WNYC News: Archive for Politics
Romney Calls For A Bigger, Stronger Military
Friday, October 07, 2011
In a speech at The Citadel on Friday, the former Massachusetts governor known more for his business acumen than his foreign-policy experience said he wants to increase the military budget. A weaker military and a smaller global footprint, he argued, will compromise America's leadership in the world.
A Budget Target, Disaster Money Is Secure For Now
Thursday, October 06, 2011
The FEMA disaster relief fund is once again flush with cash after coming precariously close to a zero balance last week. The fund got a quick hit of $2.65 billion as part of a temporary measure to keep the government open for business, but that money may not last very long.
What Chris Christie Can Learn From Rick Perry's Latest Travails
Monday, October 03, 2011
Rick Perry's troubles hold good news and bad news for Chris Christie. Good news in that Perry has failed to capture the imagination of the base, and bad news that the intense scrutiny of a presidential campaign can unnerve even a confident campaigner who was wooed to enter.
A Guide To The U.S. Budget Battles
Sunday, October 02, 2011
The annual budget fight has become especially muddled this year. That's because Congress and the White House are actually engaged in three different, but related, budget debates that are going on simultaneously. Here is a look at the three budget battles.
It Took Only 5 Minutes? House Votes To Stay Funded
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A few members voted Thursday in five minutes and two seconds to keep the government funded for four days — or until their colleagues return next week. Astonishing, considering it took the entire months of June and July for Congress to decide to continue paying bills it had already incurred.
Early Supreme Court Review Of Health Care Law Could Impact 2012 Race
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Affordable Care Act always promised to be a hot button issue in the 2012 presidential campaign. But it promises to loom even larger, now that the Obama administration has asked the Supreme Court to take the case, making very likely a high-court decision in June just months before the general election.
Shutdown Showdown Continues: Senate Has Key Vote Today
Monday, September 26, 2011
Lawmakers in Washington are still at odds over how to put some more money into the coffers of the stretched-thin Federal Emergency Management Agency. If the dispute isn't settled by the end of the week, part of the government might have to shut down.
The New Standoff: Clean-Car Jobs Vs. Disaster Relief
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The House's stopgap spending bill, rejected by the Senate on Friday, takes money from a federal clean cars program to offset spending for disaster aid. Some Republicans see the move as a matter of prioritization, but opponents say it would put American manufacturing jobs at risk.
House, Senate Stalemate Over Spending Bill Days Before Potential Shutdown
Friday, September 23, 2011
So long as Republicans control the House and Democrats the Senate and White House, a basic dynamic appears to be set. On any must-pass legislation, the House GOP will attach spending cuts Democrats find objectionable and reject in turn. A stalemate happens with both sides staring each other down.Only when a grand mal failure of government is at the threshold, a government shutdown or debt default, will a compromise be reached.
Romney Ensures Perry Has Long, Hard Night At Orlando GOP Debate
Friday, September 23, 2011
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney made the most of his opportunities not only to raise doubts for voters about Texas Gov. Rick Perry's hostility towards Social Security as a federal entitlement but Perry's character.
Disaster Aid Hangs In Balance Of House Dust-Up
Thursday, September 22, 2011
What was once considered routine business on Capitol Hill seems to be getting tied up in partisan knots. House Speaker John Boehner is in a difficult position after a combination of Democrats and Tea Party Republicans voted down a measure to provide disaster relief and keep the government running.
After Obama's U.N. Speech, Backstage Negotiations Continue
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The United States is facing some tense diplomatic maneuvering over the next couple of days, as the Palestinians seek official recognition from the United Nations.
Is Another Shutdown Showdown Looming In Washington?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A dispute over how much money to give the Federal Emergency Management Agency has Republicans and Democrats at odds again, with a Sept. 30 deadline looming.
Five Things To Know About Obama's Deficit Plan
Monday, September 19, 2011
The president will say his plan would pare $4 trillion more from federal deficits over the next decade. He's adding more than $3 trillion to the amount that lawmakers have already agreed to.
Lawmakers Seek Transparency From Supercommittee
Friday, September 16, 2011
The 12 members of the newly formed congressional committee are charged with finding more than $1 trillion in budget savings this fall. Their clout could attract extra attention from special interest groups, and some lawmakers are demanding greater accountability for the money the panel's members take in.
Obama Works To Set Agenda On Jobs, Deficit
Monday, September 12, 2011
In the past, President Obama has preferred to send broad outlines for legislation up to Capitol Hill, leaving the details to lawmakers. But not anymore. On Monday, he presented his jobs bill to Congress. And next week, he will lay out specific recommendations for long-term deficit reduction.
Obama Argues For Jobs Plan, Pressures GOP To Act
Thursday, September 08, 2011
With the nation facing the specter of a renewed recession and Washington virtually paralyzed by partisan gridlock, President Obama sought to pressure GOP lawmakers in his speech to a joint session of Congress. He dared the Republican-led House to block his proposals for a new stimulus of targeted tax cuts and spending.
Obama Takes A Vacation: Getaway Or Gaffe?
Friday, August 19, 2011
In reality, the president never really escapes the responsibilities of Washington. But as a symbol, the presidential vacation is fodder for detractors, especially in tough economic times.
S&P's U.S. Downgrade A Warning To End Partisan Business-As-Usual
Friday, August 05, 2011
The downgrade by Standard & Poor's is guaranteed to become a major piece of evidence used by Obama's political opponents against him, as they make the case that he has failed to lead the nation and should not be rewarded with a second term.
Obama On Job News: 'We Still Have A Big Hole To Fill'
Friday, July 08, 2011
President Obama said that the report "confirms what most Americans already know — we still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do to give people the security they deserve."