively that they are, indeed, a big tent -- and many in the ranks are furious.
For some years, Democrats have denounced parodies that cast their party as utterly closed to the views of those who oppose abortion. Last weekend, Democrats proved conclusively that they are, indeed, a big tent -- and many in the ranks are furious.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Current Mood Toward Congress: Throw The Incumbents Out
A majority of voters -- 53 percent -- do not want to see most members of Congress returned to office next year, according to a telephone survey conducted Oct. 28-Nov. 8 by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.
However, perhaps reinforcing the old political adage that "all politics is local," a similar number (52 percent) support the re-election of the representative from their own district.
Of the 1,644 registered voters surveyed, only about a third (34 percent) believe that most representatives deserve another term. That figure is similar to findings before the 1994 and 2006 midterm elections; in both those instances, the party in power -- Democrats in 1994 and Republicans in 2006 -- suffered significant defeats and lost its majority in the House.
A majority of voters -- 53 percent -- do not want to see most members of Congress returned to office next year, according to a telephone survey conducted Oct. 28-Nov. 8 by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.
However, perhaps reinforcing the old political adage that "all politics is local," a similar number (52 percent) support the re-election of the representative from their own district.
Of the 1,644 registered voters surveyed, only about a third (34 percent) believe that most representatives deserve another term. That figure is similar to findings before the 1994 and 2006 midterm elections; in both those instances, the party in power -- Democrats in 1994 and Republicans in 2006 -- suffered significant defeats and lost its majority in the House.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
California Senate: Fiorina Says She's Running
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina declared her intentions to run for Senate in California in a Wednesday morning op-ed in the Orange County Register. Fiorina, who has been exploring a campaign against Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer for months, is expected to announce her candidacy in person at an Orange County, Calif. event at 1 p.m.
In her op-ed, Fiorina wrote that she has "not always been engaged in the electoral process," but, through her business career, began to understand the impact of government. "I now understand, in a very real way, that the decisions made by the Senate impact every family and every business, of any size, in America," she wrote.
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina declared her intentions to run for Senate in California in a Wednesday morning op-ed in the Orange County Register. Fiorina, who has been exploring a campaign against Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer for months, is expected to announce her candidacy in person at an Orange County, Calif. event at 1 p.m.
In her op-ed, Fiorina wrote that she has "not always been engaged in the electoral process," but, through her business career, began to understand the impact of government. "I now understand, in a very real way, that the decisions made by the Senate impact every family and every business, of any size, in America," she wrote.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Virginia GOP Plans to Clean House in 2010
Emboldened by the results in the race for Virginia governor, Republicans are expressing renewed confidence about unseating one or more of the state’s Democratic House incumbents in the 2010 midterm elections.
GOP strategists said the landslide victory of Republican Bob McDonnell, a former state attorney general who won 59 percent of the vote in a state that President Obama carried one year ago, is evidence of the political vulnerability of Democratic Reps. Glenn Nye in the 2nd District, Tom Perriello in the 5th district, Rick Boucher in the 9th District and Gerry Connolly in the 11th.
Emboldened by the results in the race for Virginia governor, Republicans are expressing renewed confidence about unseating one or more of the state’s Democratic House incumbents in the 2010 midterm elections.
GOP strategists said the landslide victory of Republican Bob McDonnell, a former state attorney general who won 59 percent of the vote in a state that President Obama carried one year ago, is evidence of the political vulnerability of Democratic Reps. Glenn Nye in the 2nd District, Tom Perriello in the 5th district, Rick Boucher in the 9th District and Gerry Connolly in the 11th.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Warnings from the angry middle
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. Tuesday's elections were a rebuke to the right wing and a warning to Democrats.
They were also a timely reminder that President Obama needs to tune up his celebrated political organization and find a way to make Americans feel hopeful again.
The night's biggest loser was the national conservative political machine -- the wealthy tax-cutters at the Club for Growth and the Palin-Limbaugh-Beck complex. The Beltway Right shoved aside local Republicans in an Upstate New York congressional race, imposed their own candidate who didn't even live in the district, and went down in a heap.
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. Tuesday's elections were a rebuke to the right wing and a warning to Democrats.
They were also a timely reminder that President Obama needs to tune up his celebrated political organization and find a way to make Americans feel hopeful again.
The night's biggest loser was the national conservative political machine -- the wealthy tax-cutters at the Club for Growth and the Palin-Limbaugh-Beck complex. The Beltway Right shoved aside local Republicans in an Upstate New York congressional race, imposed their own candidate who didn't even live in the district, and went down in a heap.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
A Viewers’ Guide to Watching Tuesday’s Elections
easy to pinpoint the election held in an odd-numbered year — the “off-year” — that have clear national implications. That is because there are so few of them. This year, we count just three, all being held this coming Tuesday: The elections for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, and a hotly contested House special election in upstate’s largely rural 23rd District.
The bonus for avid political watchers is that the results of these key contests will be evenly spaced across Tuesday evening. The first poll closings will be in Virginia at 7 p.m. Eastern time. New Jersey will wrap up its voting at 8 p.m. Eastern. And votes will start to trickle in from that New York race after the 9 p.m. Eastern poll closing time.
easy to pinpoint the election held in an odd-numbered year — the “off-year” — that have clear national implications. That is because there are so few of them. This year, we count just three, all being held this coming Tuesday: The elections for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, and a hotly contested House special election in upstate’s largely rural 23rd District.
The bonus for avid political watchers is that the results of these key contests will be evenly spaced across Tuesday evening. The first poll closings will be in Virginia at 7 p.m. Eastern time. New Jersey will wrap up its voting at 8 p.m. Eastern. And votes will start to trickle in from that New York race after the 9 p.m. Eastern poll closing time.
Monday, November 02, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Hearts, minds and health care
The next health-care fight has already started. It's the battle to define the bill that President Obama will eventually sign as a victory for consumers, taxpayers and the common good.
The next health-care fight has already started. It's the battle to define the bill that President Obama will eventually sign as a victory for consumers, taxpayers and the common good.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
New York GOP House Nominee Endorses Democrat
New York Republican House nominee Dede Scozzafava — a moderate who was abandoned by conservative activists for a third-party candidate — followed her stunning withdrawal from the contest Saturday with another shocker on Sunday: She has urged her supporters to vote for Democratic nominee Bill Owens over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman, on Tuesday in the 23rd Congressional District’s special election.
Scozzafava released a statement supporting Owens for the seat nine-term Republican Rep. John M. McHugh vacated to become secretary of the Army.
New York Republican House nominee Dede Scozzafava — a moderate who was abandoned by conservative activists for a third-party candidate — followed her stunning withdrawal from the contest Saturday with another shocker on Sunday: She has urged her supporters to vote for Democratic nominee Bill Owens over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman, on Tuesday in the 23rd Congressional District’s special election.
Scozzafava released a statement supporting Owens for the seat nine-term Republican Rep. John M. McHugh vacated to become secretary of the Army.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Hill
The Hill
Reid bets on public option
The Senate healthcare bill will include a compromise public option that allows states to opt out of a government insurance program.
At a press conference, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he’d concluded “the best way to move forward is to include a public option with the opt-out provision for states.”
The Senate healthcare bill will include a compromise public option that allows states to opt out of a government insurance program.
At a press conference, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he’d concluded “the best way to move forward is to include a public option with the opt-out provision for states.”
27, 27, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
McDonnell Outpaces Deeds in Latest Fundraising Push
The bulk of the $7.1 million that the two candidates in the Nov. 3 election for governor of Virginia reporting raising in the first three weeks of October went to front-running Republican Bob McDonnell.
McDonnell, a former state legislator and attorney general, raised $4 million in cash and in-kind contributions during that period, taking his total campaign receipts to date to $21.5 million.
The bulk of the $7.1 million that the two candidates in the Nov. 3 election for governor of Virginia reporting raising in the first three weeks of October went to front-running Republican Bob McDonnell.
McDonnell, a former state legislator and attorney general, raised $4 million in cash and in-kind contributions during that period, taking his total campaign receipts to date to $21.5 million.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Primary Influence: Some Lawmakers Willing To Pony Up Early
Instead of sitting out the primary elections, plenty of lawmakers are trying to help pick winners by giving to their preferred candidates — particularly in Senate races, which tend to take shape earlier in the election cycle than House races.
Those donations can be potent because the recipients can parlay those endorsements into more financial and political support.
Instead of sitting out the primary elections, plenty of lawmakers are trying to help pick winners by giving to their preferred candidates — particularly in Senate races, which tend to take shape earlier in the election cycle than House races.
Those donations can be potent because the recipients can parlay those endorsements into more financial and political support.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Gauging the Prospects for a Public Option
Support for a government-run health care option is gaining ground in the Senate and could be included in overhaul legislation, top Senate Democrats said Sunday.
The plan, which would have a provision allowing states to “opt out” of such a program, may draw the 60 votes needed to pass the Senate.
Support for a government-run health care option is gaining ground in the Senate and could be included in overhaul legislation, top Senate Democrats said Sunday.
The plan, which would have a provision allowing states to “opt out” of such a program, may draw the 60 votes needed to pass the Senate.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Corzine comes back, but far enough?
ELIZABETH, N.J. -- A year into his first term, which he won touting the financial expertise that had made him a multimillionaire, Gov. Jon S. Corzine (D) proposed selling New Jersey's famous toll roads to private companies. The idea was to lease them back at a profit to help retire a $30 billion debt that the governor recognized as a millstone on the state's financial health. But the plan carried substantial risk even before Corzine, who already suffered a reputation for lacking the common touch, insisted on the program's name:
"Asset Monetization."
ELIZABETH, N.J. -- A year into his first term, which he won touting the financial expertise that had made him a multimillionaire, Gov. Jon S. Corzine (D) proposed selling New Jersey's famous toll roads to private companies. The idea was to lease them back at a profit to help retire a $30 billion debt that the governor recognized as a millstone on the state's financial health. But the plan carried substantial risk even before Corzine, who already suffered a reputation for lacking the common touch, insisted on the program's name:
"Asset Monetization."
Monday, October 26, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Small Business Faces Sharp Rise in Costs of Health Care
As Congress nears votes on legislation that would overhaul the health care system, many small businesses say they are facing the steepest rise in insurance premiums they have seen in recent years.
Insurance brokers and benefits consultants say their small business clients are seeing premiums go up an average of about 15 percent for the coming year — double the rate of last year’s increases. That would mean an annual premium that was $4,500 per employee in 2008 and $4,800 this year would rise to $5,500 in 2010.
As Congress nears votes on legislation that would overhaul the health care system, many small businesses say they are facing the steepest rise in insurance premiums they have seen in recent years.
Insurance brokers and benefits consultants say their small business clients are seeing premiums go up an average of about 15 percent for the coming year — double the rate of last year’s increases. That would mean an annual premium that was $4,500 per employee in 2008 and $4,800 this year would rise to $5,500 in 2010.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Senate Candidates Rack Up Seven Figures In Three Months
The most vulnerable Senate incumbents are socking away huge sums of money in an attempt to inoculate themselves against tough 2010 election challenges.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nev., for instance, who raised more than $2 million during from July 1 to the end of September, and fellow Democratic Sens. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania brought in $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for their campaigns.
The most vulnerable Senate incumbents are socking away huge sums of money in an attempt to inoculate themselves against tough 2010 election challenges.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nev., for instance, who raised more than $2 million during from July 1 to the end of September, and fellow Democratic Sens. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania brought in $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for their campaigns.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Wall Street Bounce Boosts Member Campaign Accounts
The recent surge on Wall Street has created a windfall for some congressional campaigns that invested their political contributions in the stock market during the third quarter.
The biggest beneficiary was Rep. Joe L. Barton , whose campaign investments have been on a roller coaster ride the past two years. After losing more than $808,000 during 2008 and early 2009, the Texas Republican’s campaign fund rebounded by recouping large sums of money in recent months.
The recent surge on Wall Street has created a windfall for some congressional campaigns that invested their political contributions in the stock market during the third quarter.
The biggest beneficiary was Rep. Joe L. Barton , whose campaign investments have been on a roller coaster ride the past two years. After losing more than $808,000 during 2008 and early 2009, the Texas Republican’s campaign fund rebounded by recouping large sums of money in recent months.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Time to reawaken young voters
Will the young and hopeful abandon the political playing field to older voters who are angry? That is the quiet crisis confronting President Obama and the Democrats. Left unattended, it could become a formidable obstacle for them in next year's midterm elections.
Will the young and hopeful abandon the political playing field to older voters who are angry? That is the quiet crisis confronting President Obama and the Democrats. Left unattended, it could become a formidable obstacle for them in next year's midterm elections.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Stagnant Prices Prevent Social Security Increase
President Obama on Wednesday attempted to preempt the announcement that Social Security recipients will not get an increase in their benefit checks for the first time in three decades, encouraging Congress to provide a one-time payment of $250 to help seniors and disabled Americans weather the recession.
Obama endorsed the idea, which is expected to cost at least $13 billion, as the administration gropes for ways to sustain an apparent economic rebound without the kind of massive spending package that critics could label a second stimulus act.
President Obama on Wednesday attempted to preempt the announcement that Social Security recipients will not get an increase in their benefit checks for the first time in three decades, encouraging Congress to provide a one-time payment of $250 to help seniors and disabled Americans weather the recession.
Obama endorsed the idea, which is expected to cost at least $13 billion, as the administration gropes for ways to sustain an apparent economic rebound without the kind of massive spending package that critics could label a second stimulus act.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Pennsylvania Voters Not Eager For Six More Years With Specter
Pennsylvania voters are eager to replace party-switcher Arlen Specter in the Senate, according to a Susquehanna Polling and Research survey conducted Oct. 7 to 12.
Only 31 percent of survey respondents said that Specter -- running for the first time as a Democrat -- deserved re-election next year.
Pennsylvania voters are eager to replace party-switcher Arlen Specter in the Senate, according to a Susquehanna Polling and Research survey conducted Oct. 7 to 12.
Only 31 percent of survey respondents said that Specter -- running for the first time as a Democrat -- deserved re-election next year.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Obama: Support Fairly Steady, But Disapproval Jumps
The job approval ratings for President Barack Obama have inarguably declined since his Jan. 20 inauguration, as the soaring promises of change on which he was elected last November meet the rough-and-tumble of the legislative and political processes.
But Obama's problem in pressing his policy agenda has not been a serious erosion in his base of supporters, according to the latest survey conducted by the polling unit at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
The job approval ratings for President Barack Obama have inarguably declined since his Jan. 20 inauguration, as the soaring promises of change on which he was elected last November meet the rough-and-tumble of the legislative and political processes.
But Obama's problem in pressing his policy agenda has not been a serious erosion in his base of supporters, according to the latest survey conducted by the polling unit at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
VA to Ease Way for Vets to Get Stress Disability
WASHINGTON -- Female soldiers and others in dangerous roles that once were behind front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan have long complained about how hard it is to prove their combat experience when applying for disability due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
That could soon change.
WASHINGTON -- Female soldiers and others in dangerous roles that once were behind front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan have long complained about how hard it is to prove their combat experience when applying for disability due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
That could soon change.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Hails Snowe's "Seriousness of Purpose"
President Obama appeared in the Rose Garden late Tuesday afternoon to hail the Senate Finance Committee's passage of a health-care overhaul bill - singling out Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-Me.) for her "courage" and "seriousness of purpose."
As expected, the White House claimed victory in achieving a bipartisan bill with the addition of Snowe, the only Republican so far to sign on to the effort. Obama said the bill "enjoys the support of people from both parties," leaving aside how narrowly bipartisan the vote was.
"Now's not the time to pat ourselves on the back. Now's not the time to offer ourselves congratulations. Now's the time to dig in and work even harder to get this done," Obama said. While he said the bill was "not perfect," he hailed it as a critical milestone in achieving reform.
President Obama appeared in the Rose Garden late Tuesday afternoon to hail the Senate Finance Committee's passage of a health-care overhaul bill - singling out Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-Me.) for her "courage" and "seriousness of purpose."
As expected, the White House claimed victory in achieving a bipartisan bill with the addition of Snowe, the only Republican so far to sign on to the effort. Obama said the bill "enjoys the support of people from both parties," leaving aside how narrowly bipartisan the vote was.
"Now's not the time to pat ourselves on the back. Now's not the time to offer ourselves congratulations. Now's the time to dig in and work even harder to get this done," Obama said. While he said the bill was "not perfect," he hailed it as a critical milestone in achieving reform.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Congressional Quarterly
Congressional Quarterly
GOP's Top Prospect Nixes Bid Against Grayson
More potential challengers to Florida Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., are deciding to take a pass on running against the freshman Democrat.
Former state Sen. Dan Webster, who was seen by many Republicans as someone who could clear the GOP field and help the party avoid a contested primary, took his name out of consideration Tuesday afternoon.
More potential challengers to Florida Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Fla., are deciding to take a pass on running against the freshman Democrat.
Former state Sen. Dan Webster, who was seen by many Republicans as someone who could clear the GOP field and help the party avoid a contested primary, took his name out of consideration Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Virginia Debate Notable For What Wasn’t Said
In the first live televised debate of Virginia’s candidates for governor, Democrat Creigh Deeds stepped away from the line of attack that had become the centerpiece of his campaign against Republican Bob McDonnell.
Deeds didn’t mention a graduate school thesis in which McDonnell expressed some strongly conservative views on women and the family.
In the first live televised debate of Virginia’s candidates for governor, Democrat Creigh Deeds stepped away from the line of attack that had become the centerpiece of his campaign against Republican Bob McDonnell.
Deeds didn’t mention a graduate school thesis in which McDonnell expressed some strongly conservative views on women and the family.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
GOP Hopes For Help From Candidates for Senate, Governor
House Republicans are counting on some top-of-the-ticket coattails in a handful of highly competitive states to boost their candidates and help the party further down the ballot in 2010.
Strong gubernatorial and Senate candidates in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states could help Republicans win battleground House races.
House Republicans are counting on some top-of-the-ticket coattails in a handful of highly competitive states to boost their candidates and help the party further down the ballot in 2010.
Strong gubernatorial and Senate candidates in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states could help Republicans win battleground House races.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Wrangle Over Rangel Shows Signs of Strain
Charles B. Rangel , his voice unmistakable, welcomed Speaker Nancy Pelosi into his corner hideaway office at the Capitol last week. Soon afterward, he ushered in Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus .
The visits came just hours after the 39-year veteran from Harlem weathered another Republican effort on the House floor to force him out of his chairmanship of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee until an ethics investigation of his personal finances and fundraising ends. But there was no mention during the consultations of the still-expanding probe the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has been conducting since it empaneled an investigative subcommittee last fall.
Charles B. Rangel , his voice unmistakable, welcomed Speaker Nancy Pelosi into his corner hideaway office at the Capitol last week. Soon afterward, he ushered in Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus .
The visits came just hours after the 39-year veteran from Harlem weathered another Republican effort on the House floor to force him out of his chairmanship of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee until an ethics investigation of his personal finances and fundraising ends. But there was no mention during the consultations of the still-expanding probe the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has been conducting since it empaneled an investigative subcommittee last fall.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Vote on Key Health Bill Delayed for Cost Report
Senators learned Monday that a committee vote on health-care reform will be pushed back to later this week, and perhaps into next week, as they await an estimate on how much the overhaul would cost.
But if the news of the delayed vote disappointed them, Democratic leaders in the Senate took heart from pro-reform statements from some high-profile Republicans, including former Senate majority leader Bill Frist and former health and human services secretary Tommy G. Thompson.
Senators learned Monday that a committee vote on health-care reform will be pushed back to later this week, and perhaps into next week, as they await an estimate on how much the overhaul would cost.
But if the news of the delayed vote disappointed them, Democratic leaders in the Senate took heart from pro-reform statements from some high-profile Republicans, including former Senate majority leader Bill Frist and former health and human services secretary Tommy G. Thompson.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
As Job Loss Rises, Obama Aides Act to Fix Safety Net
WASHINGTON — With unemployment expected to rise well into next year even as the economy slowly recovers, the Obama administration and Democratic leaders in Congress are discussing extending several safety net programs as well as proposing new tax incentives for businesses to renew hiring.
WASHINGTON — With unemployment expected to rise well into next year even as the economy slowly recovers, the Obama administration and Democratic leaders in Congress are discussing extending several safety net programs as well as proposing new tax incentives for businesses to renew hiring.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
California: Whitman Questions Voting Story
It took more than a week, but Republican Meg Whitman’s gubernatorial campaign hit back Monday against a newspaper report that raised questions about the former Ebay CEO’s voting record as a private citizen.
The article, published by the Sacramento Bee Sept. 24, found “no evidence that she participated in elections for most of her adult life.” The report generated a firestorm of negative coverage in the local and national media.
It took more than a week, but Republican Meg Whitman’s gubernatorial campaign hit back Monday against a newspaper report that raised questions about the former Ebay CEO’s voting record as a private citizen.
The article, published by the Sacramento Bee Sept. 24, found “no evidence that she participated in elections for most of her adult life.” The report generated a firestorm of negative coverage in the local and national media.
Monday, October 05, 2009
The Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times
Obama quietly tries to shore up Senate support for public option
The president has backed off from vocally supporting the idea of government-run healthcare, but he's working to build a coalition of supporters. The challenge: Find a version that can pass.
Reporting from Washington - Despite months of outward ambivalence about creating a government health insurance plan, the Obama White House has launched a behind-the-scenes campaign to get divided Senate Democrats to take up some version of the idea for a final vote in the coming weeks.
President Obama has cited a preference for the so-called public option. But faced with intense criticism over the summer, he strategically expressed openness to health cooperatives and other ways to offer consumers potentially more affordable alternatives to private health plans.
The president has backed off from vocally supporting the idea of government-run healthcare, but he's working to build a coalition of supporters. The challenge: Find a version that can pass.
Reporting from Washington - Despite months of outward ambivalence about creating a government health insurance plan, the Obama White House has launched a behind-the-scenes campaign to get divided Senate Democrats to take up some version of the idea for a final vote in the coming weeks.
President Obama has cited a preference for the so-called public option. But faced with intense criticism over the summer, he strategically expressed openness to health cooperatives and other ways to offer consumers potentially more affordable alternatives to private health plans.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Groups Flourish in Opposition
It wouldn’t seem that conservatives have much to be happy about these days, with a Democrat in the White House and a Democratic majority in Congress. But in one sense, these are the best of times for conservative activists, who have found that the specter of government-managed health insurance, restrictions on carbon emissions and higher taxes are riling the faithful.
“If you can’t double the size of your organization this year, you are doing something wrong,” says Richard Viguerie, a pioneer of the conservative movement and direct mail fundraising in the 1980s.
It wouldn’t seem that conservatives have much to be happy about these days, with a Democrat in the White House and a Democratic majority in Congress. But in one sense, these are the best of times for conservative activists, who have found that the specter of government-managed health insurance, restrictions on carbon emissions and higher taxes are riling the faithful.
