All Politics
John Boehner's fiscal 'Plan B': What is it for and can it pass?With a 'fiscal cliff' deal appearing closer than ever, Boehner offered up a fallback 'Plan B.' It seems designed to make Democrats uncomfortable and provide cover for Republicans ... if they pass it.
Social Security reform: What 'chained CPI' proposal by Obama meansObama proposes revising the way Social Security benefits get adjusted each year to help retirees cope with inflation, as part of 'fiscal cliff' talks. Here's how 'chained CPI' would alter the status quo.- Social Security reform: What 'chained CPI' proposal by Obama meansObama proposes revising the way Social Security benefits get adjusted each year to help retirees cope with inflation, as part of 'fiscal cliff' talks. Here's how 'chained CPI' would alter the status quo.
Obama makes 'fiscal cliff' offer. Are contours of a deal emerging?In fiscal cliff negotiations, President Obama is now proposing that tax hikes could begin with households earning $400,000, not the $250,000 that he has long called for.- Obama makes 'fiscal cliff' offer. Are contours of a deal emerging?In fiscal cliff negotiations, President Obama is now proposing that tax hikes could begin with households earning $400,000, not the $250,000 that he has long called for.
How would a new US ban on assault rifles work?A new federal ban on sales of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, likely to be proposed in the next Congress, would probably be similar to a ban that expired in 2004.
Why Jim Boeheim celebrated 900th win with a gun control speechJim Boeheim notched his 900th win as a Division 1 basketball coach. But Boeheim used the moment to advocate for tougher gun laws.
Gun rights: What can Obama do? What might he do?President Obama has vowed to use 'whatever power this office holds' to prevent future mass shootings, following last Friday's tragedy in Newtown, Conn. That could mean action beyond gun rights.
Who is Tim Scott? Black senator-to-be should make tea party proud.Rep. Tim Scott has been appointed to the seat held by retiring Sen. Jim DeMint. As a Republican African-American, Scott is a historic choice 鈥� and one likely to please the tea party.
How 'fiscal cliff' is already hitting defense industryAlthough lawmakers have been moderating dire predictions, some small businesses are talking about layoffs if no deal on the fiscal cliff is reached. And some have already lost contracts.
Sandy Hook tragedy: Pro-gun senator says it's time to ban assault riflesThe support of pro-gun Democrats, such as West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, is boosting prospects for a new drive to ban semi-automatic weapons and high-ammunition clips.
Amid Newtown grief, will a 'fiscal cliff' deal quietly get done?While the nation is focused on the shootings in Newtown, Conn., lawmakers appear to be nearing an agreement on the fiscal cliff 鈥� and may settle the matter without fight or fanfare.
Sandy Hook school shooting: Democrats speak up on gun controlFollowing the Sandy Hook school shooting that killed 20 first graders and six adults, Democrats are speaking up on gun control. They'll introduce a bill banning the sale of assault rifles and high-capacity ammunition clips.
Reports: Sen. John Kerry to be named secretary of StateNow that Susan Rice has withdrawn her name, President Obama reportedly will name Sen. John Kerry to take over as secretary of State when Hillary Rodham Clinton resigns.
GOP cracks in higher taxes for the wealthy?House Speaker John Boehner has joined Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in signaling that the Bush-era tax cuts for 'millionaires and billionaires' 鈥� President Obama鈥檚 favorite campaign target for additional federal revenues 鈥� should be allowed to expire at year鈥檚 end.
Can Ben Bernanke save the job market if 'fiscal cliff' talks fail?The Federal Reserve said this week it would maintain ultralow interest rates until the unemployment rate falls to at least 6.5 percent, unless inflation starts looming as a near-term risk.
Obama on Conn. shooting: 'Our hearts are broken today'Obama on Conn. shooting, speaking at the White House, called for 'meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics.' At this point, he didn't offer specifics.
Obama says going after marijuana 'not a top priority'Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law even though voters in Colorado and Washington State recently聽approved ballot measures legalizing small amounts of pot for adults.
Monitor BreakfastPalestinian envoy: Israeli settlement a red line with 'grave consequences'The Palestine Liberation Organization鈥檚 top diplomat in the United States says that Israel's plans for a settlement in a sensitive area is a ploy to undermine a future Palestinian state.
Susan Rice: Was she pushed to end secretary of State bid?With the 'fiscal cliff' unresolved and other big issues still on the table, President Obama didn't need a confirmation battle. Realistically, Susan Rice had little choice but to take her name out of the mix.
