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.
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.