To the Point
Courts at Odds over Healthcare Law's Individual Mandate
Congress passed healthcare reform and the states are putting it into effect, but the battle continues in the political arena and in the courts. Are President Bush's judicial appointees changing constitutional law? Will Republican challenges backfire in favor of the Democrats? Also, the US Senate passes the tax deal, and Chinese consumers are changing the luxury markets — and everything else.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenCongress passed healthcare reform and the states are putting it into effect, but the battle continues in the political arena and in the courts. Are President Bush's judicial appointees changing constitutional law? Will Republican challenges backfire in favor of the Democrats? Also, the US Senate passes the tax deal and sends the bill to the House, and luxury goods are being snapped up in the US and Europe by the People's Republic.
Banner image: US Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who, it is believed ultimately may provide the decisive vote on the individual "mandate" portion of President Obama's healthcare bill. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesUS Senate Passes Tax Deal, Sends Bill to House
They said it would never happen, but today the US Senate passed a controversial bill on a bipartisan vote: 81 to 19 in favor of the tax-cut deal President Obama worked out with Republicans. The House may or may not go along. David Lightman is national correspondent for the McClatchy Newspapers .
Read the story7 minHealthcare, Politics and the Law
President Obama's healthcare reform is being implemented nationwide, even though federal judges disagree on a major provision. Two federal judges, appointed by Bill Clinton, have ruled that the so-called "mandate" is constitutional. This week a third, appointed by George W. Bush, ruled that it's not .
Read the story35 minChinese Spending on Luxury Goods, Boosting Sales Worldwide
On Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, store owners are learning Chinese. When Bond Street in London runs out of pounds, shops accept Renminbi. The People's Republic is changing the luxury market worldwide.
Read the story8 min
