All DC Decoder
Obama's plan to replace the 'sequester': Does the math add up?President Obama wants to replace the sequester with a package of spending cuts and tax revenues adding up to $1.5 trillion over 10 years. But some say that's not enough savings.
Why March 1 isn't Congress's last chance to amend 'sequester' cutsTrue, $85 billion in spending cuts kick in on March 1, but they won't be widely felt for several weeks. Meanwhile, funding for government operations expires March 27. The two fiscal issues could be rolled into one, but a top GOP appropriator sees that as a recipe for disaster.聽
'Sequester' harm to economy? Maybe for longer than you think.Economists say spending cuts from the budget sequester will slow growth in the GDP somewhat in the near term. But a new analysis says a reduction in innovation could double the long-term impact.
Four reasons Republicans are embracing the 'sequester' Republicans, it is clear, are conflicted on the "sequester." How did they come to embrace it? Here are four reasons.
Why most Americans are yawning over 'sequester' 鈥� and why that mattersOnly 1 in 4 Americans is following the debate over 'the sequester,' and even fewer say they understand it, a new poll shows. If the spending cuts take effect and more people pay attention, Obama's public support could slip.- Michelle Obama: How well do you know the first lady?
She's a Harvard-educated lawyer, former university administrator, and self-declared "mom-in-chief" who has made headlines with both her policy platforms and her fashion choices. But how much do you really know about the first lady?
'Sequester' scare tactics? White House details 'devastating' 50-state impact.A White House report stresses the huge impact the sequester spending cuts would have on states. For some states, that might be true. But for others, the cuts might just be a blip.
'Sequester' in US skies: Is an FAA 'calamity' avoidable?Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the 'sequester' will force the FAA to furlough air traffic controllers, creating an air travel nightmare. Some Republicans are calling this a scare tactic.
Why are Bob Woodward and the White House arguing over the sequester?The blame-game over who鈥檚 responsible for the 'sequester' and its automatic spending cuts finds journalistic icon Bob Woodward, engaged in a dispute with the White House.
If not 'sequester,' then what? Five ideas from left and right. Few in Washington believe that "the sequester,鈥� $85 billion in automatic spending cuts set to hit the federal budget as of March 1, is a good idea. But what's the alternative? Here are five proposals, from the right, the center, and the left, to replace the sequester. Which do you like?
Sequester 101: Is all this fuss really necessary?The sequester spending cuts set to kick in March 1 address a serious long-term problem. But are they needed this year and in this way? No one thinks it's a perfect step.
Sequester 101: What happens if $85 billion in cuts hit on March 1 The sequester is a complex concept with a tortuous history. Here are the basics on the automatic spending reductions set to kick in March 1.
Pentagon braces for furloughs in sequester: How big a hit to economy?Thousands of Defense Department civilian employees could be furloughed if Congress proceeds with the automatic federal spending cuts poised to take effect in March under the sequester.
Presidents' Day 2013: Actually, there鈥檚 no such thingWe don't care what that newspaper ad says, there's no official 'Presidents' Day' holiday.聽By law, it's 'George Washington鈥檚 Birthday' honoring the Father of Our Country, and only him.
Key Republicans say Chuck Hagel now likely to be confirmedSenators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have led the opposition to Chuck Hagel's nomination to be secretary of defense. Now, both say former Sen. Hagel is likely to be confirmed.
Behind the maneuvering over immigration, both parties look for advantageThe White House has floated a plan聽that would allow illegal immigrants to become permanent residents of the United States, putting them on a path to eventual citizenship. Republicans aren't happy, but they're under pressure to back comprehensive immigration reform.
Why Republican delay isn't likely to stop Chuck Hagel confirmationRepublican senators blocked a vote on the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be Defense secretary. But they acknowledged that the situation could be different in a few days.
State of the Union 101: How much in Medicare cuts did Obama put on table?Obama didn't offer as much in savings from Medicare cuts as did the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction commission. But his State of the Union message outlined ways to shave a good chunk of change from Medicare costs. Here's how.- Obama's universal preschool proposal: Game-changer or federal overreach?President Obama said in his State of the Union address that he will push for universal preschool. Advocates say the plan could be transformational, but critics say it's too ambitious.聽
State of the Union 101: Nine Obama proposals that might create jobsA trade pact with the EU. Rebuilding roads and bridges. Innovation centers for manufacturing. Obama put forward a lot of proposals in his State of the Union address, but which ones will add the most jobs?
