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It's All Politics
Boehner's Plan Revived By Balanced Budget Inclusion
July 29, 2011 The addition of the amendment provision to the debt-ceiling measure appears to be enough to swing some Republican lawmakers to his side who had previously been against the speaker's bill.
It's All Politics
Washington's Bad Week Ends With A Bright Spot: Higher MPG
July 29, 2011 Friday's fuel economy announcement is just about the only thing happening in Washington this week (that we know of) that will make a positive difference for the country's future.
It's All Politics
Boehner Has Few If Any Votes To Spare For His Debt-Ceiling Bill
July 28, 2011 Think Progress counts 23 Republicans who have publicly stated their plans to vote against the bill. That's a critical number because in his 240 Republican conference, Boehner can lose no more than 23 votes and still pass the bill, assuming he gets no Democrats to vote for it.
It's All Politics
Debt-Ceiling Parody Video Skewers Federal Spending
July 27, 2011 Proving that you can rap about anything, the comedian Remy created a debt-ceiling satire in rap video form. Don't be fooled by rap's refrain: "Raise the debt ceiling." The rap is more Ron Paul than Jay-Z.
It's All Politics
CBO Says Reid Debt Plan; Like Boehner's, Falls Short Of Goal
July 27, 2011 The Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday that Sen. Harry Reid's debt ceiling plan falls short of the kind of deficit reduction the proposal envisions, sending the Senate minority leader back to his numbers crunchers to try and find more savings. Still, it was good news for Reid since his plan was estimated to have $1.3 trillion more in savings than Speaker John Boehner's plan.
It's All Politics
Boehner Debt Plan Besieged By Fellow Republicans, Democrats
July 26, 2011 The threats to Boehner's legislation, which would raise the debt ceiling in two steps (the Boehner Two-Step, anyone) are coming from within his GOP conference as well as Democrats on the outside.
It's All Politics
Vox Populi Strains Congress' Phone Lines, Websites
July 26, 2011 Americans are evidently responding to President Obama's request Monday evening that they contact their lawmakers. Congress' phone lines and web sites were jammed Tuesday, becoming unavailable for many who tried to communicate with Capitol Hill.
It's All Politics
When Washington Causes Headaches, How Do You Spell Relief?
July 26, 2011 For those watching the ping-pong match between Washington Republicans and Democrats, seven more days of this back-and-forth feels like six days longer than anyone should be forced to endure. So what's the best way to escape mentally from this?
It's All Politics
Report: U.S. Could Have Few Days Past Aug. 2 Deadline On Debt Ceiling
July 26, 2011 For months, the world has been focused on the Aug. 2 deadline for the U.S. to have a new and higher debt ceiling in place to stave off Defaultmageddon.The U.S. Treasury, however, could actually have a few more days before hitting the wall, thanks to higher-than-forecast tax revenues.
It's All Politics
Obama, Boehner Try Two-Prong Strategy In Deficit Debate
July 25, 2011 As political rhetoric, the speeches likely connected with the audiences they were intended for. But they likely did very little to change matters at the negotiating table for the better.
It's All Politics
Obama To Make Prime-Time Debt-Ceiling Speech To Nation
July 25, 2011 In case you were wondering if and when President Obama would make a prime time speech from the White House to argue his case on the debt ceiling, wonder no more. The White House announced the president is scheduled to speak to the nation at 9 pm eastern time Monday from the East Room.
Shots - Health News
History Shows Medicare Cuts Can Spare Beneficiaries
July 25, 2011 Most trims to Medicare's budget have not directly affected care for beneficiaries. Instead cuts in Medicare spending have been directed at hospitals, doctors and nursing homes.
It's All Politics
Quick Debt-Ceiling Fix Impeded By Congress' Tricky Rules
July 25, 2011 The deadline is eight days away now, and there's real concern there may not be enough time for either proposal — or a compromise version of the two — to get enacted by Congress.
It's All Politics
Debt-Ceiling Fight Comes Down Whether Or Not To Have Election Year Redo
July 25, 2011 Setting aside all the details, important as they are, about raising revenues and cutting spending, the crux of the fight is now clearly more about when to have the next debt-ceiling battle after the one now playing out before our eyes than anything else.
It's All Politics
NPR's Congress Watchers Provide Debt-Ceiling Fight FAQ
July 21, 2011 We turned to NPR's Capitol Hill correspondents, David Welna in the Senate and Andrea Seabrook in the House, to get their perspective on everything from timing to President Obama's spending limit options if the stalemate continues.
