Chicago Tribune
National correspondent for the Chicago Tribune
PROFILE
James Oliphant
Guest
FROM James Oliphant
Which Way, L.A.?
President Obama Addresses Entitlements Last week the Republicans , and yesterday the President , laid out their long-term plans for reducing the deficit, defining differences that will be crucial in next year's election campaigns. But major decisions are on tap for today and tomorrow before Congress takes off for a two-week recess. We hear about Medicare, taxes, women's rights and deficit reduction.
To the Point
Is a 'Great Debate' Finally Beginning? Last week, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan said the Republicans' plan to reduce the deficit would restructure entitlement programs and cut taxes. Yesterday, President Obama said he'd reduce the deficit by increasing taxes on the richest Americans and keeping entitlement programs as they are. But each plan carries risks for the author as well as the opposition, and both parties are struggling to maintain a united front. In the last two days before a two-week recess, is Congress setting the stage for compromise or a bloody political battle leading to next year's elections?
To the Point
Republicans Ready for Vote on Healthcare, Dems Push Back As Republicans prepared for tomorrow's vote to repeal healthcare reform, the Obama Administration released a report on the benefits that would be lost by millions of Americans. As many as 129 Americans under 65 have preexisting medical conditions that could make it hard to get coverage if healthcare reform were repealed. James Oliphant reforms for the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times.
To the Point
Despite President's Urging, Congress Lets Wiretapping Shield Expire The Congress has gone on a twelve-day recess without the House agreeing with the Senate to make permanent an electronic surveillance law that expires tomorrow at midnight. President Bush says Democratic leaders are putting the country in danger. Jim Oliphant is national legal affairs correspondent for the Chicago Tribune .
To the Point
Habeus Corpus Gets Its Day in Court...Again Lawyers for inmates at Guantánamo Bay were back in the US Supreme Court today, demanding that the government provide some basis for their clients' continued imprisonment. That's habeus corpus, guaranteed to every American by the Constitution. James Oliphant is national legal correspondent for the Chicago Tribune .
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