former Staff Director, Congressman David Obey (D-WI)
Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, a progressive think-tank in Washington, DC; former staff director to Congressman David Obey (D-WI) and long-time Clerk and Staff Director of the House Appropriations Committee
Obama, Republicans Bring Out the Budget Knives This week, Republicans plan to set records with proposed spending cuts. Today, President Obama offered what he's calling a "responsible alternative." It hits hard at programs dear to Democrats — to provide increases for education, infrastructure and clean energy. It also raises some taxes. Republicans call it an "abdication of leadership." But it's just the beginning of a process that could lead to a government shutdown if there's no compromise. Is either side really making hard choices? We look at the early maneuvering and ask why neither side has yet to mention Medicare, the military, Social Security and the long-term deficit.
Obama, Republicans Bring Out the Budget Knives This week, Republicans plan to set records with proposed spending cuts. Today, President Obama offered what he's calling a " responsible alternative ." It hits hard at programs dear to Democrats — to provide increases for education, infrastructure and clean energy. It also raises some taxes. Republicans call it an "abdication of leadership." But it's just the beginning of a process that could lead to a government shutdown if there's no compromise. Is either side really making hard choices? We look at the early maneuvering and ask why neither side has yet to mention Medicare, the military, Social Security and the long-term deficit.
The Standoff over the Iraq Spending Bill The President is meeting with Congressional leaders today about the Iraq spending bill . The House of Representatives wants a time limit on funding the Iraq war, the Senate wants a nonbinding goal of troop withdrawal next year, and the President says he'll veto any bill with a hint of withdrawal in it. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans support Congressional Democrats' call for a timetable for withdrawal. Is there a way out of the deadlock? Can Democrats in the House and Senate resolve their differences over a withdrawal schedule? Can they eventually produce a bill the President will sign? What does the political struggle in Washington mean on the ground in Iraq? Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts. (An extended version of this discussion was originally broadcast earlier today on To the Point.)
The President and Congress Wrangle over Troop Withdrawal The President is meeting with Congressional leaders today about the Iraq spending bill. The House of Representatives wants a time limit on funding the Iraq war, the Senate wants a nonbinding goal of troop withdrawal next year, and the President says he'll veto any bill with a hint of withdrawal in it. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans support Congressional Democrats' call for a timetable for withdrawal. Is there a way out of the deadlock? Can Democrats in the House and Senate resolve their differences over a withdrawal schedule? Can they eventually produce a bill the President will sign? What does the political struggle in Washington mean on the ground in Iraq? Lawrence O'Donnell guest hosts.
Sessions is adjourned Jeff Sessions is out as President Trump’s attorney general.
The roofs above our heads What do our houses reveal about us – and what do they say about living in California?
Who will get displaced by a new Santa Barbara police station? The city of Santa Barbara says it needs a new police station, but building one means displacing either farmers or lawn bowlers. The Woolsey has not only destroyed hundreds of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate, but it’s displaced a diverse mix of wildlife. And a new contemporary art exhibition takes a deep dive into the most famous art heists in history.
Tiny Desk Talks NPR Music is proud to introduce their newest series, “Tiny Desk Talks” fueled by Lagunitas Brewing Company. Featuring one of their talks in collaboration with KCRW for an intimate conversation on music in film with composer Ludwig Göransson (Black Panther, Atlanta, Creed) and music supervisor and KCRW DJ Liza Richardson (Barry, Narcos), moderated by KCRW’s Jason Bentley. Watch the conversation below.