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Shots - Health News
Why Obama's Budget Could Make Health Waves
April 11, 2013 The administration's budget still matters, even though it's late and the House and Senate have approved their own spending blueprints for fiscal 2014. President Obama laid down markers that could lead to changes in Medicare and Medicaid and affect funding for a broad array of health programs.
The Two-Way
Obama Calls New Budget A 'Fiscally Responsible Blueprint'
April 10, 2013 The White House is gearing up for another round of difficult budget negotiations. Republicans are opposed to tax increases in the president's plan, while Democrats don't like its new math on entitlement benefits.
The Two-Way
Reports: Obama To Propose Cuts In Social Programs
April 5, 2013 Administration officials are telling news outlets that the budget the president unveils next week will include proposals he made last year during negotiations with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. Those include changes that could reduce increases in Social Security and Medicare spending.
The Two-Way
House OKs Bill To Keep Government Funded Through September
March 21, 2013 A government shutdown has been averted, with the house passing a spending bill that keeps things open through the end of September.
The Two-Way
Ryan Says His Budget Would Balance In 10 Years
March 12, 2013 While "opponents will shout austerity," the Republican lawmaker says his plan would still let federal spending grow. It just wouldn't grow as quickly as now projected, he says, and would come into balance if the economy continues to expand and boosts federal revenue.
The Two-Way
Republicans Offer Three-Month Increase In Debt Ceiling
January 18, 2013 GOP leaders in the House say that will give Democrats in the Senate time to pass a budget that cuts spending. And if Congress doesn't pass a budget, they say, lawmakers shouldn't get their full pay. The move could put off another bruising battle over the borrowing limit.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
White House Says 'No' To Death Star
January 13, 2013 The White House rejects a petition asking the United States to build a Star Wars inspired Death Star by 2016. Among the reasons cited: government policy "does not support blowing up planets."
Planet Money
Dissecting Federal Spending With An Eye On Cuts
July 17, 2012 Big automatic budget cuts slated for January 1 has spurred talk of spending cuts and other budget fixes. We revisit where federal spending actually goes.
It's All Politics
Dire Predictions Amid Another Looming Fiscal Battle
May 29, 2012 The Bush-era tax cuts expire at the end of the year, along with the payroll tax break; the nation's borrowing authority bumps against its limit; and huge mandatory spending cuts — half targeting defense — are set to kick in. All this could trigger another recession, but Congress is unlikely to do much about it until after November's election.
The Two-Way
Obama: GOP Budget 'Makes Contract With America Look Like The New Deal'
April 3, 2012 The president today is renewing his push against "trickle-down economics," which he says has failed the nation.
The Two-Way
President's 2013 Budget Includes Slight Boost For Arts, Cultural Agencies
February 15, 2012 Several arts and cultural institutions saw their allotment rise by about 5 percent in President Obama's proposed 2013 budget. The proposed spending of $1.576 billion — in a budget of $3.8 trillion — includes good news for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Endowments for the Arts.
The Two-Way
House Approves Bill To Raise Federal Debt Limit
August 1, 2011 The House of Representatives has approved legislation to raise the federal debt ceiling and prevent a U.S. default, as the nation nears the end of a bitter standoff. The Senate votes on the measure Tuesday.
The Two-Way
Progress Still 'Elusive' On Deficit-Reduction Deal
July 21, 2011 With the clock ticking, negotiations continue. But reviews are mixed on the "Gang of Six" plan that many have been hoping would break the deadlock.