“If you can’t double the size of your organization this year, you are doing something wrong,” says Richard Viguerie, a pioneer of the conservative movement and direct mail fundraising in the 1980s.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
A ‘Silver Lining’ in a Bad Economy
The unemployment picture remains grim, with more bad news on the way as former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan indicated the jobless rate could pass 10 percent.
However, Greenspan on Sunday cited a “silver lining” in that when the nation’s financial crisis was at its peak, the expectation was that the economy would sink even further than it actually did.
The unemployment picture remains grim, with more bad news on the way as former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan indicated the jobless rate could pass 10 percent.
However, Greenspan on Sunday cited a “silver lining” in that when the nation’s financial crisis was at its peak, the expectation was that the economy would sink even further than it actually did.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Democrats Divide Over ‘Public Option’ as Health Care Debate Continues
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday plunged into one of the most vigorous debates yet about its health care overhaul, arguing over whether to amend the draft proposal to add a government-run “public option.”
That option, which would be offered to uninsured individuals and small businesses along with a variety of private insurance plans, is supported by liberal but vigorously opposed by Republicans and a handful of moderate Democrats.
The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday plunged into one of the most vigorous debates yet about its health care overhaul, arguing over whether to amend the draft proposal to add a government-run “public option.”
That option, which would be offered to uninsured individuals and small businesses along with a variety of private insurance plans, is supported by liberal but vigorously opposed by Republicans and a handful of moderate Democrats.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Americans Edgy About Health Legislation
People are a bit on edge about proposals to overhaul the nation's health care system but are generally positive about the prospects for improvement, according to a survey for the Kaiser Family Foundation taken Sept. 11-18.
When asked to describe their feelings, they say they are anxious (50 percent), hopeful (68 percent), optimistic (55 percent), and frustrated (58 percent).
People are a bit on edge about proposals to overhaul the nation's health care system but are generally positive about the prospects for improvement, according to a survey for the Kaiser Family Foundation taken Sept. 11-18.
When asked to describe their feelings, they say they are anxious (50 percent), hopeful (68 percent), optimistic (55 percent), and frustrated (58 percent).
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Senators Move To Backstop FCC on Net Neutrality
Legislation to codify unfettered broadband access for content providers, a principle known as “net neutrality,” will soon be introduced in the Senate.
An aide to Sen. Byron L. Dorgan said the North Dakota Democrat will reintroduce his “Preserving Internet Freedom” bill, which he last sponsored in 2007. Maine Republican Olympia J. Snowe is expected to cosponsor the bill, as she has in the past.
Legislation to codify unfettered broadband access for content providers, a principle known as “net neutrality,” will soon be introduced in the Senate.
An aide to Sen. Byron L. Dorgan said the North Dakota Democrat will reintroduce his “Preserving Internet Freedom” bill, which he last sponsored in 2007. Maine Republican Olympia J. Snowe is expected to cosponsor the bill, as she has in the past.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Medicare Is Focus on Day 2 of Health-Care Negotiations
Slogging through a second day of work on legislation intended to overhaul the nation's health-care system, the Senate Finance Committee wrestled Wednesday with politically volatile proposals to squeeze money out of Medicare.
Slogging through a second day of work on legislation intended to overhaul the nation's health-care system, the Senate Finance Committee wrestled Wednesday with politically volatile proposals to squeeze money out of Medicare.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Geithner Presses for Regulatory Overhaul
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner on Wednesday once again pressed Congress to pass a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory system, telling members of the House Financial Services Committee that "we can't let the momentum for reform fade as the memory of the crisis recedes."
Geithner spent much of the morning's hearing trying to allay lawmakers' reservations about parts of the Obama administration's reform proposals and to urge them to act before the end of the year.
"Time is the enemy of reform," he said in his prepared statement. "As some normalcy returns to our financial system and our economy, we cannot let it be cause for complacency."
Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner on Wednesday once again pressed Congress to pass a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory system, telling members of the House Financial Services Committee that "we can't let the momentum for reform fade as the memory of the crisis recedes."
Geithner spent much of the morning's hearing trying to allay lawmakers' reservations about parts of the Obama administration's reform proposals and to urge them to act before the end of the year.
"Time is the enemy of reform," he said in his prepared statement. "As some normalcy returns to our financial system and our economy, we cannot let it be cause for complacency."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Obama Makes Gains at U.N. on Iran and Proliferation
UNITED NATIONS — President Obama, in his first visit to the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, made progress Wednesday on two key issues, wringing a concession from Russia to consider tough new sanctions against Iran and securing support from Moscow and Beijing for a Security Council resolution to curb nuclear weapons.
UNITED NATIONS — President Obama, in his first visit to the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, made progress Wednesday on two key issues, wringing a concession from Russia to consider tough new sanctions against Iran and securing support from Moscow and Beijing for a Security Council resolution to curb nuclear weapons.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Obama Channels Health Care Message
President Obama dominated the airwaves Sunday in an unprecedented blitz of conversations to drive home his message on health care overhaul.
Obama faces huge challenges selling the overhaul as Congress debates how to pay for it. Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus , D-Mont., got a chilly reception Sept. 16 when he unveiled his plan, not only from Senate Republicans, but also from Democrats outside of the panel.
President Obama dominated the airwaves Sunday in an unprecedented blitz of conversations to drive home his message on health care overhaul.
Obama faces huge challenges selling the overhaul as Congress debates how to pay for it. Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus , D-Mont., got a chilly reception Sept. 16 when he unveiled his plan, not only from Senate Republicans, but also from Democrats outside of the panel.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Huckabee Favorite Among ‘Values Voters’ for 2012
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, was the favorite for president in 2012 in a straw poll at an annual conference of social conservatives.
Huckabee, who earned strong support from conservatives when he ran for president in 2008, was the presidential choice of 28 percent of conference-goers who participated in the survey. They were given nine names to choose from; votes were cast by 597 of the 1,825 people registered for the Washington meeting, which was sponsored by the Family Research Council.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, was the favorite for president in 2012 in a straw poll at an annual conference of social conservatives.
Huckabee, who earned strong support from conservatives when he ran for president in 2008, was the presidential choice of 28 percent of conference-goers who participated in the survey. They were given nine names to choose from; votes were cast by 597 of the 1,825 people registered for the Washington meeting, which was sponsored by the Family Research Council.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
McChrystal: More Forces or 'Mission Failure'
The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan warns in an urgent, confidential assessment of the war that he needs more forces within the next year and bluntly states that without them, the eight-year conflict "will likely result in failure," according to a copy of the 66-page document obtained by The Washington Post
The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan warns in an urgent, confidential assessment of the war that he needs more forces within the next year and bluntly states that without them, the eight-year conflict "will likely result in failure," according to a copy of the 66-page document obtained by The Washington Post
Friday, September 18, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Virginia Candidates Go Back to the Future
The debate was between the two candidates for Virginia governor but the rhetoric and responses seemed to focus more on the past, with the Democrat attacked for waging a backward-looking campaign and the Republican asked about a 20-year-old thesis that implied a socially regressive attitude.
Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds met at the the headquarters of Capital One in McLean in voter-rich northern Virgina for a 60-minute debate, sponsored by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. It was the first for the candidates since The Washington Post last month reported about a controversial thesis document McDonnell wrote as a 34-year-old graduate student two decades ago.
The debate was between the two candidates for Virginia governor but the rhetoric and responses seemed to focus more on the past, with the Democrat attacked for waging a backward-looking campaign and the Republican asked about a 20-year-old thesis that implied a socially regressive attitude.
Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds met at the the headquarters of Capital One in McLean in voter-rich northern Virgina for a 60-minute debate, sponsored by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. It was the first for the candidates since The Washington Post last month reported about a controversial thesis document McDonnell wrote as a 34-year-old graduate student two decades ago.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Massachusetts House OKs Senate Succession Change
Massachusetts is well on its way to having a second senator.
After a long day of often spirited debate, the state House on Thursday voted 95-58 to pass legislation that would give Gov. Deval Patrick the power to appoint an interim senator to fill the seat of the late Edward M. Kennedy .
Massachusetts is well on its way to having a second senator.
After a long day of often spirited debate, the state House on Thursday voted 95-58 to pass legislation that would give Gov. Deval Patrick the power to appoint an interim senator to fill the seat of the late Edward M. Kennedy .
Friday, September 18, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Eye on the Senate: Dodd Gains Ground
Sen. Christopher J. Dodd has gained ground with independents when matched up against potential Republican opponent Rob Simmons, according to a Quinnipiac University poll conducted Sept. 10 to 14.
Dodd still trails Simmons among registered independents, 31 percent to 49 percent. But that's an improvement since July, when independent voters backed Simmons 56 to 27 percent. Independents are a crucial voting bloc in Connecticut, where they make up more than 40 percent of registered voters.
Sen. Christopher J. Dodd has gained ground with independents when matched up against potential Republican opponent Rob Simmons, according to a Quinnipiac University poll conducted Sept. 10 to 14.
Dodd still trails Simmons among registered independents, 31 percent to 49 percent. But that's an improvement since July, when independent voters backed Simmons 56 to 27 percent. Independents are a crucial voting bloc in Connecticut, where they make up more than 40 percent of registered voters.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Reid Says Senate Democrats Will Unite To Move Health Care Bill
President Obama will try to generate momentum from his address to Congress during a meeting Thursday with more than a dozen centrist Democrats whose support he will need to push any health care bill through the Senate.
Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed confidence that Senate Democrats would unite and pass a health-care overhaul by Thanksgiving, with the support of at least “a few” Republicans.
President Obama will try to generate momentum from his address to Congress during a meeting Thursday with more than a dozen centrist Democrats whose support he will need to push any health care bill through the Senate.
Majority Leader Harry Reid expressed confidence that Senate Democrats would unite and pass a health-care overhaul by Thanksgiving, with the support of at least “a few” Republicans.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
‘You Lie’ Fallout: Foe Hauls in Quick Half-Million
Rep. Joe Wilson ’s outburst at President Obama turned him instantly into a stand-in for conservatives who also want to yell — and a rainmaker for Democrats who want the congressman out of office.
“You lie!” Wilson, R-S.C., bellowed during the president’s Wednesday night speech to a joint session of Congress.
Rep. Joe Wilson ’s outburst at President Obama turned him instantly into a stand-in for conservatives who also want to yell — and a rainmaker for Democrats who want the congressman out of office.
“You lie!” Wilson, R-S.C., bellowed during the president’s Wednesday night speech to a joint session of Congress.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
High Court's Conservatives Skeptical of Election Law
Conservative members of the Supreme Court indicated Wednesday that they could not reconcile government restrictions on corporate spending in elections with constitutional protections of free speech and may rule broadly to strike what has been a long-standing fixture of campaign finance law.
Conservative members of the Supreme Court indicated Wednesday that they could not reconcile government restrictions on corporate spending in elections with constitutional protections of free speech and may rule broadly to strike what has been a long-standing fixture of campaign finance law.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Obama, Armed With Details, Says Health Plan Is Necessary
WASHINGTON — President Obama confronted a critical Congress and a skeptical nation on Wednesday, decrying the “scare tactics” of his opponents and presenting his most forceful case yet for a sweeping health care overhaul that has eluded Washington for generations.
WASHINGTON — President Obama confronted a critical Congress and a skeptical nation on Wednesday, decrying the “scare tactics” of his opponents and presenting his most forceful case yet for a sweeping health care overhaul that has eluded Washington for generations.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Both Sides Condemn Outburst; Wilson Apologizes
Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted “Lie! You lie,” at President Barack Obama during Wednesday’s address to a joint session of Congress, earning repudiations from his own party and from Democrats.
Wilson took exception to a passage in Obama’s speech on health care in which the president said illegal immigrants would not get health insurance coverage under the overhaul.
Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouted “Lie! You lie,” at President Barack Obama during Wednesday’s address to a joint session of Congress, earning repudiations from his own party and from Democrats.
Wilson took exception to a passage in Obama’s speech on health care in which the president said illegal immigrants would not get health insurance coverage under the overhaul.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Can Obama Win Over Moderate Senate Democrats?
Even as President Obama seeks to answer Republican critics of his health care overhaul plan in Wednesday night’s address to a joint session of Congress, he has yet to close the sale with moderates in his own party.
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, a pro-business Democrat and former governor, said he would agree to a government-run insurance option favored by the White House — the so-called public option — only if the legislation would bring health care costs under control and promote competition.
Even as President Obama seeks to answer Republican critics of his health care overhaul plan in Wednesday night’s address to a joint session of Congress, he has yet to close the sale with moderates in his own party.
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, a pro-business Democrat and former governor, said he would agree to a government-run insurance option favored by the White House — the so-called public option — only if the legislation would bring health care costs under control and promote competition.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Extension Could Buy Time for Nutrition Law Reauthorization
Congress appears headed for a short-term extension of a popular nutrition law that provides food aid for millions of low-income children and pregnant women.
An extension would buy lawmakers time to reauthorize the law, which expires Sept. 30. The federal government spends about $15 billion a year on the programs operated under the law.
Congress appears headed for a short-term extension of a popular nutrition law that provides food aid for millions of low-income children and pregnant women.
An extension would buy lawmakers time to reauthorize the law, which expires Sept. 30. The federal government spends about $15 billion a year on the programs operated under the law.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Health Care Will Guide How Americans Vote in 2010
Americans continue to have a hard time sorting out how they feel about health care overhaul plans before Congress, according to a Gallup poll conducted Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
Americans continue to have a hard time sorting out how they feel about health care overhaul plans before Congress, according to a Gallup poll conducted Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Obama Ready To Get Specific On Health Bill
Facing intensifying pressure to spell out precisely what he wants in a health plan, President Obama plans to deliver an address soon after Congress returns that’s intended to give lawmakers more explicit direction on what the administration is seeking in an overhaul bill.
The decision comes as senators and House members remain gridlocked over the scope and cost of a plan, and as polls show the public increasingly restive and confused about what Obama is trying to accomplish. A CBS News poll released Tuesday showed 40 percent of respondents approved of his job performance on health care, while 47 percent disapproved.
Facing intensifying pressure to spell out precisely what he wants in a health plan, President Obama plans to deliver an address soon after Congress returns that’s intended to give lawmakers more explicit direction on what the administration is seeking in an overhaul bill.
The decision comes as senators and House members remain gridlocked over the scope and cost of a plan, and as polls show the public increasingly restive and confused about what Obama is trying to accomplish. A CBS News poll released Tuesday showed 40 percent of respondents approved of his job performance on health care, while 47 percent disapproved.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
South Carolina: Sanford Casts a Shadow Over 2010
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford can’t run for re-election next year, but the ongoing scrutiny facing his administration is creeping into the state’s 2010 campaigns — resulting in bad news for Republicans and ammunition for Democrats.
“Many of them are just now getting on board with the notion he’s hurting their prospects,” said Carol Fowler, chairwoman of South Carolina’s Democratic Party. “It gives Democrats an opening to talk about how we would do things differently” in the state.
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford can’t run for re-election next year, but the ongoing scrutiny facing his administration is creeping into the state’s 2010 campaigns — resulting in bad news for Republicans and ammunition for Democrats.
“Many of them are just now getting on board with the notion he’s hurting their prospects,” said Carol Fowler, chairwoman of South Carolina’s Democratic Party. “It gives Democrats an opening to talk about how we would do things differently” in the state.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
McDonnell Tries to Salvage Women's Votes
Virginia gubernatorial candidate Robert F. McDonnell has been working for months to reach out to female voters, a critical constituency, by forming a women's organization and touting the endorsement of the managing partner of the Washington Mystics women's basketball team.
Virginia gubernatorial candidate Robert F. McDonnell has been working for months to reach out to female voters, a critical constituency, by forming a women's organization and touting the endorsement of the managing partner of the Washington Mystics women's basketball team.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Enzi, Grassley Health Care Remarks Rile White House
Absence clearly isn't making hearts grow fonder in the health care debate.
The Obama administration on Monday showed its irritation with remarks Wyoming Republican Sen. Michael B. Enzi made as part of the weekly GOP address on Sunday -- particularly lines about how Democratic proposals in Congress would restrict medical choices and make the nation's "finances sicker without saving you money." Enzi, you'll recall, is part of the "Gang of Six" Senate Finance Committee members who've been meeting for months to craft a bipartisan health plan.
Absence clearly isn't making hearts grow fonder in the health care debate.
The Obama administration on Monday showed its irritation with remarks Wyoming Republican Sen. Michael B. Enzi made as part of the weekly GOP address on Sunday -- particularly lines about how Democratic proposals in Congress would restrict medical choices and make the nation's "finances sicker without saving you money." Enzi, you'll recall, is part of the "Gang of Six" Senate Finance Committee members who've been meeting for months to craft a bipartisan health plan.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
'89 Thesis A Different Side of McDonnell
At age 34, two years before his first election and two decades before he would run for governor of Virginia, Robert F. McDonnell submitted a master's thesis to the evangelical school he was attending in Virginia Beach in which he described working women and feminists as "detrimental" to the family. He said government policy should favor married couples over "cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators." He described as "illogical" a 1972 Supreme Court decision legalizing the use of contraception by unmarried couples.
At age 34, two years before his first election and two decades before he would run for governor of Virginia, Robert F. McDonnell submitted a master's thesis to the evangelical school he was attending in Virginia Beach in which he described working women and feminists as "detrimental" to the family. He said government policy should favor married couples over "cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators." He described as "illogical" a 1972 Supreme Court decision legalizing the use of contraception by unmarried couples.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Kennedy’s Seat to Be Filled in Jan. 19 Election
The special election to fill the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy ’s seat will be held on Jan. 19, Gov. Deval Patrick announced Monday.
Patrick, a Democrat, also reiterated his support for legislation that would authorize an interim appointment to fill the seat until the special election, as requested by Kennedy before his death.
The special election to fill the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy ’s seat will be held on Jan. 19, Gov. Deval Patrick announced Monday.
Patrick, a Democrat, also reiterated his support for legislation that would authorize an interim appointment to fill the seat until the special election, as requested by Kennedy before his death.
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Banks 'Too Big to Fail' Have Grown Even Bigger
When the credit crisis struck last year, federal regulators pumped tens of billions of dollars into the nation's leading financial institutions because the banks were so big that officials feared their failure would ruin the entire financial system.
When the credit crisis struck last year, federal regulators pumped tens of billions of dollars into the nation's leading financial institutions because the banks were so big that officials feared their failure would ruin the entire financial system.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
McCain Ties 'Gang of 14' to Health Care Fight
If the Democrats decide to use budget reconciliation rules to try to pass the health care overhaul — a strategy that would allow them to push through the most contentious changes with a simple majority, rather than 60 votes — expect to hear Sen. John McCain of Arizona draw a lot of comparisons to the fight he helped lead four years ago to preserve judicial filibusters.
If the Democrats decide to use budget reconciliation rules to try to pass the health care overhaul — a strategy that would allow them to push through the most contentious changes with a simple majority, rather than 60 votes — expect to hear Sen. John McCain of Arizona draw a lot of comparisons to the fight he helped lead four years ago to preserve judicial filibusters.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
A Liberal Icon and a Legendary Legislator: A Five-Decade Senate Legacy
He was known across the nation as an emphatic and tireless advocate of progressive causes for nearly half a century, and even more than that as the patriarch of America’s most storied Democratic political dynasty. At the Capitol, however, Edward M. Kennedy will be remembered as something quite different — perhaps the most effectively pragmatic dealmaker in modern times, someone who was as eager as he was skilled at working with almost anyone to get things done.
Although Kennedy was an anchor of his party’s liberal base, no one was too conservative to be ruled out as a potential legislative partner during the 46 years he spent in the Senate. Not George W. Bush in this decade or Orrin G. Hatch in the 1990s. Not Alan K. Simpson or Dan Quayle in the 1980s. Not even Strom Thurmond in the 1970s or James O. Eastland in the 1960s. This willingness to stride across party lines — and then look purposefully past the deepest ideological disagreements — in order to get negotiations going is a principal reason why Kennedy kept advancing his priorities, no matter which party controlled the Senate or who lived in the White House.
He was known across the nation as an emphatic and tireless advocate of progressive causes for nearly half a century, and even more than that as the patriarch of America’s most storied Democratic political dynasty. At the Capitol, however, Edward M. Kennedy will be remembered as something quite different — perhaps the most effectively pragmatic dealmaker in modern times, someone who was as eager as he was skilled at working with almost anyone to get things done.
Although Kennedy was an anchor of his party’s liberal base, no one was too conservative to be ruled out as a potential legislative partner during the 46 years he spent in the Senate. Not George W. Bush in this decade or Orrin G. Hatch in the 1990s. Not Alan K. Simpson or Dan Quayle in the 1980s. Not even Strom Thurmond in the 1970s or James O. Eastland in the 1960s. This willingness to stride across party lines — and then look purposefully past the deepest ideological disagreements — in order to get negotiations going is a principal reason why Kennedy kept advancing his priorities, no matter which party controlled the Senate or who lived in the White House.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Statement from President Obama
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Colleagues, Friends Mourn 'Patriarch' of the Senate
Washington and the world have begun to mourn the late Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), patriarch of both the U.S. Senate and the Democratic party, whose outsized personality and legislative and political skills impacted the nation's capital even during his dying days.
Washington and the world have begun to mourn the late Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), patriarch of both the U.S. Senate and the Democratic party, whose outsized personality and legislative and political skills impacted the nation's capital even during his dying days.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Obama to Nominate Bernanke to 2nd Term at Fed
WASHINGTON — President Obama on Tuesday will nominate Ben S. Bernanke to a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve, administration officials said.
WASHINGTON — President Obama on Tuesday will nominate Ben S. Bernanke to a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve, administration officials said.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Without Prospects, They're Prospectors
COLUMBIA, Calif. -- Maybe it was the nail in Ray's head. Maybe it was the economy. His wife said one as much as the other drove the decision to auction off everything that wouldn't fit in the trailer and leave Vermont for the mother lode.
COLUMBIA, Calif. -- Maybe it was the nail in Ray's head. Maybe it was the economy. His wife said one as much as the other drove the decision to auction off everything that wouldn't fit in the trailer and leave Vermont for the mother lode.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Across USA, schools get ready for wave of swine flu cases
It didn't take long for swine flu to show up at Vista del Lago High School in California's Sacramento County: About 10 a.m. on Aug. 10, two hours into the first school day, administrators got a call with news that a freshman who had stayed home that morning had a confirmed case.
"I was hoping we'd make it until at least 11 o'clock," says Mary Ann Delleney, who oversees health for Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
By Day 2 it was up to eight cases, and by week's end the number of confirmed cases at the school rose to 14 — a reminder that for many schools and colleges this fall, swine flu, or H1N1, may be a fact of life.
As millions of students and teachers head back to class this month and next, schools are preparing for the return of the new flu strain, which first appeared almost simultaneously last April in Mexico and the USA. But seasonal flu also is making its annual return this fall — a combination that is creating uncertainty and anxiety as medical personnel prepare for both strains.
It didn't take long for swine flu to show up at Vista del Lago High School in California's Sacramento County: About 10 a.m. on Aug. 10, two hours into the first school day, administrators got a call with news that a freshman who had stayed home that morning had a confirmed case.
