All Politics
Monitor BreakfastSkimpy pay raises for federal workers a worry for Obama budget directorObama's fiscal 2015 budget calls for a 1 percent raise for federal workers. Recent years have been worse, with pay freezes. There's no 'crash' yet in workforce quality, but OMB Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell worries it could happen.
Should Issa lose House panel chairmanship for cutting off Cummings's mic?Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has apologized to Rep. Elijah Cummings for cutting him off at a hearing into alleged abuses by the IRS.
Why Obamacare's March 31 enrollment deadline really can't budgeOther deadlines have slid, but the March 31 date for individuals to enroll in health coverage or face a penalty is the most important of all for Obamacare.
Will more US natural gas to Europe help 'keep Putin in check'? Doubtful.Republicans say faster approval of LNG export terminals could help check the influence of other suppliers, like Russia, and allow Europe to take a tougher diplomatic stance on Ukraine. Energy analysts say that would take years.
Ukraine crisis: What can US sanctions against Russian elites achieve?Under the right conditions, sanctions against individual Russians can be effective over time, experts say. The question, as the US moved Thursday to impose such sanctions amid Russia's Ukraine gambit, is whether such conditions exist.
Chris Christie CPAC speech: How did he do?Last year, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wasn鈥檛 invited to CPAC, and the snub was big political news. This year he was, perhaps on the theory that Bridge-gate has made him a target of the mainstream media.
Jeb Bush in 2016? Barbara Bush backs away from 'no.'Barbara Bush, matriarch of her family's political dynasty, now thinks maybe it's OK for son Jeb Bush to run for president in 2016. But a new poll shows nearly half of Americans would definitely not support a Jeb Bush campaign.
Hitler remark: Will it hurt Hillary Clinton?Hitler remark on Putin stirred up critics of Clinton's own role as secretary of State in the 'reset' of relations with Russia. Clinton said her comment referred to a 'tactic' used by both men.
Republicans take small steps toward an Obamacare alternativeRepublican leaders in the House are trying to build support among their members for a Republican alternative to Obamacare. The problem is in deciding what that should be.
House IRS hearing explodes. Why such anger?Tensions boiled over after former IRS official Lois Lerner again refused to testify before the House Oversight Committee. Chairman Darrell Issa then cut off the microphone of the ranking Democrat.
California Democrats lose supermajority. Can Republicans become relevant?California Republicans have been marginalized for years, but two corruption scandals among Senate Democrats have opened a door 鈥� and raised questions about one-party rule.
Monitor BreakfastTop GOP taxwriter pushes overhaul of tax code: We can't 'afford to wait'Top GOP taxwriter Dave Camp aims to simplify the massive US tax code to promote growth. He says he's aware of the political risks, especially in an election year, and is willing to take them.
George P. Bush wins Texas primary. Return of the dynasty?He got the GOP nod for Texas land commissioner Tuesday, and is likely to prevail in November, too. But as George P. Bush starts his political career, the pressing question is whether that of his father, Jeb Bush, is really ended.
Campaign kickoff: Can Democrats win on economic populism?In their fight to keep the Senate, Democrats say they can win by pushing to raise the minimum wage and extend unemployment benefits. And they're getting more comfortable defending Obamacare.
Obama budget: 4 things to knowPresident Obama released his budget proposal Tuesday, sending a message about what he would like America to prioritize in the 2015 fiscal year. Here's a summary.
Texas primary opens midterm election season: 3 things to watchThe tea party movement that pushed Sen. Ted Cruz to victory in 2012 is fading in opinion polls: Will it also fade at the ballot box in 2014? And will Hispanic voters turn a red state blue or, at least, purple?
Obama submits budget. Why did he bother?By law, Obama is required to submit a budget. But presidential budgets, which become starting points for political fights, routinely are dead on arrival, and Obama's is deader than most.
Obama budget trims deficit, but US debt still huge by history's yardstickPresident Obama's budget for fiscal year 2015, released Tuesday, contains good news and not-so-good news. Its forecasts call for falling annual budget deficits, but US debt remains historically high for the long term.
Crisis in Ukraine: What role for Congress in shaping US response?With the White House and Congress mostly in accord on Ukraine, lawmakers are working on loan guarantees and other measures to聽shore up the shaky and nearly bankrupt government in Kiev.
Paul Ryan to propose welfare overhaul. A gift to Democrats?House Budget chairman Paul Ryan (R) has put out a report that blames anti-poverty programs for steering people away from work. In the past, Democrats have been willing to talk some changes, but not now. It's election season.