"I was hoping we'd make it until at least 11 o'clock," says Mary Ann Delleney, who oversees health for Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
By Day 2 it was up to eight cases, and by week's end the number of confirmed cases at the school rose to 14 — a reminder that for many schools and colleges this fall, swine flu, or H1N1, may be a fact of life.
As millions of students and teachers head back to class this month and next, schools are preparing for the return of the new flu strain, which first appeared almost simultaneously last April in Mexico and the USA. But seasonal flu also is making its annual return this fall — a combination that is creating uncertainty and anxiety as medical personnel prepare for both strains.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Vetting the Health Care Rhetoric
As politicians and interest groups try to shape the outcome of the health care overhaul, they've offered interpretations that are so wildly different that truth sometimes seems to be taking a vacation.
Some — like the contention that a House health care overhaul (HR 3200) would create "death panels" that decide end-of-life care — are false. Some are misleading, and others are true.
As politicians and interest groups try to shape the outcome of the health care overhaul, they've offered interpretations that are so wildly different that truth sometimes seems to be taking a vacation.
Some — like the contention that a House health care overhaul (HR 3200) would create "death panels" that decide end-of-life care — are false. Some are misleading, and others are true.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Daschle Has Ear of White House and Industry
WASHINGTON — Six months have passed since the morning when Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader, under fire for not paying certain taxes, called President Obama in his study off the Oval Office to withdraw his nomination as health secretary and reform czar.
WASHINGTON — Six months have passed since the morning when Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader, under fire for not paying certain taxes, called President Obama in his study off the Oval Office to withdraw his nomination as health secretary and reform czar.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Clunker Owners Seek Last-Minute Trade-Ins
Customers looking to take advantage of the U.S. government's "Cash for Clunkers" trade-in program hit car dealerships over the weekend, trying to get in before it ends on Monday.
Brent Berger, 50, of Potomac, was out with his family Saturday afternoon to trade in a 1997 Dodge minivan with 130,000 miles for a Honda Accord.
"My wife told me to come in, and it's a good deal," he said. "It's getting old cars off the road and putting more fuel-efficient cars out there. It was an opportunity that showed up, so why wait?"
Customers looking to take advantage of the U.S. government's "Cash for Clunkers" trade-in program hit car dealerships over the weekend, trying to get in before it ends on Monday.
Brent Berger, 50, of Potomac, was out with his family Saturday afternoon to trade in a 1997 Dodge minivan with 130,000 miles for a Honda Accord.
"My wife told me to come in, and it's a good deal," he said. "It's getting old cars off the road and putting more fuel-efficient cars out there. It was an opportunity that showed up, so why wait?"
Friday, August 21, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Senate Appointment Debate Re-Emerges
Filling a Senate vacancy has again become a topic for debate after Sen. Edward M. Kennedy requested that Massachusetts lawmakers empower the governor to appoint an interim successor should Kennedy succumb to brain cancer.
Kennedy, 77, who is eager to see Congress complete the kind of health care overhaul that he has long championed, sent a letter this week to Gov. Deval Patrick and leaders of the Massachusetts state House and Senate requesting a change in state law that would allow Patrick to appoint a temporary successor to serve until a special election is held about five months after a vacancy occurs. Under current law, his seat would remain vacant during that time.
Filling a Senate vacancy has again become a topic for debate after Sen. Edward M. Kennedy requested that Massachusetts lawmakers empower the governor to appoint an interim successor should Kennedy succumb to brain cancer.
Kennedy, 77, who is eager to see Congress complete the kind of health care overhaul that he has long championed, sent a letter this week to Gov. Deval Patrick and leaders of the Massachusetts state House and Senate requesting a change in state law that would allow Patrick to appoint a temporary successor to serve until a special election is held about five months after a vacancy occurs. Under current law, his seat would remain vacant during that time.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Where Elderly Back Obama, Health Bill Anxiety
SUNRISE, Fla. — It was karaoke night at the Sunrise Lakes retirement village, and 76-year-old Shirley Scrop, wearing a T-shirt commemorating her granddaughter’s bat mitzvah, was laying down a rap about health care.
“I walk in the morning and I swim in the pool, I go to the doctor because I’m no fool,” she chanted, swaying like Ray Charles in a tennis skirt. “At the doctor’s office, I don’t want to stay, but I sit and I sit and I sit all day.”
But truth be told, Ms. Scrop admitted after taking her bow, she would not change a thing about her health care. Only two months ago, she had surgery to remove a breast tumor, and Medicare and her supplemental policy covered the cost, while allowing her a broad choice of physicians.
SUNRISE, Fla. — It was karaoke night at the Sunrise Lakes retirement village, and 76-year-old Shirley Scrop, wearing a T-shirt commemorating her granddaughter’s bat mitzvah, was laying down a rap about health care.
“I walk in the morning and I swim in the pool, I go to the doctor because I’m no fool,” she chanted, swaying like Ray Charles in a tennis skirt. “At the doctor’s office, I don’t want to stay, but I sit and I sit and I sit all day.”
But truth be told, Ms. Scrop admitted after taking her bow, she would not change a thing about her health care. Only two months ago, she had surgery to remove a breast tumor, and Medicare and her supplemental policy covered the cost, while allowing her a broad choice of physicians.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Clunker Parts' Crossroad: Useful Spare or Gritty End
Killing a clunker takes patience and intestinal fortitude. Five minutes ago, a hulking Infiniti Q45 at Fitzgerald Auto Mall in Germantown guzzled a lethal dose of sodium silicate -- liquid glass that hardens engine arteries. A technician keeps stepping on the gas. The Q45 keeps purring.
Killing a clunker takes patience and intestinal fortitude. Five minutes ago, a hulking Infiniti Q45 at Fitzgerald Auto Mall in Germantown guzzled a lethal dose of sodium silicate -- liquid glass that hardens engine arteries. A technician keeps stepping on the gas. The Q45 keeps purring.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
A Harsh Lesson in College Math
College students are appealing financial aid decisions this summer in unprecedented numbers, an outpouring of need that underscores how layoffs and pay cuts have battered household budgets in the past year.
College students are appealing financial aid decisions this summer in unprecedented numbers, an outpouring of need that underscores how layoffs and pay cuts have battered household budgets in the past year.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Obama Calls Health Plan a ‘Moral Obligation’
WASHINGTON — President Obama sought Wednesday to reframe the health care debate as “a core ethical and moral obligation,” imploring a coalition of religious leaders to help promote the plan to lower costs and expand insurance coverage for all Americans.
WASHINGTON — President Obama sought Wednesday to reframe the health care debate as “a core ethical and moral obligation,” imploring a coalition of religious leaders to help promote the plan to lower costs and expand insurance coverage for all Americans.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Town hall meetings stir more conservatives to action
For Dave Swift, the frustration started with last year's $700 billion bank bailout. For Andrew Molaison, it was the sense his taxes were subsidizing people who bought homes "totally beyond their means."
In northeastern Pennsylvania Swift found like-minded neighbors at a Tea Party Patriots' rally and stayed in touch with the anti-tax group.
For Dave Swift, the frustration started with last year's $700 billion bank bailout. For Andrew Molaison, it was the sense his taxes were subsidizing people who bought homes "totally beyond their means."
In northeastern Pennsylvania Swift found like-minded neighbors at a Tea Party Patriots' rally and stayed in touch with the anti-tax group.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Health Care as a ‘Moral Imperative’
A group of religious leaders launches a health care blitz Wednesday that will be highlighted by television ads, sermons and a nationwide “call-in” to the White House that will stress the “moral imperative” to extend affordable coverage to the nation’s uninsured.
The “40 Days for Health Reform” initiative by the interfaith groups will include prayer services in congressional districts, meetings of religious leaders with members of Congress and a “Nationwide Health Care Sermon Weekend” with preaching from the pulpit on the need for a health care overhaul. The leaders say they’re the ones who see up close the problems with the insurance system and the need for change.
A group of religious leaders launches a health care blitz Wednesday that will be highlighted by television ads, sermons and a nationwide “call-in” to the White House that will stress the “moral imperative” to extend affordable coverage to the nation’s uninsured.
The “40 Days for Health Reform” initiative by the interfaith groups will include prayer services in congressional districts, meetings of religious leaders with members of Congress and a “Nationwide Health Care Sermon Weekend” with preaching from the pulpit on the need for a health care overhaul. The leaders say they’re the ones who see up close the problems with the insurance system and the need for change.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Democrats Seem Set to Go It Alone on a Health Care Bill
WASHINGTON — Given hardening Republican opposition to Congressional health care proposals, Democrats now say they see little chance of the minority’s cooperation in approving any overhaul, and are increasingly focused on drawing support for a final plan from within their own ranks.
WASHINGTON — Given hardening Republican opposition to Congressional health care proposals, Democrats now say they see little chance of the minority’s cooperation in approving any overhaul, and are increasingly focused on drawing support for a final plan from within their own ranks.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Climate plan calls for forest expansion
WASHINGTON — New forests would spread across the American landscape, replacing both pasture and farm fields, under a congressional plan to confront climate change, an Environmental Protection Agency analysis shows.
About 18 million acres of new trees — roughly the size of West Virginia — would be planted by 2020, according to an EPA analysis of a climate bill passed by the House of Representatives in June.
That's because the House bill gives financial incentives to farmers and ranchers to plant trees, which suck in large amounts of the key global-warming gas: carbon dioxide.
WASHINGTON — New forests would spread across the American landscape, replacing both pasture and farm fields, under a congressional plan to confront climate change, an Environmental Protection Agency analysis shows.
About 18 million acres of new trees — roughly the size of West Virginia — would be planted by 2020, according to an EPA analysis of a climate bill passed by the House of Representatives in June.
That's because the House bill gives financial incentives to farmers and ranchers to plant trees, which suck in large amounts of the key global-warming gas: carbon dioxide.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
'The Clunkers of the Power-Plant World'
CHICAGO -- The twin smokestacks of the 85-year-old Crawford Generating Station are a familiar backdrop in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. It's a largely Mexican immigrant community where children play in the street, families congregate on stoops and pushcart vendors sell corncobs within blocks of the plant and its large coal pile.
Six miles away in another crowded neighborhood sits a second plant, the Fisk Generating Station, built in 1903.
They are among the nation's fleet of aging coal-fired power plants, a handful of them in the heart of urban areas, including Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Alexandria, where the Potomac River Generating Station has long stirred controversy.
CHICAGO -- The twin smokestacks of the 85-year-old Crawford Generating Station are a familiar backdrop in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. It's a largely Mexican immigrant community where children play in the street, families congregate on stoops and pushcart vendors sell corncobs within blocks of the plant and its large coal pile.
Six miles away in another crowded neighborhood sits a second plant, the Fisk Generating Station, built in 1903.
They are among the nation's fleet of aging coal-fired power plants, a handful of them in the heart of urban areas, including Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Alexandria, where the Potomac River Generating Station has long stirred controversy.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
In Arkansas, a Democrat Navigates the Health Fight
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Nobody got in Senator Blanche Lincoln’s face about health care last week. That was because she did not let them.
While her colleagues subjected themselves to brickbats at town-hall-style meetings, Ms. Lincoln filled the first week of the Senate recess with controlled events before respectful crowds, like business forums and civic club luncheons. The closest demonstrators got to Arkansas’s senior senator were the clusters of people who waved placards from roadsides as her car zipped by.
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Nobody got in Senator Blanche Lincoln’s face about health care last week. That was because she did not let them.
While her colleagues subjected themselves to brickbats at town-hall-style meetings, Ms. Lincoln filled the first week of the Senate recess with controlled events before respectful crowds, like business forums and civic club luncheons. The closest demonstrators got to Arkansas’s senior senator were the clusters of people who waved placards from roadsides as her car zipped by.
Monday, August 17, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Obama may drop public option in health care
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration signaled Sunday it may drop the idea of a publicly financed insurance option as part of a health care compromise.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the public option "is not the essential element." She said the administration would consider a bill that includes the creation of a not-for-profit insurance cooperative as an alternative to a government-run plan.
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration signaled Sunday it may drop the idea of a publicly financed insurance option as part of a health care compromise.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the public option "is not the essential element." She said the administration would consider a bill that includes the creation of a not-for-profit insurance cooperative as an alternative to a government-run plan.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Road to Recovery
GLENFIELD, N.D. -- For the first time in five months, Janet Morgan was on her way to work -- a happy occasion diminished only by what now was required to get there. She packed 13 boxes into the bed of her rusted pickup, careful to include what she considered her "survival items." Family photographs would help her stave off loneliness. A 5,000-piece puzzle would prevent boredom. Instructional Spanish audiotapes would offer simulated conversation.
GLENFIELD, N.D. -- For the first time in five months, Janet Morgan was on her way to work -- a happy occasion diminished only by what now was required to get there. She packed 13 boxes into the bed of her rusted pickup, careful to include what she considered her "survival items." Family photographs would help her stave off loneliness. A 5,000-piece puzzle would prevent boredom. Instructional Spanish audiotapes would offer simulated conversation.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
False ‘Death Panel’ Rumor Has Some Familiar Roots
WASHINGTON — The stubborn yet false rumor that President Obama’s health care proposals would create government-sponsored “death panels” to decide which patients were worthy of living seemed to arise from nowhere in recent weeks.
Advanced even this week by Republican stalwarts including the party’s last vice-presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, and Charles E. Grassley, the veteran Iowa senator, the nature of the assertion nonetheless seemed reminiscent of the modern-day viral Internet campaigns that dogged Mr. Obama last year, falsely calling him a Muslim and questioning his nationality.
WASHINGTON — The stubborn yet false rumor that President Obama’s health care proposals would create government-sponsored “death panels” to decide which patients were worthy of living seemed to arise from nowhere in recent weeks.
Advanced even this week by Republican stalwarts including the party’s last vice-presidential nominee, Sarah Palin, and Charles E. Grassley, the veteran Iowa senator, the nature of the assertion nonetheless seemed reminiscent of the modern-day viral Internet campaigns that dogged Mr. Obama last year, falsely calling him a Muslim and questioning his nationality.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
France, Germany Fend Off Recession
Fresh signs of a nascent economic recovery came from hard-hit Europe on Thursday, with Germany and France unexpectedly becoming the first major industrialized nations to officially pull out of the global recession.
Though their recoveries were modest by virtually any standard and may yet stall in the months ahead, the surprising bounce back to growth in Europe's largest economies comes on the heels of steadily rising economic optimism across the globe.
Analysts are pointing to improving indicators in the United States, China and even Japan, the world's second-largest economy, which some observers predict is set to announce its own return to growth in the coming days. Though a host of other European economies -- including Britain, Italy and Spain -- are still mired in one of the worst recessions in generations, contractions are moderating even in many of those nations, an indication that they too may be close to rebounding. It underscores, analysts say, how ramped-up government stimulus spending around the globe appears to be having at least some of its desired effects.
Fresh signs of a nascent economic recovery came from hard-hit Europe on Thursday, with Germany and France unexpectedly becoming the first major industrialized nations to officially pull out of the global recession.
Though their recoveries were modest by virtually any standard and may yet stall in the months ahead, the surprising bounce back to growth in Europe's largest economies comes on the heels of steadily rising economic optimism across the globe.
Analysts are pointing to improving indicators in the United States, China and even Japan, the world's second-largest economy, which some observers predict is set to announce its own return to growth in the coming days. Though a host of other European economies -- including Britain, Italy and Spain -- are still mired in one of the worst recessions in generations, contractions are moderating even in many of those nations, an indication that they too may be close to rebounding. It underscores, analysts say, how ramped-up government stimulus spending around the globe appears to be having at least some of its desired effects.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Fed Views Recession as Near an End
WASHINGTON — Almost exactly two years after it embarked on what was the biggest financial rescue in American history, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday that the recession is ending and that it would take a step back toward normal policy.
Though the central bank stopped well short of declaring victory, policy makers issued their most upbeat assessment in more than a year by saying that the downturn appears to have hit bottom and that consumer spending, financial markets and inventory-building by corporations all continued to stabilize.
WASHINGTON — Almost exactly two years after it embarked on what was the biggest financial rescue in American history, the Federal Reserve said on Wednesday that the recession is ending and that it would take a step back toward normal policy.
Though the central bank stopped well short of declaring victory, policy makers issued their most upbeat assessment in more than a year by saying that the downturn appears to have hit bottom and that consumer spending, financial markets and inventory-building by corporations all continued to stabilize.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Polite Debate at Grassley's Iowa Town Halls
AFTON, Iowa -- As Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) travels to town halls in his state, it seems conservative Iowans are either too polite to shout at him or really like their longtime senator, even as he has remains one of the few Republicans negotiating with President Obama and congressional Democrats on health care.
AFTON, Iowa -- As Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) travels to town halls in his state, it seems conservative Iowans are either too polite to shout at him or really like their longtime senator, even as he has remains one of the few Republicans negotiating with President Obama and congressional Democrats on health care.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Some states get share of stimulus faster
WASHINGTON — Stimulus money is flowing far more slowly to some states than others, a USA TODAY analysis shows, despite the Obama administration's push to speed up spending to help jump start the nation's economy.
Nearly six months after President Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus bill, some states, such as California, have collected more than half of the money that's been promised to them so far. Ten others, such as Alaska, New Hampshire and Wyoming, have been paid less than a quarter, the review of federal spending reports shows.
WASHINGTON — Stimulus money is flowing far more slowly to some states than others, a USA TODAY analysis shows, despite the Obama administration's push to speed up spending to help jump start the nation's economy.
Nearly six months after President Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus bill, some states, such as California, have collected more than half of the money that's been promised to them so far. Ten others, such as Alaska, New Hampshire and Wyoming, have been paid less than a quarter, the review of federal spending reports shows.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Survey Finds High Fees Common in Medical Care
patient in Illinois was charged $12,712 for cataract surgery. Medicare pays $675 for the same procedure. In California, a patient was charged $20,120 for a knee operation that Medicare pays $584 for. And a New Jersey patient was charged $72,000 for a spinal fusion procedure that Medicare covers for $1,629.
patient in Illinois was charged $12,712 for cataract surgery. Medicare pays $675 for the same procedure. In California, a patient was charged $20,120 for a knee operation that Medicare pays $584 for. And a New Jersey patient was charged $72,000 for a spinal fusion procedure that Medicare covers for $1,629.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Obama Presides Over No Drama Health Forum
Well, that was civil.
After a series of flak-filled town hall meetings during which members of Congress were shouted down by voters angry about the proposed health care overhaul, President Obama on Tuesday presided over a gathering in Portsmouth, N.H., that was noteworthy for its lack of drama.
Maybe it was the fact that most of the 1,800 attendees in the Portsmouth High School gym supported Obama's goal of retooling the U.S. health care system. Tickets were distributed by local congressional offices (all in Democratic hands) and by sympathetic groups. The audience applauded broadsides the president fired at insurers. And when Obama asked for a skeptical question, one man responded by asking why Obama doesn't chastise members of Congress more for having access to better care than their contituents.
Well, that was civil.
After a series of flak-filled town hall meetings during which members of Congress were shouted down by voters angry about the proposed health care overhaul, President Obama on Tuesday presided over a gathering in Portsmouth, N.H., that was noteworthy for its lack of drama.
Maybe it was the fact that most of the 1,800 attendees in the Portsmouth High School gym supported Obama's goal of retooling the U.S. health care system. Tickets were distributed by local congressional offices (all in Democratic hands) and by sympathetic groups. The audience applauded broadsides the president fired at insurers. And when Obama asked for a skeptical question, one man responded by asking why Obama doesn't chastise members of Congress more for having access to better care than their contituents.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Shriver poured heart, soul into helping disabled
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of a president and U.S. senators, was lauded after her death Tuesday for a towering achievement of her own: ending the stigma associated with mental disabilities.
Shriver died at a hospital near the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Mass. She was 88 and had suffered several strokes in recent years.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of a president and U.S. senators, was lauded after her death Tuesday for a towering achievement of her own: ending the stigma associated with mental disabilities.
Shriver died at a hospital near the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Mass. She was 88 and had suffered several strokes in recent years.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Coal's Future Wagered on Carbon Capture
At a bend in the Ohio River, a bulky new device is being attached to a 30-year-old coal plant near the small town of New Haven, W.Va.
The device is being housed in a building four stories tall and bigger than a football field. A 150-foot-tall exhaust stack -- so wide that it would take six adults with their arms fully stretched to reach around it -- will reach into the sky. And pipelines will run out of the building and into saline aquifers two miles underground. The entire contraption will start up as early as September.
At a bend in the Ohio River, a bulky new device is being attached to a 30-year-old coal plant near the small town of New Haven, W.Va.
The device is being housed in a building four stories tall and bigger than a football field. A 150-foot-tall exhaust stack -- so wide that it would take six adults with their arms fully stretched to reach around it -- will reach into the sky. And pipelines will run out of the building and into saline aquifers two miles underground. The entire contraption will start up as early as September.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Soaring deficit may defy forecasts
WASHINGTON — Stagnant unemployment, shrinking tax revenue and a struggling economy threaten to quadruple the size of last year's federal budget deficit, raising more questions about the timing of costly proposals to overhaul health care.
As the White House and Congressional Budget Office (CBO) prepare to release new deficit estimates this month, several economists say the news is likely to be as bad as or worse than forecasts.
WASHINGTON — Stagnant unemployment, shrinking tax revenue and a struggling economy threaten to quadruple the size of last year's federal budget deficit, raising more questions about the timing of costly proposals to overhaul health care.
As the White House and Congressional Budget Office (CBO) prepare to release new deficit estimates this month, several economists say the news is likely to be as bad as or worse than forecasts.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Town Hall Protests Are 'Un-American,' Top Democrats Say
House Democratic leaders are joining a handful of rank-and-file members in casting aspersions on the patriotism of citizens who have shouted down members of Congress at health care forums across the country.
"[It] is now evident that an ugly campaign is underway not merely to misrepresent the health insurance reform legislation, but to disrupt public meetings and prevent members of Congress and constituents from conducting a civil dialogue," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., wrote in a Monday op-ed in USA Today. "Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American."
House Democratic leaders are joining a handful of rank-and-file members in casting aspersions on the patriotism of citizens who have shouted down members of Congress at health care forums across the country.
"[It] is now evident that an ugly campaign is underway not merely to misrepresent the health insurance reform legislation, but to disrupt public meetings and prevent members of Congress and constituents from conducting a civil dialogue," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., wrote in a Monday op-ed in USA Today. "Drowning out opposing views is simply un-American."
Monday, August 10, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Poll: Americans divided on health care overhaul
WASHINGTON — As supporters and opponents of overhauling the health care system try to shape public opinion at congressional town-hall-style meetings, both sides face a big complication: Public opinion on the issue is complex in ways that defy an easy Republican-Democratic divide.
Analysis of a recent USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds views on what priority to emphasize, how fast to act and what's important to protect vary and sometimes conflict depending on a person's age and region of the country, whether he or she has insurance, and is healthy or ailing.
WASHINGTON — As supporters and opponents of overhauling the health care system try to shape public opinion at congressional town-hall-style meetings, both sides face a big complication: Public opinion on the issue is complex in ways that defy an easy Republican-Democratic divide.
Analysis of a recent USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds views on what priority to emphasize, how fast to act and what's important to protect vary and sometimes conflict depending on a person's age and region of the country, whether he or she has insurance, and is healthy or ailing.
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Preparing for Swine Flu's Return
As the first influenza pandemic in 41 years has spread during the Southern Hemisphere's winter over the past few months, the United States and other northern countries have been racing to prepare for a second wave of swine flu virus.
As the first influenza pandemic in 41 years has spread during the Southern Hemisphere's winter over the past few months, the United States and other northern countries have been racing to prepare for a second wave of swine flu virus.
Monday, August 10, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Paralympics Offer Wounded Veterans a Chance to Dream
CHICAGO -- When Maryland native Keith Buckman regained consciousness in a Bethesda hospital last July, he knew he would never again play football, basketball or soccer, the sports he had loved growing up in Forestville. He barely survived a 2008 suicide bombing in Iraq's Anbar province that killed 25 people, including three fellow Marines. His legs and one arm were shattered.
He never dreamed that a year later he would be training for the Paralympic Games, hoping for a berth in "mono-skiing" at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver or in wheelchair basketball at the 2012 Summer Games in London.
CHICAGO -- When Maryland native Keith Buckman regained consciousness in a Bethesda hospital last July, he knew he would never again play football, basketball or soccer, the sports he had loved growing up in Forestville. He barely survived a 2008 suicide bombing in Iraq's Anbar province that killed 25 people, including three fellow Marines. His legs and one arm were shattered.
He never dreamed that a year later he would be training for the Paralympic Games, hoping for a berth in "mono-skiing" at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver or in wheelchair basketball at the 2012 Summer Games in London.
Friday, August 07, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Sotomayor Confirmed by Senate, 68-31
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the nation’s first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, concluding a 10-week battle with a resounding victory for the White House.
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the nation’s first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, concluding a 10-week battle with a resounding victory for the White House.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Obama Hosts Senate Health Bill Check-Up
President Obama and six senators negotiating a bipartisan health overhaul traded views on policy provisions of the legislation Thursday during a White House meeting, and Democrats in the group urged Obama to continue trying to sell the need for an overhaul to the public.
Sen. Kent Conrad , D-N.D., said that Obama asked the group of three Democrats and three Republicans how he could help their negotiations, which have dragged on for nearly two months. “I think the single most important thing he can do is continue to stress how critically important this is for the country,” Conrad said. “Failure is simply not an option.”
President Obama and six senators negotiating a bipartisan health overhaul traded views on policy provisions of the legislation Thursday during a White House meeting, and Democrats in the group urged Obama to continue trying to sell the need for an overhaul to the public.
Sen. Kent Conrad , D-N.D., said that Obama asked the group of three Democrats and three Republicans how he could help their negotiations, which have dragged on for nearly two months. “I think the single most important thing he can do is continue to stress how critically important this is for the country,” Conrad said. “Failure is simply not an option.”
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
Health Debate Produces Angry Protests, Angry Retorts
The earth-scorching August firefight over health care has given rise to questions about the point at which stifling civil discussion damages the democratic process.
All across the country, conservative opponents are clamoring to disrupt town-hall meetings about the proposed overhaul of the nation’s health care system, using GOP-generated talking points and stalking tactics to shout down Democratic congressmen who attempt to explain the plan.
The earth-scorching August firefight over health care has given rise to questions about the point at which stifling civil discussion damages the democratic process.
All across the country, conservative opponents are clamoring to disrupt town-hall meetings about the proposed overhaul of the nation’s health care system, using GOP-generated talking points and stalking tactics to shout down Democratic congressmen who attempt to explain the plan.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
White House Affirms Deal on Drug Cost
WASHINGTON — Pressed by industry lobbyists, White House officials on Wednesday assured drug makers that the administration stood by a behind-the-scenes deal to block any Congressional effort to extract cost savings from them beyond an agreed-upon $80 billion.
WASHINGTON — Pressed by industry lobbyists, White House officials on Wednesday assured drug makers that the administration stood by a behind-the-scenes deal to block any Congressional effort to extract cost savings from them beyond an agreed-upon $80 billion.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Drop in homeownership likely to continue
The rate of homeownership is forecast to keep tumbling in the next decade to lows not seen since the 1980s, a trend that could redefine a key element of the American dream even after the housing market recovers.
The percentage of households that own homes hit a peak of almost 70% in 2004 and 2005. By the second quarter of this year, that slipped to 67.4%, according to the Census Bureau. Now, a University of Utah analysis projects it'll drop to about 63.5% by 2020 — the lowest since 1985.
"It will fall steadily by about half a point per year," says Arthur C. Nelson, director of the university's Metropolitan Research Center. "We'll have far more renters in the future."
The rate of homeownership is forecast to keep tumbling in the next decade to lows not seen since the 1980s, a trend that could redefine a key element of the American dream even after the housing market recovers.
The percentage of households that own homes hit a peak of almost 70% in 2004 and 2005. By the second quarter of this year, that slipped to 67.4%, according to the Census Bureau. Now, a University of Utah analysis projects it'll drop to about 63.5% by 2020 — the lowest since 1985.
"It will fall steadily by about half a point per year," says Arthur C. Nelson, director of the university's Metropolitan Research Center. "We'll have far more renters in the future."
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online
Congressional Quarterly Online
‘Clunkers’ Cash Wins Key Support in Senate
A trio of Senate fuel-efficiency advocates said Monday they would back House-passed legislation to refinance the popular “cash for clunkers” program, eliminating a potential source of opposition to the bill and raising the likelihood it could got to President Obama before the August recess.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif., Susan Collins , R-Maine, and Charles E. Schumer , D-N.Y., said an administration briefing had persuaded them that the auto trade-in program has resulted in a steep increase in the number of fuel-efficient vehicles being purchased.
A trio of Senate fuel-efficiency advocates said Monday they would back House-passed legislation to refinance the popular “cash for clunkers” program, eliminating a potential source of opposition to the bill and raising the likelihood it could got to President Obama before the August recess.
Sens. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif., Susan Collins , R-Maine, and Charles E. Schumer , D-N.Y., said an administration briefing had persuaded them that the auto trade-in program has resulted in a steep increase in the number of fuel-efficient vehicles being purchased.
Monday, August 03, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Stimulus cash lifts states, localities
huge influx of federal stimulus money to state and local governments more than offset a sharp drop in tax collections, helping to put the brakes on the nation's economic decline, new government data show.
The stimulus funds helped reverse six months of spending declines, pushing state and local government expenditures up 4.8% in the second quarter, reports the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
"The money has caused a very sharp change in the path of the economy, which had been in steep decline," said Chad Stone, chief economist at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C.
huge influx of federal stimulus money to state and local governments more than offset a sharp drop in tax collections, helping to put the brakes on the nation's economic decline, new government data show.
The stimulus funds helped reverse six months of spending declines, pushing state and local government expenditures up 4.8% in the second quarter, reports the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
"The money has caused a very sharp change in the path of the economy, which had been in steep decline," said Chad Stone, chief economist at the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C.
Monday, August 03, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Two Sides Take Health Care Debate Outside Washington
WASHINGTON — With Republicans mobilizing against the proposed health care overhaul, President Obama, Congressional Democrats and leading advocacy groups are laying the groundwork for an August offensive against the insurance industry as part of a coordinated campaign to sell the public on the need for reform.
WASHINGTON — With Republicans mobilizing against the proposed health care overhaul, President Obama, Congressional Democrats and leading advocacy groups are laying the groundwork for an August offensive against the insurance industry as part of a coordinated campaign to sell the public on the need for reform.
Monday, August 03, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Obama Aides See Signs of Recovery but Say It Will Be Slow
WASHINGTON — President Obama’s top economic advisers gave upbeat assessments of the American economy on Sunday, predicting an imminent start to a recovery, but a slow and arduous one compared with previous rebounds.
“Six months ago, when the president took office, we were talking about whether recession would become depression,” Lawrence H. Summers, Mr. Obama’s top economic adviser, said on “Face the Nation” on CBS. “Today we are talking about when recession is going to end.”
WASHINGTON — President Obama’s top economic advisers gave upbeat assessments of the American economy on Sunday, predicting an imminent start to a recovery, but a slow and arduous one compared with previous rebounds.
“Six months ago, when the president took office, we were talking about whether recession would become depression,” Lawrence H. Summers, Mr. Obama’s top economic adviser, said on “Face the Nation” on CBS. “Today we are talking about when recession is going to end.”
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Recovery Signs in Housing Market Stir Some Hope
After a plunge lasting three years, houses have finally become cheap enough to lure buyers. That, in turn, is stabilizing prices, generating hope that the real estate market is beginning to recover.
Eight cities, including Chicago, Cleveland, Denver and San Francisco, showed price increases in May, up from four in April and one in March, according to data released Tuesday. Two other cities, Charlotte, N.C., and New York, were flat.
For the first time since early 2007, a composite index of 20 major cities was virtually flat, instead of down.
After a plunge lasting three years, houses have finally become cheap enough to lure buyers. That, in turn, is stabilizing prices, generating hope that the real estate market is beginning to recover.
Eight cities, including Chicago, Cleveland, Denver and San Francisco, showed price increases in May, up from four in April and one in March, according to data released Tuesday. Two other cities, Charlotte, N.C., and New York, were flat.
For the first time since early 2007, a composite index of 20 major cities was virtually flat, instead of down.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Senators Close to Health Accord
An emerging consensus among a bipartisan group of senators is poised to shift the dynamic in the congressional debate over health-care reform and could lead to a final product that sheds many of the priorities that President Obama has emphasized and that have drawn GOP attacks.
An emerging consensus among a bipartisan group of senators is poised to shift the dynamic in the congressional debate over health-care reform and could lead to a final product that sheds many of the priorities that President Obama has emphasized and that have drawn GOP attacks.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Industry donates to drug plan foes
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers who count pharmaceutical companies among their biggest contributors lead the opposition to a health care proposal that would cut costs by allowing generic drugs to compete sooner with pricey biotechnology drugs, campaign-finance records show.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has helped lead Senate efforts to give drug companies 12 years of exclusive rights to sell biotech drugs, rather than seven as proposed by President Obama. Hatch has received nearly $1.3 million from the employees and political action committees of drug and health products companies since 1989, making the industry his largest contributor, according to data compiled by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics.
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers who count pharmaceutical companies among their biggest contributors lead the opposition to a health care proposal that would cut costs by allowing generic drugs to compete sooner with pricey biotechnology drugs, campaign-finance records show.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has helped lead Senate efforts to give drug companies 12 years of exclusive rights to sell biotech drugs, rather than seven as proposed by President Obama. Hatch has received nearly $1.3 million from the employees and political action committees of drug and health products companies since 1989, making the industry his largest contributor, according to data compiled by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
As Charter Schools Unionize, Many Debate Effect
CHICAGO — Dissatisfied with long hours, churning turnover and, in some cases, lower pay than instructors at other public schools, an increasing number of teachers at charter schools are unionizing.
CHICAGO — Dissatisfied with long hours, churning turnover and, in some cases, lower pay than instructors at other public schools, an increasing number of teachers at charter schools are unionizing.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
A Case of Getting What You Pay For
Two decades ago, a famous clinical experiment showed that if a patient in the throes of a heart attack chewed and swallowed an aspirin tablet, the risk of dying fell from 13.2 percent to 10.2 percent.
Two decades ago, a famous clinical experiment showed that if a patient in the throes of a heart attack chewed and swallowed an aspirin tablet, the risk of dying fell from 13.2 percent to 10.2 percent.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Pelosi Vows Passage of Health-Care Overhaul
Defying skeptics in her party, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed Sunday to overcome lingering obstacles and pass health-care reform in the House, restoring momentum to President Obama's top domestic priority and order to her own unruly Democratic caucus.
"When I take this bill to the floor, it will win," Pelosi (Calif.) said on CNN's "State of the Union." "This will happen."
The speaker, who has struggled to overcome a series of recent setbacks, raised the stakes by planning to restart talks Monday among bickering Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee, one of three House panels with jurisdiction over health care and where the bill stalled last week. Democratic leaders are newly confident that these differences can be resolved, possibly in time to bring a House bill to the floor before lawmakers depart Friday for the August recess, although Pelosi did not commit to a timetable.
The chaos underscores the difficulty of transforming a major sector of the U.S. economy in a single piece of legislation, and also the perils of rushing Obama's first-term priorities through Congress before concerns about the 2010 midterm elections take hold. "What we don't want is for the process to bog down here," senior White House adviser David Axelrod said on the same CNN program. "We want to keep moving forward, and I believe we will."
Although the Senate will not vote on its plan until after Labor Day, a Senate Finance Committee deal this week would reassure several dozen anxious House Democrats who are wary of the more liberal course their leaders have taken on health care. Feeling burned by a tough vote on climate-change legislation that is languishing in the Senate, these House Democrats sparked an uprising last week that Pelosi is struggling to contain.
Defying skeptics in her party, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed Sunday to overcome lingering obstacles and pass health-care reform in the House, restoring momentum to President Obama's top domestic priority and order to her own unruly Democratic caucus.
"When I take this bill to the floor, it will win," Pelosi (Calif.) said on CNN's "State of the Union." "This will happen."
The speaker, who has struggled to overcome a series of recent setbacks, raised the stakes by planning to restart talks Monday among bickering Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee, one of three House panels with jurisdiction over health care and where the bill stalled last week. Democratic leaders are newly confident that these differences can be resolved, possibly in time to bring a House bill to the floor before lawmakers depart Friday for the August recess, although Pelosi did not commit to a timetable.
The chaos underscores the difficulty of transforming a major sector of the U.S. economy in a single piece of legislation, and also the perils of rushing Obama's first-term priorities through Congress before concerns about the 2010 midterm elections take hold. "What we don't want is for the process to bog down here," senior White House adviser David Axelrod said on the same CNN program. "We want to keep moving forward, and I believe we will."
Although the Senate will not vote on its plan until after Labor Day, a Senate Finance Committee deal this week would reassure several dozen anxious House Democrats who are wary of the more liberal course their leaders have taken on health care. Feeling burned by a tough vote on climate-change legislation that is languishing in the Senate, these House Democrats sparked an uprising last week that Pelosi is struggling to contain.
Friday, July 24, 2009
CQ Politics
CQ Politics
Health Care: See You in September?
Any chance of a health care overhaul passing a chamber of Congress before the August recess now rests with the House, after Senate leaders acknowledged Thursday that they would not be able to put legislation to a vote before the monthlong summer break.
Top Democrats in the House continue to negotiate with members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, who have refused to support the House bill (HR 3200) unless it is significantly changed to reduce national health care spending.
Any chance of a health care overhaul passing a chamber of Congress before the August recess now rests with the House, after Senate leaders acknowledged Thursday that they would not be able to put legislation to a vote before the monthlong summer break.
Top Democrats in the House continue to negotiate with members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition, who have refused to support the House bill (HR 3200) unless it is significantly changed to reduce national health care spending.
Friday, July 24, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Lobbyists get power access via caucuses
WASHINGTON — Lobbyists and businesses that employ them donated $5.8 million last year to foundations affiliated with congressional groups, a USA TODAY analysis of federal lobbying data shows.
Nearly all of it — $5.7 million — went to non-profit groups connected to the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, according to the analysis.
WASHINGTON — Lobbyists and businesses that employ them donated $5.8 million last year to foundations affiliated with congressional groups, a USA TODAY analysis of federal lobbying data shows.
Nearly all of it — $5.7 million — went to non-profit groups connected to the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, according to the analysis.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Health Reform Deadline In Doubt
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid acknowledged Thursday that his chamber is unable to pass health-care reform before its August recess, a move that highlighted internal Democratic divisions on the legislation and is likely to result in significant changes to the shape of the final bill.
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid acknowledged Thursday that his chamber is unable to pass health-care reform before its August recess, a move that highlighted internal Democratic divisions on the legislation and is likely to result in significant changes to the shape of the final bill.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Challenge to Health Bill: Selling Reform
WASHINGTON — What’s in it for me?
On the subject of health care reform, most Americans probably don’t have a good answer to the question. And that, obviously, is a problem for the White House and for Democratic leaders in Congress.
WASHINGTON — What’s in it for me?
On the subject of health care reform, most Americans probably don’t have a good answer to the question. And that, obviously, is a problem for the White House and for Democratic leaders in Congress.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
CQ Politics
CQ Politics
Will Blue Dog Demands Change Health Bill?
While the goal of health care overhaul is a given among House Democrats, the size, shape, and extent of the plan hinges on the demands of a handful of pivotal members.
Work on the bill is at a standstill as moderate Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee push for the bill to be recast to provide greater cost savings, fewer mandates on small businesses and a weakened government-run insurance plan, lawmakers say.
While the goal of health care overhaul is a given among House Democrats, the size, shape, and extent of the plan hinges on the demands of a handful of pivotal members.
Work on the bill is at a standstill as moderate Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee push for the bill to be recast to provide greater cost savings, fewer mandates on small businesses and a weakened government-run insurance plan, lawmakers say.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Pelosi on health: Overhaul is closer
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday she is confident Congress will advance an overhaul of the nation's health care system despite divisions within her own party and mounting opposition from outside groups over its cost.
As House and Senate lawmakers wrestle with how to pay the price of covering the nation's 46 million uninsured — more than $1 trillion in the first decade — the California Democrat told USA TODAY's editorial board that the best approach is to rely on savings rather than taxes.
"There's, I believe, more to be squeezed out," Pelosi said, adding that Democrats hope to bring down the costs of the bill. "Many members think that there's more to be squeezed from hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and docs."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday she is confident Congress will advance an overhaul of the nation's health care system despite divisions within her own party and mounting opposition from outside groups over its cost.
As House and Senate lawmakers wrestle with how to pay the price of covering the nation's 46 million uninsured — more than $1 trillion in the first decade — the California Democrat told USA TODAY's editorial board that the best approach is to rely on savings rather than taxes.
"There's, I believe, more to be squeezed out," Pelosi said, adding that Democrats hope to bring down the costs of the bill. "Many members think that there's more to be squeezed from hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and docs."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
GOP Ready to Get to Specifics on Sotomayor
Republicans will pivot from a thematic critique to specific lines of attack on Tuesday when Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor faces a first round of questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee.
In their opening statements on Monday, the panel’s seven Republicans outlined concerns about the role of judges and whether Sotomayor could put aside her background and personal beliefs if confirmed to the high court.
Republicans will pivot from a thematic critique to specific lines of attack on Tuesday when Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor faces a first round of questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee.
In their opening statements on Monday, the panel’s seven Republicans outlined concerns about the role of judges and whether Sotomayor could put aside her background and personal beliefs if confirmed to the high court.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
On Health-Care Reform, Obama Looks to the LBJ Model
President Obama returned to domestic affairs yesterday after a weeklong overseas tour with a warning for skeptics of his stalled health-care overhaul: "Don't bet against us."
The tough talk in the Rose Garden gave way hours later to behind-the-scenes Lyndon B. Johnson-style lobbying, as Obama pledged in a pair of private meetings with Democratic lawmakers to stake his political capital on this year's top agenda item.
"I just want to put everybody on notice because there was a lot of chatter during the week that I was gone," he said. "Inaction is not an option."
President Obama returned to domestic affairs yesterday after a weeklong overseas tour with a warning for skeptics of his stalled health-care overhaul: "Don't bet against us."
The tough talk in the Rose Garden gave way hours later to behind-the-scenes Lyndon B. Johnson-style lobbying, as Obama pledged in a pair of private meetings with Democratic lawmakers to stake his political capital on this year's top agenda item.
"I just want to put everybody on notice because there was a lot of chatter during the week that I was gone," he said. "Inaction is not an option."
14, July 14, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Plans Cash Infusion for Community Colleges
President Obama will propose a $12 billion investment in the nation's community colleges today, arguing that the money will drive expansions and reforms in the system that are needed to help people get educated in the struggling economy.
Obama will unveil the reforms during a speech at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., this afternoon. Later, he will throw out the first pitch at baseball's All-Star Game in St. Louis before returning to the White House.
The college initiative is designed to drive growth in the number of community college graduates as fewer people are able to afford pricey four-year universities, senior administration officials told reporters Monday night. Obama will call for 5 million additional community college graduates by 2020.
President Obama will propose a $12 billion investment in the nation's community colleges today, arguing that the money will drive expansions and reforms in the system that are needed to help people get educated in the struggling economy.
Obama will unveil the reforms during a speech at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich., this afternoon. Later, he will throw out the first pitch at baseball's All-Star Game in St. Louis before returning to the White House.
The college initiative is designed to drive growth in the number of community college graduates as fewer people are able to afford pricey four-year universities, senior administration officials told reporters Monday night. Obama will call for 5 million additional community college graduates by 2020.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
How To Pay For Health Plan? Tax the Rich Or Not?
Work on a health care overhaul will intensify this week, as the cost of the legislation — along with the methods to pay for it — becomes a paramount issue.
House Democratic leaders plan to release a finished version of their bill Monday, and three committees — Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor — are expected to start marking up the bill this week.
Work on a health care overhaul will intensify this week, as the cost of the legislation — along with the methods to pay for it — becomes a paramount issue.
House Democratic leaders plan to release a finished version of their bill Monday, and three committees — Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor — are expected to start marking up the bill this week.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
What To Watch For At Sotomayor’s Hearing
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor will have to perform a rhetorical high-wire exercise during her Senate confirmation hearing, which begins Monday.
She will need to show the Judiciary Committee a mastery of constitutional law without being too specific on any particular legal issue. She will have to respond dispassionately to pointed questions, demonstrating a judicial temperament worthy of the high court.
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor will have to perform a rhetorical high-wire exercise during her Senate confirmation hearing, which begins Monday.
She will need to show the Judiciary Committee a mastery of constitutional law without being too specific on any particular legal issue. She will have to respond dispassionately to pointed questions, demonstrating a judicial temperament worthy of the high court.
Monday, July 13, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Monitoring faulted in rise of soldier suicides
WASHINGTON — Army commanders are failing at the day-to-day task of monitoring troubled young soldiers in their barracks back home, which is helping push suicides to record numbers, the head of the Army's suicide task force says.
The Army has built a fighting force second to none, says Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire, but "we have young leaders who have not been trained in the art of ... just taking care of soldiers," particularly after they return home from combat.
WASHINGTON — Army commanders are failing at the day-to-day task of monitoring troubled young soldiers in their barracks back home, which is helping push suicides to record numbers, the head of the Army's suicide task force says.
The Army has built a fighting force second to none, says Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire, but "we have young leaders who have not been trained in the art of ... just taking care of soldiers," particularly after they return home from combat.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Health Care Headache Intensifies on Capitol Hill
Even with a Democrat in the White House and Democrats running Congress, creating a major health law is proving to be a slow go.
The bill that was supposed to be released by Friday isn’t ready, and one of the key Republicans involved in negotiations suggests it might be time to start over and try to accomplish less.
Even with a Democrat in the White House and Democrats running Congress, creating a major health law is proving to be a slow go.
The bill that was supposed to be released by Friday isn’t ready, and one of the key Republicans involved in negotiations suggests it might be time to start over and try to accomplish less.
Friday, July 10, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Ban on tobacco urged in military
WASHINGTON — Pentagon health experts are urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ban the use of tobacco by troops and end its sale on military property, a change that could dramatically alter a culture intertwined with smoking.
Jack Smith, head of the Pentagon's office of clinical and program policy, says he will recommend that Gates adopt proposals by a federal study that cites rising tobacco use and higher costs for the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs as reasons for the ban.
WASHINGTON — Pentagon health experts are urging Defense Secretary Robert Gates to ban the use of tobacco by troops and end its sale on military property, a change that could dramatically alter a culture intertwined with smoking.
Jack Smith, head of the Pentagon's office of clinical and program policy, says he will recommend that Gates adopt proposals by a federal study that cites rising tobacco use and higher costs for the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs as reasons for the ban.
Friday, July 10, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Students 1st in Line For Flu Vaccine
School-age children will be a key target population for a pandemic flu vaccine in the fall, and they may be vaccinated at school in a mass campaign not seen since the polio epidemics of the 1950s.
School-age children will be a key target population for a pandemic flu vaccine in the fall, and they may be vaccinated at school in a mass campaign not seen since the polio epidemics of the 1950s.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Lousy Economy Could Swing Climate Change Vote
Though Republicans portray climate change legislation as a costly energy tax that would cost families thousands of dollars a year, the worsening economy and budget woes in dozens of states are increasing chances the Senate will enact a bill this year.
The White House is hoping billions of dollars worth of free emissions allowances that would be part of a cap-and-trade system will persuade undecided senators to support the bill, which is one of its top domestic priorities.
Though Republicans portray climate change legislation as a costly energy tax that would cost families thousands of dollars a year, the worsening economy and budget woes in dozens of states are increasing chances the Senate will enact a bill this year.
The White House is hoping billions of dollars worth of free emissions allowances that would be part of a cap-and-trade system will persuade undecided senators to support the bill, which is one of its top domestic priorities.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Treasury Dials Back Plan to Aid Banks
The Obama administration's program to help relieve banks of their toxic securities, once touted by officials as critical to reviving the financial system, was instead unveiled yesterday as a modest safety net aimed at preventing the banking sector from suffering a relapse.
The Obama administration's program to help relieve banks of their toxic securities, once touted by officials as critical to reviving the financial system, was instead unveiled yesterday as a modest safety net aimed at preventing the banking sector from suffering a relapse.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
G-8 mulls Obama's $15B agricultural aid plan
L'AQUILA, Italy — President Obama has lost his effort to win support from China and India for tougher climate control measures, but he's likely to win other battles at the Group of 8 summit here today and Friday.
Leaders of the world's major industrial powers are set to endorse his plan to provide about $15 billion in agricultural assistance to developing nations. The money would be a welcome gift for the president to bring to sub-Saharan Africa when he visits Ghana on Saturday.
L'AQUILA, Italy — President Obama has lost his effort to win support from China and India for tougher climate control measures, but he's likely to win other battles at the Group of 8 summit here today and Friday.
Leaders of the world's major industrial powers are set to endorse his plan to provide about $15 billion in agricultural assistance to developing nations. The money would be a welcome gift for the president to bring to sub-Saharan Africa when he visits Ghana on Saturday.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Power of Stimulus Slow to Take Hold
Five months after Congress approved a massive package of spending and tax cuts aimed at reviving an ailing economy, the jobless rate is still climbing and the White House is scrambling to reassure an anxious public that President Obama's prescription for economic recovery is on the right track.
Five months after Congress approved a massive package of spending and tax cuts aimed at reviving an ailing economy, the jobless rate is still climbing and the White House is scrambling to reassure an anxious public that President Obama's prescription for economic recovery is on the right track.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
U.S. Considers Curbs on Speculative Trading of Oil
WASHINGTON — Reacting to the violent swings in oil prices in recent months, federal regulators announced on Tuesday that they were considering new restrictions on “speculative” traders in markets for oil, natural gas and other energy products.
WASHINGTON — Reacting to the violent swings in oil prices in recent months, federal regulators announced on Tuesday that they were considering new restrictions on “speculative” traders in markets for oil, natural gas and other energy products.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Poll: Palin's support still strong among GOP
WASHINGTON — Sarah Palin's bombshell that she is resigning as Alaska governor actually has boosted her a bit among Republicans, a nationwide USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, though it also has dented her standing among Democrats and independents.
Two-thirds of Republicans want Palin, the party's vice presidential nominee in 2008, to be "a major national political figure" in the future. Three-fourths of Democrats hope she won't be.
WASHINGTON — Sarah Palin's bombshell that she is resigning as Alaska governor actually has boosted her a bit among Republicans, a nationwide USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, though it also has dented her standing among Democrats and independents.
Two-thirds of Republicans want Palin, the party's vice presidential nominee in 2008, to be "a major national political figure" in the future. Three-fourths of Democrats hope she won't be.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
U.S. and Russia to Reduce Arsenals
MOSCOW, July 6 -- President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reached a preliminary agreement Monday to cut the American and Russian nuclear arsenals by as much as a third while exploring options for cooperation on missile defense.
The agreement lays out a clear yet difficult path to replace a landmark arms-control treaty that will expire in December. The pact was the most significant among those signed at a summit designed to show that "resetting" relations between the two nations could bridge longstanding differences.
The two leaders also signed agreements allowing the transit of U.S. military personnel and weapons through Russia to Afghanistan, restoring military-to-military ties and pledging cooperation to limit the spread of nuclear materials.
MOSCOW, July 6 -- President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reached a preliminary agreement Monday to cut the American and Russian nuclear arsenals by as much as a third while exploring options for cooperation on missile defense.
The agreement lays out a clear yet difficult path to replace a landmark arms-control treaty that will expire in December. The pact was the most significant among those signed at a summit designed to show that "resetting" relations between the two nations could bridge longstanding differences.
The two leaders also signed agreements allowing the transit of U.S. military personnel and weapons through Russia to Afghanistan, restoring military-to-military ties and pledging cooperation to limit the spread of nuclear materials.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Banks get stingy on credit; new cards down 38%
Despite massive government efforts to bolster the credit market, banks are pulling back severely on card lending.
In the first four months of the year — the latest data — banks issued 9.8 million new credit cards, a 38% drop from the same time last year, according to Equifax credit bureau data. Low-risk borrowers can still get credit, but they're getting less than before. The average limit on a new card, after rising during the recession, slipped 3% so far this year to $4,594.
Despite massive government efforts to bolster the credit market, banks are pulling back severely on card lending.
In the first four months of the year — the latest data — banks issued 9.8 million new credit cards, a 38% drop from the same time last year, according to Equifax credit bureau data. Low-risk borrowers can still get credit, but they're getting less than before. The average limit on a new card, after rising during the recession, slipped 3% so far this year to $4,594.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
GOP Looks for Ways to Delay Sotomayor Hearing
The top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee says his party might throw up procedural roadblocks to delay next week’s planned confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
“We feel like the date was too early,” Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama said Monday after committee Republicans met to discuss their strategy for questioning Sotomayor.
The top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee says his party might throw up procedural roadblocks to delay next week’s planned confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.
“We feel like the date was too early,” Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama said Monday after committee Republicans met to discuss their strategy for questioning Sotomayor.
Monday, July 06, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Obama in Moscow to 'reset' relations
MOSCOW — A top U.S. arms control official expressed optimism Sunday that President Obama and Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev can move toward a new arms control deal when they begin their first summit Monday.
Obama arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit in an effort to "reset" relations with Russia after years of tension. Besides revising the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which expires in December, Obama also wants Russia's help to curb the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea.
MOSCOW — A top U.S. arms control official expressed optimism Sunday that President Obama and Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev can move toward a new arms control deal when they begin their first summit Monday.
Obama arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit in an effort to "reset" relations with Russia after years of tension. Besides revising the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which expires in December, Obama also wants Russia's help to curb the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea.
Monday, July 06, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Familiar Players in Health Bill Lobbying
The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.
The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.
Monday, July 06, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Volatile Swings in Price of Oil Stir Fears on Recovery
The extreme volatility that has gripped oil markets for the last 18 months has shown no signs of slowing down, with oil prices more than doubling since the beginning of the year despite an exceptionally weak economy.
The extreme volatility that has gripped oil markets for the last 18 months has shown no signs of slowing down, with oil prices more than doubling since the beginning of the year despite an exceptionally weak economy.
Friday, July 03, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Job Losses Dampen Hopes for Recovery
Mounting job losses rattled hopes yesterday that the economy is on track to grow later this year, showing that prospects for American workers are terrible -- and still getting worse.
Employers reduced their payrolls by 467,000 jobs in June, the Labor Department said, far more than forecasters had expected. The unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent, from 9.4 percent. And last week, another 614,000 people applied for unemployment insurance benefits.
Mounting job losses rattled hopes yesterday that the economy is on track to grow later this year, showing that prospects for American workers are terrible -- and still getting worse.
Employers reduced their payrolls by 467,000 jobs in June, the Labor Department said, far more than forecasters had expected. The unemployment rate rose to 9.5 percent, from 9.4 percent. And last week, another 614,000 people applied for unemployment insurance benefits.
Friday, July 03, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Coffers Empty, California Pays With I.O.U.’s
LOS ANGELES — An ever-widening budget gap joined with intractable political paralysis to deliver California its biggest fiscal blow in decades on Thursday, when the state’s controller began printing i.o.u.’s in lieu of cash to pay taxpayers, vendors and local governments.
LOS ANGELES — An ever-widening budget gap joined with intractable political paralysis to deliver California its biggest fiscal blow in decades on Thursday, when the state’s controller began printing i.o.u.’s in lieu of cash to pay taxpayers, vendors and local governments.
Friday, July 03, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
The Patients Doctors Don’t Know
AS they do every July, hospitals across America are welcoming new interns, fresh from medical school graduation. Given how much these trainees have yet to learn, common wisdom holds that it’s not a good time of year to get sick. This may be particularly true for older patients, because American medical schools require no training in geriatric medicine.
AS they do every July, hospitals across America are welcoming new interns, fresh from medical school graduation. Given how much these trainees have yet to learn, common wisdom holds that it’s not a good time of year to get sick. This may be particularly true for older patients, because American medical schools require no training in geriatric medicine.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
CDC: Private health care coverage at 50-year low
ATLANTA (AP) — The percentage of Americans with private health insurance has hit its lowest mark in 50 years, according to two new government reports.
About 65% of non-elderly Americans had private insurance in 2008, down from 67% the year before, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ATLANTA (AP) — The percentage of Americans with private health insurance has hit its lowest mark in 50 years, according to two new government reports.
About 65% of non-elderly Americans had private insurance in 2008, down from 67% the year before, according to preliminary data released Wednesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Facing Deficits, Some States Cut Summer School
COCOA, Fla. — A year ago, the Brevard County Schools ran a robust summer program here, with dozens of schools bustling with teachers and some 14,000 children practicing multiplication, reading Harry Potter and studying Spanish verbs, all at no cost to parents.
COCOA, Fla. — A year ago, the Brevard County Schools ran a robust summer program here, with dozens of schools bustling with teachers and some 14,000 children practicing multiplication, reading Harry Potter and studying Spanish verbs, all at no cost to parents.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Staffer at SEC Had Warned Of Madoff
An investigator at the Securities and Exchange Commission warned superiors as far back as 2004 about irregularities at Bernard L. Madoff's financial management firm, but she was told to focus on an unrelated matter, according to agency documents and sources familiar with the investigation.
Genevievette Walker-Lightfoot, a lawyer in the SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, sent e-mails to a supervisor, saying information provided by Madoff during her review didn't add up and suggesting a set of questions to ask his firm, documents show. Several of these questions directly challenged Madoff activities that much later turned out to be elements of his massive fraud.
An investigator at the Securities and Exchange Commission warned superiors as far back as 2004 about irregularities at Bernard L. Madoff's financial management firm, but she was told to focus on an unrelated matter, according to agency documents and sources familiar with the investigation.
Genevievette Walker-Lightfoot, a lawyer in the SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, sent e-mails to a supervisor, saying information provided by Madoff during her review didn't add up and suggesting a set of questions to ask his firm, documents show. Several of these questions directly challenged Madoff activities that much later turned out to be elements of his massive fraud.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Obama Dispatching Cabinet to Small-Town America
Though Republicans still love to portray him as an urban elite, President Obama managed to more or less split the rural vote with John McCain during last year's election. Now, the White House is mounting a summer-long effort to help tailor the administration's agenda to small-town America.
Obama on Tuesday announced a rural tour that will see Cabinet secretaries fan out across the country to discuss issues including broadband deployment, rural health, economic development and agriculture. The tour begins on Wednesday, when Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visit Wattsburg, Pa., to discuss telecommunications issues.
"Rural America is vast and diverse, and different communities face different challenges and opportunities," Obama said in a statement. "That's why we're going out to hear directly from the people of rural America about their needs and concerns and what my administration can do to support them."
Though Republicans still love to portray him as an urban elite, President Obama managed to more or less split the rural vote with John McCain during last year's election. Now, the White House is mounting a summer-long effort to help tailor the administration's agenda to small-town America.
Obama on Tuesday announced a rural tour that will see Cabinet secretaries fan out across the country to discuss issues including broadband deployment, rural health, economic development and agriculture. The tour begins on Wednesday, when Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visit Wattsburg, Pa., to discuss telecommunications issues.
"Rural America is vast and diverse, and different communities face different challenges and opportunities," Obama said in a statement. "That's why we're going out to hear directly from the people of rural America about their needs and concerns and what my administration can do to support them."
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Democrats Saved Senate Committee Seats for Franken
Democrats in the Senate are more than ready for Al Franken to join their ranks.
In anticipation of the Minnesota Supreme Court ruling in Franken’s favor, his party’s leaders reserved spots for him on four committees, including those taking up the health care overhaul and the Supreme Court nomination.
Democrats in the Senate are more than ready for Al Franken to join their ranks.
In anticipation of the Minnesota Supreme Court ruling in Franken’s favor, his party’s leaders reserved spots for him on four committees, including those taking up the health care overhaul and the Supreme Court nomination.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Presents Bill to Create Consumer-Finance Watchdog
The Obama administration sent a detailed proposal to Congress yesterday for creating an agency to oversee nearly all facets of consumer lending, but the breadth of its powers is setting the stage for a fierce clash on Capitol Hill.
The bill aims to establish a Consumer Financial Protection Agency to guard Americans from the abusive lending practices that contributed to the financial crisis, such as undocumented mortgage applications, the poor disclosure of loan terms and deceptive ads.
Administration officials proposed that the new regulator have a broad mandate to cover the spectrum of consumer financial products and to fill gaps in current regulations. The agency would have the power to probe any lender, impose penalties of up to $1 million a day in cases of wrongdoing, limit the compensation even of loan officers and mortgage brokers, and check if banks have been acting discriminatorily by forcing them to disclose the race, age and gender of their customers.
The Obama administration sent a detailed proposal to Congress yesterday for creating an agency to oversee nearly all facets of consumer lending, but the breadth of its powers is setting the stage for a fierce clash on Capitol Hill.
The bill aims to establish a Consumer Financial Protection Agency to guard Americans from the abusive lending practices that contributed to the financial crisis, such as undocumented mortgage applications, the poor disclosure of loan terms and deceptive ads.
Administration officials proposed that the new regulator have a broad mandate to cover the spectrum of consumer financial products and to fill gaps in current regulations. The agency would have the power to probe any lender, impose penalties of up to $1 million a day in cases of wrongdoing, limit the compensation even of loan officers and mortgage brokers, and check if banks have been acting discriminatorily by forcing them to disclose the race, age and gender of their customers.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Despite Majority, Obama to Be Tested
After a series of early and relatively easy victories on Capitol Hill, the White House appears certain to face a more difficult road when Congress returns to work next week.
Not content to task lawmakers with passing an ambitious agenda of record new spending, sweeping health-care reform and other major initiatives, President Obama yesterday nudged the Senate to move ahead with its version of a landmark energy bill the House passed on Friday. In recent weeks, he has also revived the idea of pursuing broad changes in immigration law.
After a series of early and relatively easy victories on Capitol Hill, the White House appears certain to face a more difficult road when Congress returns to work next week.
Not content to task lawmakers with passing an ambitious agenda of record new spending, sweeping health-care reform and other major initiatives, President Obama yesterday nudged the Senate to move ahead with its version of a landmark energy bill the House passed on Friday. In recent weeks, he has also revived the idea of pursuing broad changes in immigration law.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Jubilation in Iraq on Eve of U.S. Pullback
BAGHDAD, June 29 -- Iraqis danced in the streets and set off fireworks Monday in impromptu celebrations of a pivotal moment in their nation's troubled history: As of Tuesday, this is no longer America's war.
Six years and three months after the March 2003 invasion, the United States will withdraw its remaining combat troops from Iraq's cities and turn over security to Iraqi police and soldiers. While more than 130,000 U.S. troops remain in the country, patrols by heavily armed soldiers in hulking vehicles will largely disappear from Baghdad, Mosul and Iraq's other urban centers.
BAGHDAD, June 29 -- Iraqis danced in the streets and set off fireworks Monday in impromptu celebrations of a pivotal moment in their nation's troubled history: As of Tuesday, this is no longer America's war.
Six years and three months after the March 2003 invasion, the United States will withdraw its remaining combat troops from Iraq's cities and turn over security to Iraqi police and soldiers. While more than 130,000 U.S. troops remain in the country, patrols by heavily armed soldiers in hulking vehicles will largely disappear from Baghdad, Mosul and Iraq's other urban centers.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Critics Seize on Supreme Court Decision to Assail Sotomayor’s Judgment
Critics of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor seized on Monday’s high court ruling overturning a decision she had joined in a high-profile reverse discrimination case, presaging questions likely to arise at her Senate confirmation hearing next month.
In a 5-4 decision by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy , the court ruled that the city of New Haven violated the rights of the 19 white firefighters by throwing out the results of an officers’ promotion exam in which minority candidates received disproportionately low scores.
Critics of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor seized on Monday’s high court ruling overturning a decision she had joined in a high-profile reverse discrimination case, presaging questions likely to arise at her Senate confirmation hearing next month.
In a 5-4 decision by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy , the court ruled that the city of New Haven violated the rights of the 19 white firefighters by throwing out the results of an officers’ promotion exam in which minority candidates received disproportionately low scores.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Urges Senators to Back Cap and Trade Bill
President Obama called on senators to disregard what he called the "misinformation" offered by critics of his energy bill, which passed the House of Representatives late Friday night despite GOP predictions that it will further damage the economy.
"We must not be prisoners of the past," he said in his radio and Internet address. "Don't believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It's just not true."
Obama congratulated the House for passage of the bill, which would mandate reductions in carbon emissions and allow companies to trade the rights to pollute while lowering overall pollution over the next decades.
President Obama called on senators to disregard what he called the "misinformation" offered by critics of his energy bill, which passed the House of Representatives late Friday night despite GOP predictions that it will further damage the economy.
"We must not be prisoners of the past," he said in his radio and Internet address. "Don't believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It's just not true."
Obama congratulated the House for passage of the bill, which would mandate reductions in carbon emissions and allow companies to trade the rights to pollute while lowering overall pollution over the next decades.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Debating the Options on Paying for Health Care
While President Obama has left the details on health care overhaul to the congressional committees charged with writing the bills, one top Senate Republican said Sunday it’s going to take “president leadership” to win bipartisan deals on paying for a plan, such as taxing employing benefits.
“We want to bring money from within health care, reshuffle it,” said Sen. Charles E. Grassley , R-Iowa. “So we’re going to get money from the high-end health insurance policies and then we’re going to save hundreds of millions of dollars within Medicare that’s being wasted.
While President Obama has left the details on health care overhaul to the congressional committees charged with writing the bills, one top Senate Republican said Sunday it’s going to take “president leadership” to win bipartisan deals on paying for a plan, such as taxing employing benefits.
“We want to bring money from within health care, reshuffle it,” said Sen. Charles E. Grassley , R-Iowa. “So we’re going to get money from the high-end health insurance policies and then we’re going to save hundreds of millions of dollars within Medicare that’s being wasted.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Lawmakers Power Up on Next Energy Debate
Republicans continued Sunday to hammer the House-passed energy bill, calling it a “job-killer” and one that will bring a “light-switch tax” while a White House adviser countered that the GOP was using “inaction as a strategy” to combat the nation’s energy problems.
“We’re trying to solve a problem that has languished for a decade, the problem of energy that has bedeviled us for a long time,” presidential adviser David Axelrod said on ABC’s “This Week.” “And they’re talking about how they can use it as an issue, inaction as somehow a strategy. And that’s not a strategy.”
Republicans continued Sunday to hammer the House-passed energy bill, calling it a “job-killer” and one that will bring a “light-switch tax” while a White House adviser countered that the GOP was using “inaction as a strategy” to combat the nation’s energy problems.
“We’re trying to solve a problem that has languished for a decade, the problem of energy that has bedeviled us for a long time,” presidential adviser David Axelrod said on ABC’s “This Week.” “And they’re talking about how they can use it as an issue, inaction as somehow a strategy. And that’s not a strategy.”
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Close Win Predicted For Cap-and-Trade Bill
The House could vote today on a measure to cap U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with Democratic leaders predicting a tight victory for a behemoth bill that has grown more complex with each compromise.
The heart of the bill, which now runs to 1,201 pages, is a plan to reduce emissions to 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. To do that, it would create a cap-and-trade system, in which polluters would be required to accrue buyable, sellable credits for all the greenhouse gases they produce.
But the bill also contains a system of caveats, safety valves and rule changes meant to satisfy unhappy Democrats. The result is legislation that could transform the U.S. energy industry -- and allow both Wall Street and the Corn Belt to build a side business in carbon.
The House could vote today on a measure to cap U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, with Democratic leaders predicting a tight victory for a behemoth bill that has grown more complex with each compromise.
The heart of the bill, which now runs to 1,201 pages, is a plan to reduce emissions to 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020. To do that, it would create a cap-and-trade system, in which polluters would be required to accrue buyable, sellable credits for all the greenhouse gases they produce.
But the bill also contains a system of caveats, safety valves and rule changes meant to satisfy unhappy Democrats. The result is legislation that could transform the U.S. energy industry -- and allow both Wall Street and the Corn Belt to build a side business in carbon.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
South Carolinians Stunned by Governor's Admissions
COLUMBIA, S.C., June 25 -- The only signs remaining here of Gov. Mark Sanford's riveting confession of infidelity were the television cameras staked out on the manicured lawns encircling the copper-domed state Capitol. Inside, the marble-floored rotunda, where Sanford tearfully bared his soul and admitted he was having an extramarital affair just 24 hours before, was nearly deserted.
COLUMBIA, S.C., June 25 -- The only signs remaining here of Gov. Mark Sanford's riveting confession of infidelity were the television cameras staked out on the manicured lawns encircling the copper-domed state Capitol. Inside, the marble-floored rotunda, where Sanford tearfully bared his soul and admitted he was having an extramarital affair just 24 hours before, was nearly deserted.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Obama Issues First Veto Threat, To Make Point About Defense Spending
President Obama has gone out of his way to defer to Congress on some his biggest legislative priorities in the areas of health care, energy, education and immigration. And his detached position on the political upheaval in Iran prompted skeptics on Capitol Hill to wonder if the president was leading or allowing events to dictate a response.
Time, then, for the commander-in-chief to bring out the stick hidden under his desk and silence those questioning his resolve.
On Wednesday, Obama issued the first veto threat of his presidency, stating he would refuse to sign the House's version of the fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill (HR 2647) if it includes either of two provisions: $369 million in advanced fiscal 2011 procurement funds for the F-22 aircraft or $603 million for development and procurement of the alternative engine program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
President Obama has gone out of his way to defer to Congress on some his biggest legislative priorities in the areas of health care, energy, education and immigration. And his detached position on the political upheaval in Iran prompted skeptics on Capitol Hill to wonder if the president was leading or allowing events to dictate a response.
Time, then, for the commander-in-chief to bring out the stick hidden under his desk and silence those questioning his resolve.
On Wednesday, Obama issued the first veto threat of his presidency, stating he would refuse to sign the House's version of the fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill (HR 2647) if it includes either of two provisions: $369 million in advanced fiscal 2011 procurement funds for the F-22 aircraft or $603 million for development and procurement of the alternative engine program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
What We Talk About When We Talk About Health Care
"Universal health care." "The uninsured." "Public option." These are the buzzwords you often hear from Democrats and proponents of President Obama's plan for health-care reform. But if they want to see that plan enacted, they'd do well to excise those phrases from their vocabulary.
"Universal health care." "The uninsured." "Public option." These are the buzzwords you often hear from Democrats and proponents of President Obama's plan for health-care reform. But if they want to see that plan enacted, they'd do well to excise those phrases from their vocabulary.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Troops' kids feel war toll
WASHINGTON — After seven years of war, most children of combat troops are showing more fear, anxiety and behavioral problems, according to the Pentagon's most sweeping survey of the effects of war on military children.
Six out of 10 U.S. military parents told researchers their children have increased levels of fear and anxiety when a parent is sent to war, according to a survey of more than 13,000 military spouses of active-duty servicemembers. The results, tabulated early this year, were released to USA TODAY.
WASHINGTON — After seven years of war, most children of combat troops are showing more fear, anxiety and behavioral problems, according to the Pentagon's most sweeping survey of the effects of war on military children.
Six out of 10 U.S. military parents told researchers their children have increased levels of fear and anxiety when a parent is sent to war, according to a survey of more than 13,000 military spouses of active-duty servicemembers. The results, tabulated early this year, were released to USA TODAY.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Most Want Health Reform But Fear Its Side Effects
A majority of Americans see government action as critical to controlling runaway health-care costs, but there is broad public anxiety about the potential impact of reform legislation and conflicting views about the types of fixes being proposed on Capitol Hill, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Most respondents are "very concerned" that health-care reform would lead to higher costs, lower quality, fewer choices, a bigger deficit, diminished insurance coverage and more government bureaucracy. About six in 10 are at least somewhat worried about all of these factors, underscoring the challenges for lawmakers as they attempt to restructure the nation's $2.3 trillion health-care system.
A majority of Americans see government action as critical to controlling runaway health-care costs, but there is broad public anxiety about the potential impact of reform legislation and conflicting views about the types of fixes being proposed on Capitol Hill, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Most respondents are "very concerned" that health-care reform would lead to higher costs, lower quality, fewer choices, a bigger deficit, diminished insurance coverage and more government bureaucracy. About six in 10 are at least somewhat worried about all of these factors, underscoring the challenges for lawmakers as they attempt to restructure the nation's $2.3 trillion health-care system.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Cut Health Costs Or Cover More People?
President Obama and his allies in Congress say the U.S. health system must change to curb surging medical costs and extend coverage for an estimated 48 million uninsured Americans.
But which of those is more important?
Though it might seem strange to choose just one goal, the staggering price tags of $1 trillion or more that have been attached to early drafts of health bills in Congress are prompting lawmakers to ponder trade-offs, and confront the unavoidable tension between cost controls and adding coverage.
At his news conference on Tuesday, Obama again emphasized the cost side of the issue, vowing to ensure that any overhaul “brings down the crushing cost of health care ... the skyrocketing costs that are driving families, businesses and our government into greater and greater debt.”
President Obama and his allies in Congress say the U.S. health system must change to curb surging medical costs and extend coverage for an estimated 48 million uninsured Americans.
But which of those is more important?
Though it might seem strange to choose just one goal, the staggering price tags of $1 trillion or more that have been attached to early drafts of health bills in Congress are prompting lawmakers to ponder trade-offs, and confront the unavoidable tension between cost controls and adding coverage.
At his news conference on Tuesday, Obama again emphasized the cost side of the issue, vowing to ensure that any overhaul “brings down the crushing cost of health care ... the skyrocketing costs that are driving families, businesses and our government into greater and greater debt.”
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Moonlighting's a way of life for workers in tough job market
Most weekdays at 5:30 p.m., after putting in eight hours as an insurance agent in Lawrenceville, Ga., April Hamby scurries about 100 yards to the Kroger supermarket two doors away. She's not there to pick up some milk and bread. Instead, Hamby, 35, works an additional six hours as a cashier before driving home 35 miles and slipping into bed by 2 a.m. so she can get up at 7 a.m. and begin the grind anew. She also works at Kroger many weekends.
"Some days I want to walk next door and say, 'I just can't do this anymore,' but then I think of all the things I have to do with the money," she says.
Many Americans are coping with the worst job market in a generation by doubling up. They're scrambling to pick up the slack as they, or their partners, lose jobs, endure pay cuts or watch their retirement savings shrivel. Job jugglers often earn a fraction of what their families cleared before the slump, but the double duty at least lets them scrape by.
Most weekdays at 5:30 p.m., after putting in eight hours as an insurance agent in Lawrenceville, Ga., April Hamby scurries about 100 yards to the Kroger supermarket two doors away. She's not there to pick up some milk and bread. Instead, Hamby, 35, works an additional six hours as a cashier before driving home 35 miles and slipping into bed by 2 a.m. so she can get up at 7 a.m. and begin the grind anew. She also works at Kroger many weekends.
"Some days I want to walk next door and say, 'I just can't do this anymore,' but then I think of all the things I have to do with the money," she says.
Many Americans are coping with the worst job market in a generation by doubling up. They're scrambling to pick up the slack as they, or their partners, lose jobs, endure pay cuts or watch their retirement savings shrivel. Job jugglers often earn a fraction of what their families cleared before the slump, but the double duty at least lets them scrape by.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
White House Suggests Health Care Cost Isn't New Money
The White House is trying out a new argument to ease concerns over those sky-high estimates of the cost of overhauling the health care system. The federal government wouldn’t really be spending more money on health care, the argument goes — just shifting money that’s already in the system and spending it more efficiently.
It’s a dangerous argument for the White House to make, though, because it’s too easily shot down.
On ABC’s Good Morning America this morning, Melody Barnes, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, used the argument to dismiss the Congressional Budget Office’s estimates that various versions of the health care bill could cost anywhere from $1 trillion to $1.6 trillion.
“I think people thinking that this is brand-new money that’s being printed,” she said. “There’s already $2 trillion worth of health care that’s being spent already. This is redirecting that money so that it’s more efficiently and effectively used and so that people are getting better quality health care.”
The White House is trying out a new argument to ease concerns over those sky-high estimates of the cost of overhauling the health care system. The federal government wouldn’t really be spending more money on health care, the argument goes — just shifting money that’s already in the system and spending it more efficiently.
It’s a dangerous argument for the White House to make, though, because it’s too easily shot down.
On ABC’s Good Morning America this morning, Melody Barnes, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, used the argument to dismiss the Congressional Budget Office’s estimates that various versions of the health care bill could cost anywhere from $1 trillion to $1.6 trillion.
“I think people thinking that this is brand-new money that’s being printed,” she said. “There’s already $2 trillion worth of health care that’s being spent already. This is redirecting that money so that it’s more efficiently and effectively used and so that people are getting better quality health care.”
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Supremes Duck A Decision on Voting Rights Act
The Supreme Court today sidestepped a ruling on whether a 2006 congressional reauthorization of a major section of the Voting Rights Act was constitutional. Instead, the court ruled narrowly that the Texas utility district that brought the case is eligible to "bail out" of the section's requirements, as provided for under the law.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote the opinion for an eight-justice majority. Justice Clarence Thomas filed a 19-page dissent that ran longer than Roberts' 17-page opinion.
"Whether conditions continue to justify such legislation is a difficult constitutional question we do not answer today," Roberts wrote. "We conclude instead that the Voting Rights Act permits all political subdivisions, including the district in this case, to seek relief from its preclearance requirements."
The Supreme Court today sidestepped a ruling on whether a 2006 congressional reauthorization of a major section of the Voting Rights Act was constitutional. Instead, the court ruled narrowly that the Texas utility district that brought the case is eligible to "bail out" of the section's requirements, as provided for under the law.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote the opinion for an eight-justice majority. Justice Clarence Thomas filed a 19-page dissent that ran longer than Roberts' 17-page opinion.
"Whether conditions continue to justify such legislation is a difficult constitutional question we do not answer today," Roberts wrote. "We conclude instead that the Voting Rights Act permits all political subdivisions, including the district in this case, to seek relief from its preclearance requirements."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Lost jobs forcing more out of homes
WASHINGTON — The nation's foreclosure crisis — once largely confined to only a few corners of the country — is spreading to new areas as the economy teeters. The foreclosure rates in 40 of the nation's counties that have the most households have already doubled from last year, a USA TODAY analysis of data from the listing firm RealtyTrac shows.
Most were in areas far removed from the avalanche of bad mortgages and lost homes that have hammered the U.S. housing market. Among the new areas: Boise and Green Bay, Wis.
WASHINGTON — The nation's foreclosure crisis — once largely confined to only a few corners of the country — is spreading to new areas as the economy teeters. The foreclosure rates in 40 of the nation's counties that have the most households have already doubled from last year, a USA TODAY analysis of data from the listing firm RealtyTrac shows.
Most were in areas far removed from the avalanche of bad mortgages and lost homes that have hammered the U.S. housing market. Among the new areas: Boise and Green Bay, Wis.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
AARP to Endorse Offer Of Drugmaker Price Cuts
AARP, the nation's largest seniors lobby, will give its blessing today to an offer by drug manufacturers to contribute $80 billion over the next decade to reduce the cost of comprehensive health reform, in part by discounting the price of Medicare prescriptions.
AARP, the nation's largest seniors lobby, will give its blessing today to an offer by drug manufacturers to contribute $80 billion over the next decade to reduce the cost of comprehensive health reform, in part by discounting the price of Medicare prescriptions.
Monday, June 22, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Tax credit for home purchase could rise
Lawmakers and businesses are calling for expansion of a tax credit for first-time home buyers that has helped spark home sales in an otherwise dismal real estate market.
With the tax credit scheduled to expire in fall, some business groups say the amount of the credit, now capped at $8,000, should be raised to $15,000 and applied to anyone who buys a home.
Lawmakers and businesses are calling for expansion of a tax credit for first-time home buyers that has helped spark home sales in an otherwise dismal real estate market.
With the tax credit scheduled to expire in fall, some business groups say the amount of the credit, now capped at $8,000, should be raised to $15,000 and applied to anyone who buys a home.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Big Tobacco Spends Less On Lobbying
What a difference a decade has made in the tobacco wars — at least to judge by the lobbying expenditures.
Ten years ago, with a bill providing for new tobacco regulation and a cigarette tax pending in the Senate, tobacco companies spent nearly $60 million to fend it off. Lobbying firms benefited handsomely, with multimillion-dollar payments going to Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand, then home to a pair of former Senate majority leaders, Democrat George J. Mitchell of Maine (1980-95), and Republican Bob Dole of Kansas (1969-96); Barbour, Griffith & Rogers, whose name partner Haley Barbour went on to become the current GOP governor of Mississippi; and Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell, whose most prominent lobbyist was yet another former Senate majority leader, Tennessee Republican Howard H. Baker Jr. (1967-85).
What a difference a decade has made in the tobacco wars — at least to judge by the lobbying expenditures.
Ten years ago, with a bill providing for new tobacco regulation and a cigarette tax pending in the Senate, tobacco companies spent nearly $60 million to fend it off. Lobbying firms benefited handsomely, with multimillion-dollar payments going to Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand, then home to a pair of former Senate majority leaders, Democrat George J. Mitchell of Maine (1980-95), and Republican Bob Dole of Kansas (1969-96); Barbour, Griffith & Rogers, whose name partner Haley Barbour went on to become the current GOP governor of Mississippi; and Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell, whose most prominent lobbyist was yet another former Senate majority leader, Tennessee Republican Howard H. Baker Jr. (1967-85).
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Initiatives Hit Speed Bumps On Capitol Hill
President Obama's hopes for quick action on comprehensive health-care reform ran headlong this week into the realities of Congress, as lawmakers searching for the money to pay for a broad expansion of coverage discovered that it wasn't easy to find and descended into partisan -- and intraparty -- bickering.
A set of unexpectedly high cost estimates -- arcane data that nevertheless carry enormous import in the legislative process -- sent shockwaves along Pennsylvania Avenue and forced one key committee to delay action on its bill, probably until after the July 4 recess.
President Obama's hopes for quick action on comprehensive health-care reform ran headlong this week into the realities of Congress, as lawmakers searching for the money to pay for a broad expansion of coverage discovered that it wasn't easy to find and descended into partisan -- and intraparty -- bickering.
A set of unexpectedly high cost estimates -- arcane data that nevertheless carry enormous import in the legislative process -- sent shockwaves along Pennsylvania Avenue and forced one key committee to delay action on its bill, probably until after the July 4 recess.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Senate Judiciary Asks Group for Information on Sotomayor
The leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday pressed a Latino advocacy group to quickly search its records for documents related to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, who is a former member of the group.
Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy , D-Vt., and Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the panel’s top Republican, wrote to Cesar A. Perales, the president of the group, LatinoJustice PRLDEF.
The leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday pressed a Latino advocacy group to quickly search its records for documents related to Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, who is a former member of the group.
Committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy , D-Vt., and Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the panel’s top Republican, wrote to Cesar A. Perales, the president of the group, LatinoJustice PRLDEF.
Friday, June 19, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Alcohol abuse by GIs soars since '03
The rate of Army soldiers enrolled in treatment programs for alcohol dependency or abuse has nearly doubled since 2003 — a sign of the growing stress of repeated deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Army statistics and interviews.
Soldiers diagnosed by Army substance abuse counselors with alcoholism or alcohol abuse, such as binge drinking, increased from 6.1 per 1,000 soldiers in 2003 to an estimated 11.4 as of March 31, according to the data. The latest data cover the first six months of the fiscal year that began in October.
The rate of Army soldiers enrolled in treatment programs for alcohol dependency or abuse has nearly doubled since 2003 — a sign of the growing stress of repeated deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Army statistics and interviews.
Soldiers diagnosed by Army substance abuse counselors with alcoholism or alcohol abuse, such as binge drinking, increased from 6.1 per 1,000 soldiers in 2003 to an estimated 11.4 as of March 31, according to the data. The latest data cover the first six months of the fiscal year that began in October.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Defends Financial Overhaul
President Obama introduced his plan to reform financial regulations yesterday as a key to reviving the economy, setting up an intense battle over the particulars that is likely to rage on Capitol Hill for the rest of the year.
Legislators, regulators and advocates all welcomed the idea of change, but industry groups already are arguing that elements of the plan will hurt consumers or the broader economy, not to mention financial firms.
Opposition is piling up with particular speed against the idea of a new agency with broad powers to protect borrowers and other customers of financial firms, setting up a high-stakes contest between the industry and the White House for the loyalty of a few moderate senators who increasingly hold the balance of power.
President Obama introduced his plan to reform financial regulations yesterday as a key to reviving the economy, setting up an intense battle over the particulars that is likely to rage on Capitol Hill for the rest of the year.
Legislators, regulators and advocates all welcomed the idea of change, but industry groups already are arguing that elements of the plan will hurt consumers or the broader economy, not to mention financial firms.
Opposition is piling up with particular speed against the idea of a new agency with broad powers to protect borrowers and other customers of financial firms, setting up a high-stakes contest between the industry and the White House for the loyalty of a few moderate senators who increasingly hold the balance of power.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Delays, Frustrations on Health Care
Democrats have long said that overhauling health care will be difficult. And this week, as Congress begins trying to move legislation, they have stumbled over how to provide broader coverage without sending taxpayers into sticker shock.
The Senate Finance Committee has delayed its markup by several weeks while members work privately to make the cost of their legislation politically salable.
Democrats have long said that overhauling health care will be difficult. And this week, as Congress begins trying to move legislation, they have stumbled over how to provide broader coverage without sending taxpayers into sticker shock.
The Senate Finance Committee has delayed its markup by several weeks while members work privately to make the cost of their legislation politically salable.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Honeymoon Over: It’s On Obama’s Watch Now
Early in his presidency, Barack Obama had a grace period when the public saw the nation’s problems as ones he inherited, but two new polls -- by New York Times/CBS News and Wall Street Journal/NBC News - make clear that there are rising concerns about his policies.
The biggest public concern is over the size of the deficit being run up by Obama’s economic recovery proposals and how much more it will rise if his plan to overhaul health care and increase coverage for uninsured Americans is enacted. But there is also discomfort about his intervention in the auto industry and taking a big government stake in ownership of General Motors. And voters also disagree with Obama on closing Guantánamo.
Early in his presidency, Barack Obama had a grace period when the public saw the nation’s problems as ones he inherited, but two new polls -- by New York Times/CBS News and Wall Street Journal/NBC News - make clear that there are rising concerns about his policies.
The biggest public concern is over the size of the deficit being run up by Obama’s economic recovery proposals and how much more it will rise if his plan to overhaul health care and increase coverage for uninsured Americans is enacted. But there is also discomfort about his intervention in the auto industry and taking a big government stake in ownership of General Motors. And voters also disagree with Obama on closing Guantánamo.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Nudging Centrists Into the Health Care Corral
Against Republican charges that they are engineering a government takeover of health care, Democrats have been trying to get party centrists on board as they compile their overhaul plans.
President Obama reached out this week to the American Medical Association, which has aligned with the GOP in the past. Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus , D-Mont., has repeatedly emphasized that he is working with the panel’s top Republican, Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, to write a bipartisan bill.
Against Republican charges that they are engineering a government takeover of health care, Democrats have been trying to get party centrists on board as they compile their overhaul plans.
President Obama reached out this week to the American Medical Association, which has aligned with the GOP in the past. Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus , D-Mont., has repeatedly emphasized that he is working with the panel’s top Republican, Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, to write a bipartisan bill.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Blueprint Deepens Federal Role in Markets
The Obama administration last night detailed a series of proposals to involve the government more deeply in private markets, from helping to steer borrowers into affordable mortgage loans to imposing new limits on the largest financial companies, in a sweeping effort to curb the kinds of reckless risk-taking that sparked the economic crisis.
The Obama administration last night detailed a series of proposals to involve the government more deeply in private markets, from helping to steer borrowers into affordable mortgage loans to imposing new limits on the largest financial companies, in a sweeping effort to curb the kinds of reckless risk-taking that sparked the economic crisis.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Urban Farming, a Bit Closer to the Sun
THIS summer, Tony Tomelden hopes to be making bloody marys at the Pug in Washington, D.C., with tomatoes and chilies grown above the bar, thanks to the city’s incentives for green roofs.
Mr. Tomelden, the Pug’s principal owner, says he’s planting a garden to take advantage of tax subsidies the city offers in his neighborhood if he covers his roof with plants.
“If I can do something in my corner for the environment, that seemed a reasonable thing to do,” he said. “Plus I can save money on the tomatoes.”
THIS summer, Tony Tomelden hopes to be making bloody marys at the Pug in Washington, D.C., with tomatoes and chilies grown above the bar, thanks to the city’s incentives for green roofs.
Mr. Tomelden, the Pug’s principal owner, says he’s planting a garden to take advantage of tax subsidies the city offers in his neighborhood if he covers his roof with plants.
“If I can do something in my corner for the environment, that seemed a reasonable thing to do,” he said. “Plus I can save money on the tomatoes.”
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Obama’s Health Care Speech Targeted More Than Doctors
When President Obama brought his campaign to retool the U.S. health care system to the American Medical Association, his pitch wasn’t just directed at the more than 2,000 AMA members assembled in a Chicago hotel for the annual meeting of the influential doctors lobby.
Obama was simultaneously speaking to a broader segment of voters that polling indicates is still ambivalent about his plan to extend medical coverage to all Americans and put the health system under greater government control.
Though many Americans are frustrated with delays and inefficiencies in the health delivery system, Democratic polling suggests that as many as three-quarters of adults are generally satisfied with their insurance plans. Many of those individuals are risk-adverse and convinced that changes on the order of what Obama is talking about will ultimately cost them more.
When President Obama brought his campaign to retool the U.S. health care system to the American Medical Association, his pitch wasn’t just directed at the more than 2,000 AMA members assembled in a Chicago hotel for the annual meeting of the influential doctors lobby.
Obama was simultaneously speaking to a broader segment of voters that polling indicates is still ambivalent about his plan to extend medical coverage to all Americans and put the health system under greater government control.
Though many Americans are frustrated with delays and inefficiencies in the health delivery system, Democratic polling suggests that as many as three-quarters of adults are generally satisfied with their insurance plans. Many of those individuals are risk-adverse and convinced that changes on the order of what Obama is talking about will ultimately cost them more.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Work-Sharing May Help Companies Avoid Layoffs
BERLIN, Conn. — As companies struggle to make it from recession to recovery, many are turning to a novel but unheralded program that cuts their costs while sparing their workers’ jobs.
Under the program, known as work-sharing, employers reduce their workers’ weekly hours and pay, often by 20 or 40 percent, and then states make up some of the lost wages, usually half, from their unemployment funds.
Even though 17 states have adopted the program, and many executives and economists hail it as a way to keep workers employed and companies staffed with skilled labor, only a fraction of the businesses and workers that are actually eligible are benefiting.
BERLIN, Conn. — As companies struggle to make it from recession to recovery, many are turning to a novel but unheralded program that cuts their costs while sparing their workers’ jobs.
Under the program, known as work-sharing, employers reduce their workers’ weekly hours and pay, often by 20 or 40 percent, and then states make up some of the lost wages, usually half, from their unemployment funds.
Even though 17 states have adopted the program, and many executives and economists hail it as a way to keep workers employed and companies staffed with skilled labor, only a fraction of the businesses and workers that are actually eligible are benefiting.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Big Guns Take Aim at Federal Hiring Problem
For a long time there has been a lot of empty noise about the federal hiring process. Now the squeaky wheel is finally getting some high-level grease.
Peter Orszag, director of the Office of Management and Budget, has put agency and department heads on notice about the urgent need to fix federal hiring. He gave them six months to make progress in four areas that Orszag indicated are only the beginning.
This marks a stronger, more aggressive role by the Obama administration in federal personnel matters than is customary in a town where such issues often have been an afterthought, if not ignored entirely, by the White House.
For a long time there has been a lot of empty noise about the federal hiring process. Now the squeaky wheel is finally getting some high-level grease.
Peter Orszag, director of the Office of Management and Budget, has put agency and department heads on notice about the urgent need to fix federal hiring. He gave them six months to make progress in four areas that Orszag indicated are only the beginning.
This marks a stronger, more aggressive role by the Obama administration in federal personnel matters than is customary in a town where such issues often have been an afterthought, if not ignored entirely, by the White House.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Are Both Parties Negotiating On a Health Bill? Depends Who You Ask
For a taste of how hard it’s going to be for Democrats to craft a national health care bill that can win at least a few Republican votes, consider how far apart the two sides are as this process begins.
Republicans on the Senate committee that’s writing the bill don’t agree among themselves about what label they should put on the talks that have happened so far.
Max Baucus , D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, gives every impression that he’s writing a bipartisan bill in concert with the committee’s top Republican. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa.
“This has been a bipartisan process from the moment it started,” said Baucus spokesman Scott Mulhauser. “Sen. Baucus is in frequent negotiations with Sen. Grassley as they work together to produce bipartisan mark.”
For a taste of how hard it’s going to be for Democrats to craft a national health care bill that can win at least a few Republican votes, consider how far apart the two sides are as this process begins.
Republicans on the Senate committee that’s writing the bill don’t agree among themselves about what label they should put on the talks that have happened so far.
Max Baucus , D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, gives every impression that he’s writing a bipartisan bill in concert with the committee’s top Republican. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa.
“This has been a bipartisan process from the moment it started,” said Baucus spokesman Scott Mulhauser. “Sen. Baucus is in frequent negotiations with Sen. Grassley as they work together to produce bipartisan mark.”
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Foes of Health-Care Plan Off to a Slow Start
While President Obama pitches his health-care plan to the American Medical Association today in Chicago, much of the selling of the proposal to the American public -- and the Senate -- is already well underway, thanks to several outside groups that have been organizing and advertising for weeks.
Organizing for America, the arm of the Democratic National Committee that controls the coveted 13 million-person e-mail list gathered during Obama's presidential campaign, held a nationwide organizing event to mass its grass-roots supporters behind the proposal earlier this month. This week, the group will begin featuring some of the more than 200,000 stories submitted to its Web site documenting everyday Americans' struggles with the health-care system.
While President Obama pitches his health-care plan to the American Medical Association today in Chicago, much of the selling of the proposal to the American public -- and the Senate -- is already well underway, thanks to several outside groups that have been organizing and advertising for weeks.
Organizing for America, the arm of the Democratic National Committee that controls the coveted 13 million-person e-mail list gathered during Obama's presidential campaign, held a nationwide organizing event to mass its grass-roots supporters behind the proposal earlier this month. This week, the group will begin featuring some of the more than 200,000 stories submitted to its Web site documenting everyday Americans' struggles with the health-care system.
Monday, June 15, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Gas prices spike 17 cents a gallon in last two weeks
CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — The price of a gallon of gasoline continues to climb, rising an average of 17 cents over the past two weeks.
That's according to the national Lundberg Survey of fuel prices released Sunday.
Analyst Trilby Lundberg says the U.S. price of regular grade gasoline was $2.66 a gallon on Friday when the survey was completed.
The price of mid-grade was $2.78 and premium was $2.90.
Tucson, had the lowest price, at $2.41 a gallon for regular. San Francisco had the highest at $2.99.
CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — The price of a gallon of gasoline continues to climb, rising an average of 17 cents over the past two weeks.
That's according to the national Lundberg Survey of fuel prices released Sunday.
Analyst Trilby Lundberg says the U.S. price of regular grade gasoline was $2.66 a gallon on Friday when the survey was completed.
The price of mid-grade was $2.78 and premium was $2.90.
Tucson, had the lowest price, at $2.41 a gallon for regular. San Francisco had the highest at $2.99.
Friday, June 12, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Employed see tough times, too
People who still have jobs are faring worse than at any time since the Great Depression, a USA TODAY analysis of employment data found. Furloughs, pay cuts and reduced hours are taking a toll on workers who so far have escaped job cuts.
The employed worked fewer hours in May — an average of just 33.1 hours a week — than at any time since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began counting in 1964. Part-time work is at a record high. Overtime is at a record low.
People who still have jobs are faring worse than at any time since the Great Depression, a USA TODAY analysis of employment data found. Furloughs, pay cuts and reduced hours are taking a toll on workers who so far have escaped job cuts.
The employed worked fewer hours in May — an average of just 33.1 hours a week — than at any time since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began counting in 1964. Part-time work is at a record high. Overtime is at a record low.
Friday, June 12, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Senate Approves Tight Regulation Over Cigarettes
WASHINGTON — More than four decades after the surgeon general declared smoking a health hazard, the Senate on Thursday cleared the final hurdle to empowering federal officials to regulate cigarettes and other forms of tobacco for the first time.
WASHINGTON — More than four decades after the surgeon general declared smoking a health hazard, the Senate on Thursday cleared the final hurdle to empowering federal officials to regulate cigarettes and other forms of tobacco for the first time.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Chairman Apologizes But Sotomayor Hearing Will Go On
The Senate is known for its fixed tradition, established procedure and time-honored collegiality — but a case of telephone tag almost unhinged it all in the Senate Judiciary Committee. .
So committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy went face to face to apologize to Jeff Sessions for not speaking directly with the panel’s ranking Republican before announcing the start date for Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
“I apologize in not being more diligent in trying to reach you,” Leahy, D-Vt., told Sessions, R-Ala., at the committee’s weekly markup.
The Senate is known for its fixed tradition, established procedure and time-honored collegiality — but a case of telephone tag almost unhinged it all in the Senate Judiciary Committee. .
So committee Chairman Patrick J. Leahy went face to face to apologize to Jeff Sessions for not speaking directly with the panel’s ranking Republican before announcing the start date for Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
“I apologize in not being more diligent in trying to reach you,” Leahy, D-Vt., told Sessions, R-Ala., at the committee’s weekly markup.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
U.S. Targets Excessive Pay for Top Executives
The Obama administration named a "compensation czar" yesterday to set salaries and bonuses at some of the biggest firms at the heart of the economic crisis, as part of a broader government campaign to reshape pay practices across corporate America.
Senior officials said they will install Washington attorney Kenneth R. Feinberg with the power to determine compensation, including retirement packages, of senior executives at seven firms that have received massive federal bailouts, such as Citigroup chief executive Vikram S. Pandit, Bank of America's Kenneth D. Lewis and Fritz Henderson of General Motors.
The Obama administration named a "compensation czar" yesterday to set salaries and bonuses at some of the biggest firms at the heart of the economic crisis, as part of a broader government campaign to reshape pay practices across corporate America.
Senior officials said they will install Washington attorney Kenneth R. Feinberg with the power to determine compensation, including retirement packages, of senior executives at seven firms that have received massive federal bailouts, such as Citigroup chief executive Vikram S. Pandit, Bank of America's Kenneth D. Lewis and Fritz Henderson of General Motors.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
More students on free lunch programs
WASHINGTON — Nearly 20 million children now receive free or reduced-price lunches in the nation's schools, an all-time high, federal data show, and many school districts are struggling to cover their share of the meals' rising costs.
Through February, nationwide enrollment in free school lunch programs was up 6.3% over the same time last year, to 16.5 million students, based on data from the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which subsidizes the programs. Participation in reduced-price lunch programs rose to 3.2 million students, the data show.
WASHINGTON — Nearly 20 million children now receive free or reduced-price lunches in the nation's schools, an all-time high, federal data show, and many school districts are struggling to cover their share of the meals' rising costs.
Through February, nationwide enrollment in free school lunch programs was up 6.3% over the same time last year, to 16.5 million students, based on data from the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which subsidizes the programs. Participation in reduced-price lunch programs rose to 3.2 million students, the data show.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Alabama Governor's Race Looking Competitive
Republicans for now appear to have the inside track in the 2010 race for the Alabama governor's seat, according to a series of potential match-ups tested by Public Policy Polling in a survey conducted June 2-5. But nearly all of the match-ups fell within the poll's 3.8 percent margin of error, pointing to a competitive contest.
In addition, 30 percent of independents (21 percent of the sample) are undecided in each of the match-ups.
Bradley Byrne, a former state senator and college chancellor, leads two of the Democrats in the poll: Rep. Artur Davis by 39 percent to 35 percent with 26 percent undecided, and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks by 41 percent to 27 percent with 33 percent undecided.
Republicans for now appear to have the inside track in the 2010 race for the Alabama governor's seat, according to a series of potential match-ups tested by Public Policy Polling in a survey conducted June 2-5. But nearly all of the match-ups fell within the poll's 3.8 percent margin of error, pointing to a competitive contest.
In addition, 30 percent of independents (21 percent of the sample) are undecided in each of the match-ups.
Bradley Byrne, a former state senator and college chancellor, leads two of the Democrats in the poll: Rep. Artur Davis by 39 percent to 35 percent with 26 percent undecided, and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks by 41 percent to 27 percent with 33 percent undecided.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Fiat Completes Purchase of Chrysler
NEW YORK, June 10 -- Chrysler this morning completed the sale of its assets to Fiat, with the Italian automaker's chief executive Sergio Marchionne taking over as head of the new company.
The transaction comes just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court last night cleared the way for the sale, a centerpiece of the Obama administration's efforts to restructure the ailing auto industry.
Chrysler, whose plants have been idled during its 41-day stay in bankruptcy, will begin operating immediately, the company said.
NEW YORK, June 10 -- Chrysler this morning completed the sale of its assets to Fiat, with the Italian automaker's chief executive Sergio Marchionne taking over as head of the new company.
The transaction comes just hours after the U.S. Supreme Court last night cleared the way for the sale, a centerpiece of the Obama administration's efforts to restructure the ailing auto industry.
Chrysler, whose plants have been idled during its 41-day stay in bankruptcy, will begin operating immediately, the company said.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Virginia Governor’s Race To Be a Closely Watched Rematch
Virginia Democrats have set up a replay, picking state Sen. Creigh Deeds to run against Republican Bob McDonnell for governor — a race that will be a high-profile prelude to the 2010 elections.
When Deeds ran against McDonnell for state Attorney General in 2005, McDonnell won by a whisper — 323 votes out of more than 1.9 million cast.
Their 2009 matchup is bound to be hard-fought, hotly contested and expensive, both because of that nail-biter and because of the national attention this Deeds-McDonnell battle will get.
Republicans will try to show that Virginia is still a red state despite having picked Barack Obama for president and sending two Democrats to the Senate. A GOP rebound would give hope to the out-of-power party and could influence both parties’ playbooks for the 2010 congressional elections.
Virginia Democrats have set up a replay, picking state Sen. Creigh Deeds to run against Republican Bob McDonnell for governor — a race that will be a high-profile prelude to the 2010 elections.
When Deeds ran against McDonnell for state Attorney General in 2005, McDonnell won by a whisper — 323 votes out of more than 1.9 million cast.
Their 2009 matchup is bound to be hard-fought, hotly contested and expensive, both because of that nail-biter and because of the national attention this Deeds-McDonnell battle will get.
Republicans will try to show that Virginia is still a red state despite having picked Barack Obama for president and sending two Democrats to the Senate. A GOP rebound would give hope to the out-of-power party and could influence both parties’ playbooks for the 2010 congressional elections.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
One Tough Sell: Paying for Health Care Overhaul
Last year, candidate Barack Obama zeroed in on a feature of John McCain ’s health care plan that would have taxed workers’ benefits, branding it history’s largest middle-class tax increase and saying it was too radical a proposition to seriously consider.
Eight months later, President Obama appears ready to roll the same type of tax hike into his ambitious plan to overhaul the U.S. health system — if enough Democrats in Congress are willing to go along.
In doing so, he risks triggering a huge political battle with labor unions concerned about losing their bargaining clout, as well as rank-and-file lawmakers on both sides of aisle, who are wary of antagonizing economically stressed middle-class voters.
Last year, candidate Barack Obama zeroed in on a feature of John McCain ’s health care plan that would have taxed workers’ benefits, branding it history’s largest middle-class tax increase and saying it was too radical a proposition to seriously consider.
Eight months later, President Obama appears ready to roll the same type of tax hike into his ambitious plan to overhaul the U.S. health system — if enough Democrats in Congress are willing to go along.
In doing so, he risks triggering a huge political battle with labor unions concerned about losing their bargaining clout, as well as rank-and-file lawmakers on both sides of aisle, who are wary of antagonizing economically stressed middle-class voters.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
CIA Urges Judge To Keep Bush-Era Documents Sealed
The Obama administration objected yesterday to the release of certain Bush-era documents that detail the videotaped interrogations of CIA detainees at secret prisons, arguing to a federal judge that doing so would endanger national security and benefit al-Qaeda's recruitment efforts.
In an affidavit, CIA Director Leon E. Panetta defended the classification of records describing the contents of the 92 videotapes, their destruction by the CIA in 2005 and what he called "sensitive operational information" about the interrogations.
The forced disclosure of such material to the American Civil Liberties Union "could be expected to result in exceptionally grave damage to the national security by informing our enemies of what we knew about them, and when, and in some instances, how we obtained the intelligence we possessed," Panetta argued.
The Obama administration objected yesterday to the release of certain Bush-era documents that detail the videotaped interrogations of CIA detainees at secret prisons, arguing to a federal judge that doing so would endanger national security and benefit al-Qaeda's recruitment efforts.
In an affidavit, CIA Director Leon E. Panetta defended the classification of records describing the contents of the 92 videotapes, their destruction by the CIA in 2005 and what he called "sensitive operational information" about the interrogations.
The forced disclosure of such material to the American Civil Liberties Union "could be expected to result in exceptionally grave damage to the national security by informing our enemies of what we knew about them, and when, and in some instances, how we obtained the intelligence we possessed," Panetta argued.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Tight Race in Virginia as 3 Democrats Vie for Governor
RICHMOND, Va. — When Virginia voters go to the polls Tuesday in the Democratic primary for governor, they will choose among three candidates who have distinguished themselves more by personality than politics during the fight to continue their party’s recent winning streak in this historically conservative state.
RICHMOND, Va. — When Virginia voters go to the polls Tuesday in the Democratic primary for governor, they will choose among three candidates who have distinguished themselves more by personality than politics during the fight to continue their party’s recent winning streak in this historically conservative state.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Gingrich Trumps Palin at GOP Gala
Sarah Palin could have stolen the show without uttering a word at Monday night’s $14.45 million Republican congressional dinner. But she didn’t.
It was the keynote speaker, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who ultimately dominated the end of a day on which the Alaska governor’s whereabouts — her attendance at or absence from the Washington Convention Center — had seemed to captivate the nation’s capital.
Gingrich held forth for nearly an hour, delivering a policy-heavy address that few Republicans, and surely fewer Democrats, think Palin could match.
Sarah Palin could have stolen the show without uttering a word at Monday night’s $14.45 million Republican congressional dinner. But she didn’t.
It was the keynote speaker, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who ultimately dominated the end of a day on which the Alaska governor’s whereabouts — her attendance at or absence from the Washington Convention Center — had seemed to captivate the nation’s capital.
Gingrich held forth for nearly an hour, delivering a policy-heavy address that few Republicans, and surely fewer Democrats, think Palin could match.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Virginia Democrats To Choose Gubernatorial Nominee
Virginia Democrats are used to nominating their candidates for governor in coronations, not competitions. But this time there are three candidates in the fray — the Democrats’ first contested primary for governor in 32 years.
Recent surveys have indicated that voters could nominate any one of the three hopefuls to oppose Republican Bob McDonnell, a former state attorney general, in the Nov. 3 general election.
A poll conducted over the weekend, though, showed one candidate, state Sen. Creigh Deeds pulling away from the pack and taking a significant lead over former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe and former state Rep. Brian Moran.
Virginia Democrats are used to nominating their candidates for governor in coronations, not competitions. But this time there are three candidates in the fray — the Democrats’ first contested primary for governor in 32 years.
Recent surveys have indicated that voters could nominate any one of the three hopefuls to oppose Republican Bob McDonnell, a former state attorney general, in the Nov. 3 general election.
A poll conducted over the weekend, though, showed one candidate, state Sen. Creigh Deeds pulling away from the pack and taking a significant lead over former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe and former state Rep. Brian Moran.
Monday, June 08, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Bipartisan Health Bill Is Possible, Leaders Say
Plenty of people here think Senators Max Baucus and Charles E. Grassley are wasting time seeking a bipartisan health care bill to insure every American. And skeptics boast a 70-year winning streak.
Plenty of people here think Senators Max Baucus and Charles E. Grassley are wasting time seeking a bipartisan health care bill to insure every American. And skeptics boast a 70-year winning streak.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Gun Rights Lobby Prepares To Weigh In On Sotomayor
With congressional Democrats divided on gun issues and the Obama administration steering clear of the topic, gun rights advocates have bagged new legislative trophies this year and are taking aim at additional targets.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) and Gun Owners of America have an ambitious to-do list. They are preparing to:
•Weigh in on Obama’s nomination of federal appellate court Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
•Advance a proposal by Sen. Richard M. Burr , R-N.C., to ensure that veterans are not wrongfully denied the right to bear arms.
•Stave off attempts to close the so-called gun show loophole.
•Beat back efforts to renew the federal ban on some assault weapons, which lapsed in 2004.
Conversely, Democrats eager for tighter restrictions are facing the harsh political reality that, at least for now, they can’t match the gun lobby’s firepower.
With congressional Democrats divided on gun issues and the Obama administration steering clear of the topic, gun rights advocates have bagged new legislative trophies this year and are taking aim at additional targets.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) and Gun Owners of America have an ambitious to-do list. They are preparing to:
•Weigh in on Obama’s nomination of federal appellate court Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
•Advance a proposal by Sen. Richard M. Burr , R-N.C., to ensure that veterans are not wrongfully denied the right to bear arms.
•Stave off attempts to close the so-called gun show loophole.
•Beat back efforts to renew the federal ban on some assault weapons, which lapsed in 2004.
Conversely, Democrats eager for tighter restrictions are facing the harsh political reality that, at least for now, they can’t match the gun lobby’s firepower.
Friday, June 05, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Obama Calls for Fresh Start With Muslims
CAIRO, June 4 -- President Obama delivered a direct appeal to the Islamic world Thursday for a "new beginning" with the United States, acknowledging historical mistakes made over centuries in the name of culture and religion that he said are now overshadowed by shared interests.
CAIRO, June 4 -- President Obama delivered a direct appeal to the Islamic world Thursday for a "new beginning" with the United States, acknowledging historical mistakes made over centuries in the name of culture and religion that he said are now overshadowed by shared interests.
Friday, June 05, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Republicans Complain About Plan for Health Insurance
WASHINGTON — Republican frustration with Democratic plans to remake the health care system boiled over Thursday, as Republicans complained about the size, shape and cost of the emerging proposal. But Democratic leaders said they still intended to push a bill through the Senate this summer.
WASHINGTON — Republican frustration with Democratic plans to remake the health care system boiled over Thursday, as Republicans complained about the size, shape and cost of the emerging proposal. But Democratic leaders said they still intended to push a bill through the Senate this summer.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
This Corner of Capitol Hill Most Reluctant To Tax Health Benefits
As support grows on Capitol Hill for taxing workers’ medical benefits to pay for a health care overhaul, Democrats on the House’s tax-writing panel hold a thin line of resistance.
Although they have backed away from the complete opposition Chairman Charles B. Rangel voiced earlier this year, Ways and Means Committee members remain reluctant to alter the longstanding exclusion of health benefits from taxable income.
Many committee Democrats are unwilling to broach the subject directly. Instead, they say they want to work out how to expand health coverage and see how much money they can raise through promoting efficiency in the health care system before discussing the revenue side of the bill.
As support grows on Capitol Hill for taxing workers’ medical benefits to pay for a health care overhaul, Democrats on the House’s tax-writing panel hold a thin line of resistance.
Although they have backed away from the complete opposition Chairman Charles B. Rangel voiced earlier this year, Ways and Means Committee members remain reluctant to alter the longstanding exclusion of health benefits from taxable income.
Many committee Democrats are unwilling to broach the subject directly. Instead, they say they want to work out how to expand health coverage and see how much money they can raise through promoting efficiency in the health care system before discussing the revenue side of the bill.
Wednesday, June 04, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Benefit spending soars to new high
The recession is driving the safety net of government benefits to a historic high, as one of every six dollars of Americans' income is now coming in the form of a federal or state check or voucher.
Benefits, such as Social Security, food stamps, unemployment insurance and health care, accounted for 16.2% of personal income in the first quarter of 2009, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports. That's the highest percentage since the government began compiling records in 1929.
In all, government spending on benefits will top $2 trillion in 2009 — an average of $17,000 provided to each U.S. household, federal data show. Benefits rose at a 19% annual rate in the first quarter compared to the last three months of 2008.
The recession is driving the safety net of government benefits to a historic high, as one of every six dollars of Americans' income is now coming in the form of a federal or state check or voucher.
Benefits, such as Social Security, food stamps, unemployment insurance and health care, accounted for 16.2% of personal income in the first quarter of 2009, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports. That's the highest percentage since the government began compiling records in 1929.
In all, government spending on benefits will top $2 trillion in 2009 — an average of $17,000 provided to each U.S. household, federal data show. Benefits rose at a 19% annual rate in the first quarter compared to the last three months of 2008.
Wednesday, June 04, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Bernanke Presses For Fiscal Restraint
The nation needs to begin planning now to eventually bring taxes and spending in line, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said yesterday, arguing that large budget deficits, if sustained, could deepen the financial crisis and choke off the economy.
Bernanke's testimony to Congress reflected growing concern among economists and investors that the nation's long-term fiscal imbalances could stand in the way of economic recovery by driving up the interest rates that the government, businesses and consumers pay to borrow money. The rate the government pays has already risen in recent weeks.
The nation needs to begin planning now to eventually bring taxes and spending in line, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said yesterday, arguing that large budget deficits, if sustained, could deepen the financial crisis and choke off the economy.
Bernanke's testimony to Congress reflected growing concern among economists and investors that the nation's long-term fiscal imbalances could stand in the way of economic recovery by driving up the interest rates that the government, businesses and consumers pay to borrow money. The rate the government pays has already risen in recent weeks.
Wednesday, June 04, 2009
The Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times
Medical bills play a role in 62% of bankruptcies, study says
President Obama's push for healthcare reforms gets a boost today from a new study by Harvard University researchers that shows a sizable increase over six years in bankruptcies caused in part by ever-higher medical expenses.
The study found that medical bills, plus related problems such as lost wages for the ill and their caregivers, contributed to 62% of all bankruptcies filed in 2007. On the campaign trail last year and in the White House this year, Obama had cited an earlier study by the same authors showing that such expenses played a part in 55% of bankruptcies in 2001.
President Obama's push for healthcare reforms gets a boost today from a new study by Harvard University researchers that shows a sizable increase over six years in bankruptcies caused in part by ever-higher medical expenses.
The study found that medical bills, plus related problems such as lost wages for the ill and their caregivers, contributed to 62% of all bankruptcies filed in 2007. On the campaign trail last year and in the White House this year, Obama had cited an earlier study by the same authors showing that such expenses played a part in 55% of bankruptcies in 2001.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
Obama Is Upbeat for G.M.’s Future
President Obama marked the lowest point in General Motors’ 100-year history — its bankruptcy filing on Monday — by barely mentioning it, instead focusing his remarks on the second chance G.M. will have to become a viable company with more government aid.
President Obama marked the lowest point in General Motors’ 100-year history — its bankruptcy filing on Monday — by barely mentioning it, instead focusing his remarks on the second chance G.M. will have to become a viable company with more government aid.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Economic Advisers Extol Benefits of Cutting Health-Care Spending
Slowing the growth in health-care spending from 6 percent a year to 4.5 percent would have enormous benefits for the nation's economy, creating as many as 500,000 jobs a year and increasing annual income for the average family of four by $2,600 over the next decade, the president's chief economic advisers said yesterday.
In a report set to be released today, the Council of Economic Advisers concludes that cutting costs while extending coverage to the 46 million people who lack health insurance would also dramatically improve the federal budget outlook, remove "unnecessary barriers" to job mobility and increase the nation's overall economic well-being by "roughly" $100 billion a year.
Slowing the growth in health-care spending from 6 percent a year to 4.5 percent would have enormous benefits for the nation's economy, creating as many as 500,000 jobs a year and increasing annual income for the average family of four by $2,600 over the next decade, the president's chief economic advisers said yesterday.
In a report set to be released today, the Council of Economic Advisers concludes that cutting costs while extending coverage to the 46 million people who lack health insurance would also dramatically improve the federal budget outlook, remove "unnecessary barriers" to job mobility and increase the nation's overall economic well-being by "roughly" $100 billion a year.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Confidence in U.S. Economy Builds Even as Recovery Still Seems Distant
Economists, senior government officials and ordinary consumers are all showing greater confidence in the outlook for the economy.
But three months after signs of hope emerged, the evidence of improvement still exists only in the form of glimmers. A slew of recent economic data and other news, including yesterday's bankruptcy filing by General Motors, make clear that the nation is still muddling through a deep recession.
"A few months ago, the U.S. was in the throes of the most severe recession since the 1930s," said Paul Ashworth, a senior economist at Capital Economics. "We've had some improvement, but . . . we're still nowhere near a meaningful recovery or even a slight recovery."
Economists, senior government officials and ordinary consumers are all showing greater confidence in the outlook for the economy.
But three months after signs of hope emerged, the evidence of improvement still exists only in the form of glimmers. A slew of recent economic data and other news, including yesterday's bankruptcy filing by General Motors, make clear that the nation is still muddling through a deep recession.
"A few months ago, the U.S. was in the throes of the most severe recession since the 1930s," said Paul Ashworth, a senior economist at Capital Economics. "We've had some improvement, but . . . we're still nowhere near a meaningful recovery or even a slight recovery."
Monday, June 01, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
GM Files for Bankruptcy Protection
General Motors filed for bankruptcy protection this morning, marking the end of financial independence for the 100-year-old industrial leviathan that once conflated its interests with the country's and -- counting jobs at the company and its suppliers -- employed well over 1 million people.
General Motors filed for bankruptcy protection this morning, marking the end of financial independence for the 100-year-old industrial leviathan that once conflated its interests with the country's and -- counting jobs at the company and its suppliers -- employed well over 1 million people.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
GOP Senators Favor Slow Deliberations On Sotomayor
The Senate should move slowly and examine Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s record carefully before bringing her nomination to the Supreme Court up for a vote, say top Senate Republicans.
A confirmation vote before the August recess is unrealistic, the Judiciary Committee’s top Republican said Sunday.
“I think that’s rushing it,” Jeff Sessions , R-Ala. said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“I believe that she has over 3,000, maybe 4,000-plus opinions that need to be examined. And I think there’s no need for us to do that. We do need to do it by October. That’s when Justice [David H.] Souter will be stepping down.”
The Senate should move slowly and examine Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s record carefully before bringing her nomination to the Supreme Court up for a vote, say top Senate Republicans.
A confirmation vote before the August recess is unrealistic, the Judiciary Committee’s top Republican said Sunday.
“I think that’s rushing it,” Jeff Sessions , R-Ala. said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“I believe that she has over 3,000, maybe 4,000-plus opinions that need to be examined. And I think there’s no need for us to do that. We do need to do it by October. That’s when Justice [David H.] Souter will be stepping down.”
Monday, June 01, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
This Time Around, Health Care Debate Much Different
Part Two of a Special Report from CQ Healthbeat
In 2006, with Democrats poised to win the midterm election and gaining strength in the fight for the White House, two health insurance industry leaders came to the same conclusion about the future. A serious debate about overhauling the nation’s health care system was inevitable, they believed, and insurers would have to take a different approach than the tough stance the industry took during the last big debate, in the Clinton administration.
Karen Ignagni, the president and chief executive of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the industry’s trade association, and George C. Halvorson, then the group’s board chairman and CEO of the insurance giant Kaiser Permanente, held a series of lengthy meetings to begin nudging their colleagues in the industry to come up with a proposal. Otherwise, they warned, they might not be able to influence a debate in Washington that could pose a serious threat to their business model.
Part Two of a Special Report from CQ Healthbeat
In 2006, with Democrats poised to win the midterm election and gaining strength in the fight for the White House, two health insurance industry leaders came to the same conclusion about the future. A serious debate about overhauling the nation’s health care system was inevitable, they believed, and insurers would have to take a different approach than the tough stance the industry took during the last big debate, in the Clinton administration.
Karen Ignagni, the president and chief executive of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the industry’s trade association, and George C. Halvorson, then the group’s board chairman and CEO of the insurance giant Kaiser Permanente, held a series of lengthy meetings to begin nudging their colleagues in the industry to come up with a proposal. Otherwise, they warned, they might not be able to influence a debate in Washington that could pose a serious threat to their business model.
Friday, May 29, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Obama: Now or never for health reform
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Obama warned Thursday that if Congress doesn't deliver health care legislation by the end of the year, the opportunity will be lost, a plea to political supporters to pressure lawmakers to act.
"If we don't get it done this year, we're not going to get it done," Obama told supporters by phone as he flew home on Air Force One from a West Coast fundraising trip.
Obama's political organization, Organizing for America, invited campaign volunteers to a midday conference call to describe a nationwide June 6 kickoff for its health care campaign. The president's message to his re-election campaign-in-waiting was simple: If volunteers don't pressure lawmakers to support the White House's goal on health care, Washington would drag its feet and nothing would change.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Obama warned Thursday that if Congress doesn't deliver health care legislation by the end of the year, the opportunity will be lost, a plea to political supporters to pressure lawmakers to act.
"If we don't get it done this year, we're not going to get it done," Obama told supporters by phone as he flew home on Air Force One from a West Coast fundraising trip.
Obama's political organization, Organizing for America, invited campaign volunteers to a midday conference call to describe a nationwide June 6 kickoff for its health care campaign. The president's message to his re-election campaign-in-waiting was simple: If volunteers don't pressure lawmakers to support the White House's goal on health care, Washington would drag its feet and nothing would change.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Senators Vetting Sotomayor, Exploring Confirmation Schedule
Senate Judiciary Committee staffers are busy vetting President Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee, but no major decisions about the confirmation process are likely to be made until the panel’s top Democrat and Republican return to Washington.
Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy , D-Vt., and the panel’s ranking Republican, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, are expected to meet in the coming days to try to reach agreement on how to handle Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation process.
“Sen. Leahy is old school and feels strongly about working together as much as possible on the schedule and other logistics,” Leahy spokesman David Carle said.
Senate Judiciary Committee staffers are busy vetting President Obama’s first Supreme Court nominee, but no major decisions about the confirmation process are likely to be made until the panel’s top Democrat and Republican return to Washington.
Judiciary Chairman Patrick J. Leahy , D-Vt., and the panel’s ranking Republican, Jeff Sessions of Alabama, are expected to meet in the coming days to try to reach agreement on how to handle Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation process.
“Sen. Leahy is old school and feels strongly about working together as much as possible on the schedule and other logistics,” Leahy spokesman David Carle said.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
'Roadless' Forest Areas Now Under Vilsack
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a temporary order yesterday governing development in "roadless" areas of national forests, requiring all new projects to be approved by him personally.
Vilsack's order, which will be in effect for a year, is the latest turn in an eight-year-old battle over 58.5 million acres of pristine woods. President Bill Clinton made these areas off-limits in 2001, but President George W. Bush effectively reopened some in 2005. That led to a series of court cases that ultimately replaced the national policy with a patchwork of regional rules.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a temporary order yesterday governing development in "roadless" areas of national forests, requiring all new projects to be approved by him personally.
Vilsack's order, which will be in effect for a year, is the latest turn in an eight-year-old battle over 58.5 million acres of pristine woods. President Bill Clinton made these areas off-limits in 2001, but President George W. Bush effectively reopened some in 2005. That led to a series of court cases that ultimately replaced the national policy with a patchwork of regional rules.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states
WASHINGTON — States hit hardest by the recession received only a few of the government's first stimulus contracts, even though the glut of new federal spending was meant to target places where the economic pain has been particularly severe.
Nationwide, federal agencies have awarded nearly $4 billion in contracts to help jump-start the economy since President Obama signed the massive stimulus package in February. But, with few exceptions, that money has not reached states where the unemployment rate is highest, according to a USA TODAY review of contracts disclosed through the Federal Procurement Data System.
WASHINGTON — States hit hardest by the recession received only a few of the government's first stimulus contracts, even though the glut of new federal spending was meant to target places where the economic pain has been particularly severe.
Nationwide, federal agencies have awarded nearly $4 billion in contracts to help jump-start the economy since President Obama signed the massive stimulus package in February. But, with few exceptions, that money has not reached states where the unemployment rate is highest, according to a USA TODAY review of contracts disclosed through the Federal Procurement Data System.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Battle Lines Are Drawn On Sotomayor Nomination
On the day after Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court, both sides in the fight over her confirmation moved quickly to try to define the woman who may become the court's first Hispanic justice.
The White House enlisted lawyers and constitutional experts to say that in Sotomayor's 17 years on the federal bench, she has been a cautious jurist who respects precedent. But conservative legal groups countered that her remarks in speeches and symposiums bolster their claims that she is a liberal activist waiting to flower on the high court. One prominent conservative accused her of "reverse" racism, and another called her a "wild-eyed judicial activist."
Curt Levey, executive director of the conservative legal group Committee for Justice, said her judicial record would probably not be enough to stop Sotomayor's confirmation, given the Democratic dominance in the Senate, but her speeches are another matter. "The best predictor of whether a controversial nominee can be stopped is whether the case against her is based on more than just her legal analysis," he said.
On the day after Judge Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court, both sides in the fight over her confirmation moved quickly to try to define the woman who may become the court's first Hispanic justice.
The White House enlisted lawyers and constitutional experts to say that in Sotomayor's 17 years on the federal bench, she has been a cautious jurist who respects precedent. But conservative legal groups countered that her remarks in speeches and symposiums bolster their claims that she is a liberal activist waiting to flower on the high court. One prominent conservative accused her of "reverse" racism, and another called her a "wild-eyed judicial activist."
Curt Levey, executive director of the conservative legal group Committee for Justice, said her judicial record would probably not be enough to stop Sotomayor's confirmation, given the Democratic dominance in the Senate, but her speeches are another matter. "The best predictor of whether a controversial nominee can be stopped is whether the case against her is based on more than just her legal analysis," he said.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Obama hails Sotomayor's life story, record
WASHINGTON — President Obama's historic nomination Tuesday of federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court paves the way for a heated summer debate on the role her gender, Hispanic roots and working-class Bronx background should play in her rulings.
Obama heralded Sotomayor's life story, judicial record and "experience being tested by obstacles and barriers" as reasons for Senate confirmation. Conservatives, including the Committee for Justice, said she has wrongly inserted her personal views into rulings.
Conservatives such as Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice said Democrats, on the verge of controlling 60 of 100 Senate votes, have the upper hand on confirmation. But they said the 54-year-old jurist's legal rulings and past statements are fair game. They cited her comment on judges making policy, now making the rounds on YouTube, and her ruling against white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., who charged reverse discrimination — a case soon to be decided
WASHINGTON — President Obama's historic nomination Tuesday of federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court paves the way for a heated summer debate on the role her gender, Hispanic roots and working-class Bronx background should play in her rulings.
Obama heralded Sotomayor's life story, judicial record and "experience being tested by obstacles and barriers" as reasons for Senate confirmation. Conservatives, including the Committee for Justice, said she has wrongly inserted her personal views into rulings.
Conservatives such as Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law and Justice said Democrats, on the verge of controlling 60 of 100 Senate votes, have the upper hand on confirmation. But they said the 54-year-old jurist's legal rulings and past statements are fair game. They cited her comment on judges making policy, now making the rounds on YouTube, and her ruling against white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., who charged reverse discrimination — a case soon to be decided
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
U.S. Expected to Own 70% of Restructured G.M.
DETROIT — In better times, many employees of General Motors called their company “Generous Motors” because of its rich benefits.
Now G.M. may stand for something else: Government Motors.
The latest plan for the troubled automaker, which is expected to file for bankruptcy by Monday, calls for the Treasury Department to receive about 70 percent of a restructured G.M.
DETROIT — In better times, many employees of General Motors called their company “Generous Motors” because of its rich benefits.
Now G.M. may stand for something else: Government Motors.
The latest plan for the troubled automaker, which is expected to file for bankruptcy by Monday, calls for the Treasury Department to receive about 70 percent of a restructured G.M.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Illinois Senate Race May Draw Latest Kennedy Heir Into Politics
Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy, a son of the late New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, appears likely to launch a 2010 Senate bid in Illinois.
This candidacy would make him the latest in the famed family's "second generation" to enter the political fray.
It also would lengthen the list of Democrats who are either certain to run or are thinking about running in the February primary for the seat held by interim Democratic Sen. Roland W. Burris, whose appointment to the seat Barack Obama vacated to become president has remained controversial and unpopular.
Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy, a son of the late New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, appears likely to launch a 2010 Senate bid in Illinois.
This candidacy would make him the latest in the famed family's "second generation" to enter the political fray.
It also would lengthen the list of Democrats who are either certain to run or are thinking about running in the February primary for the seat held by interim Democratic Sen. Roland W. Burris, whose appointment to the seat Barack Obama vacated to become president has remained controversial and unpopular.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Officials: Obama Chooses Sotomayor for Supreme Court
President Obama this morning will announce that U.S. appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor of New York is his pick to replace retiring justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court, White House officials said.
The 10:15 a.m. announcement will be made at the White House, before Obama leaves Washington for a two-day trip to California and Las Vegas that will focus mostly on fundraising events.
The president finalized his deliberations at Camp David over the weekend, and notified his staff this morning.
President Obama this morning will announce that U.S. appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor of New York is his pick to replace retiring justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court, White House officials said.
The 10:15 a.m. announcement will be made at the White House, before Obama leaves Washington for a two-day trip to California and Las Vegas that will focus mostly on fundraising events.
The president finalized his deliberations at Camp David over the weekend, and notified his staff this morning.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Showdown Looming On 'State Secrets'
President Obama vowed last week to rein in the use of a legal privilege that allows the administration to discard lawsuits that involve "state secrets," promising that a new policy is in the works that will quell criticism by civil libertarians.
But hours after Obama's speech laid out a "delicate balance" on national security, his Justice Department was criticized by a federal judge in California overseeing a case that has delved deeper than any other into one of the government's most highly classified data-gathering programs.
President Obama vowed last week to rein in the use of a legal privilege that allows the administration to discard lawsuits that involve "state secrets," promising that a new policy is in the works that will quell criticism by civil libertarians.
But hours after Obama's speech laid out a "delicate balance" on national security, his Justice Department was criticized by a federal judge in California overseeing a case that has delved deeper than any other into one of the government's most highly classified data-gathering programs.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Tinkerbell Effect, Part 2: Obama’s Efforts to Revive Credit Markets
Second in a three-part series examining the challenges facing President Obama as he tries to deliver a fairy-tale economic recovery. Read the first in the series.
Signs that the nation may be starting to crawl out of the worst financial and economic slump since the Great Depression are nonetheless posing a political dilemma for President Obama and his administration.
Thanks to a bit of luck, as well as Obama’s careful management of public expectations, the country is poised to experience a “Tinkerbell effect” — the notion derived from J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan” of a century ago that some good things are likely to come to pass so long as people believe they will.
Obama’s challenge is to manage the public’s desire to rush toward the glad end of that spectrum while at the same time warding off the forces that could push the country toward the sad end.
Second in a three-part series examining the challenges facing President Obama as he tries to deliver a fairy-tale economic recovery. Read the first in the series.
Signs that the nation may be starting to crawl out of the worst financial and economic slump since the Great Depression are nonetheless posing a political dilemma for President Obama and his administration.
Thanks to a bit of luck, as well as Obama’s careful management of public expectations, the country is poised to experience a “Tinkerbell effect” — the notion derived from J.M. Barrie’s play “Peter Pan” of a century ago that some good things are likely to come to pass so long as people believe they will.
Obama’s challenge is to manage the public’s desire to rush toward the glad end of that spectrum while at the same time warding off the forces that could push the country toward the sad end.
Monday, May 25, 2009
AHN
AHN
Obama Visits Tomb Of Unknown Soldier As Nation Marks Memorial Day
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President Barack Obama joins thousands of Americans in commemorating Memorial Day on Monday by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington. The nation pays tribute to its fallen heroes as it seeks to end the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Obama, who spent Memorial Day weekend at Camp David with his family, will lead the traditional ceremony at Arlington at about 10:30 am. He will return to Camp David and spends a quiet day with First Lady Michelle Obama and their two daughters before returning to the White House later in the evening.
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - President Barack Obama joins thousands of Americans in commemorating Memorial Day on Monday by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington. The nation pays tribute to its fallen heroes as it seeks to end the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Obama, who spent Memorial Day weekend at Camp David with his family, will lead the traditional ceremony at Arlington at about 10:30 am. He will return to Camp David and spends a quiet day with First Lady Michelle Obama and their two daughters before returning to the White House later in the evening.
Monday, May 25, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
New Justice Could Hold the Key to Presidential Power
WASHINGTON — As President Obama prepares to replace Justice David H. Souter on the Supreme Court, conventional wisdom says his nominee will have little chance to change the court because all the contenders appear to share Justice Souter’s approach on social issues, like abortion rights.
WASHINGTON — As President Obama prepares to replace Justice David H. Souter on the Supreme Court, conventional wisdom says his nominee will have little chance to change the court because all the contenders appear to share Justice Souter’s approach on social issues, like abortion rights.
Monday, May 25, 2009
The New York Times
The New York Times
North Korea Claims to Conduct 2nd Nuclear Test
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea announced on Monday that it had successfully conducted its second nuclear test, defying international warnings and drastically raising the stakes in a global effort to get the recalcitrant Communist state to give up its nuclear weapons program.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea announced on Monday that it had successfully conducted its second nuclear test, defying international warnings and drastically raising the stakes in a global effort to get the recalcitrant Communist state to give up its nuclear weapons program.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
In Dueling Speeches, a National Security Debate
President Obama and former vice president Richard B. Cheney yesterday gave the country the national security debate it never had during last year's campaign, with the two outlining starkly divergent views of American power and the presidency in the fight against terrorism.
President Obama and former vice president Richard B. Cheney yesterday gave the country the national security debate it never had during last year's campaign, with the two outlining starkly divergent views of American power and the presidency in the fight against terrorism.
Friday, May 22, 2009
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Legacies of war dead endure
FALCON, Colo. — At dawn a mother gazes not at the sun rising over the High Plains, nor the purplish snows of Pikes Peak. She sits in her study staring at a laptop, because the place on earth she feels closest to her fallen soldier is cyberspace.
Dane was her first-born, the boy who always wanted to follow his dad into the Army. Even after she tried to talk him out of it. Even after — especially after — his nation went to war. He left for Iraq in July 2007. Less than two months later, he was killed by a roadside bomb. He was 19.
FALCON, Colo. — At dawn a mother gazes not at the sun rising over the High Plains, nor the purplish snows of Pikes Peak. She sits in her study staring at a laptop, because the place on earth she feels closest to her fallen soldier is cyberspace.
Dane was her first-born, the boy who always wanted to follow his dad into the Army. Even after she tried to talk him out of it. Even after — especially after — his nation went to war. He left for Iraq in July 2007. Less than two months later, he was killed by a roadside bomb. He was 19.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post
Wider Confidence Lifts Economy From Winter's Deep, Dark Freeze
The financial system, frozen solid for the past nine months, is in a spring thaw. And it's happening even though many of the Obama administration's major rescue programs have yet to get off the ground.
The improvement reflects the combined impact of a wide range of actions, many of them taken with little public attention, according to government officials and private economists. But more important than any single program, the sources say, is a deepening confidence from financial markets that the government is prepared to take aggressive action -- a confidence that Obama officials have repeatedly worked to cultivate in speeches and public appearances.
The financial system, frozen solid for the past nine months, is in a spring thaw. And it's happening even though many of the Obama administration's major rescue programs have yet to get off the ground.
The improvement reflects the combined impact of a wide range of actions, many of them taken with little public attention, according to government officials and private economists. But more important than any single program, the sources say, is a deepening confidence from financial markets that the government is prepared to take aggressive action -- a confidence that Obama officials have repeatedly worked to cultivate in speeches and public appearances.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congressional Quarterly Online News
Congress Sends Obama Bill To Tighten Credit Card Regulation
Riding a wave of public anger, the House cleared legislation Wednesday that would curb a number of credit card practices that the White House and consumer advocates have denounced as abusive.
President Obama had urged lawmakers to send him the bill (HR 627) before they started their Memorial Day recess at the end of this week. He is expected to sign it swiftly.
The Senate passed an amended version of the measure Tuesday by 90-5. The House accepted the Senate amendments Wednesday afternoon, thus sending the bill to the White House.
Riding a wave of public anger, the House cleared legislation Wednesday that would curb a number of credit card practices that the White House and consumer advocates have denounced as abusive.
President Obama had urged lawmakers to send him the bill (HR 627) before they started their Memorial Day recess at the end of this week. He is expected to sign it swiftly.
The Senate passed an amended version of the measure Tuesday by 90-5. The House accepted the Senate amendments Wednesday afternoon, thus sending the bill to the White House.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Washington Post
The Washington Post