To the Point
Government Spending and the Failing Economy
A $789 billion stimulus package is likely to pass the House and the Senate. We look at what's in the bill and what's not. Did Republicans force enough compromises to tarnish a victory for President Obama? Also, Richard Holbrooke arrives in Kabul as security in the capital worsens, and today's celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenA $789 billion stimulus package is likely to pass the House and the Senate. We look at what's in the bill and what's not. Did Republicans force enough compromises to tarnish a victory for President Obama? Also, special envoy Richard Holbrooke arrives in Kabul as security in the capital worsens, and on this 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, President Obama talked about the predecessor he admires most.
Banner image of Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesHolbrooke Arrives in Kabul as Security in Capital Worsens
President Obama's special envoy, Richard Holbrook, has arrived in Afghanistan, just one day after Taliban suicide bombers penetrated security and killed 20 people in Kabul, the capital city. Richard Oppel is there for the New York Times .
Read the story6 minHouse and Senate Agree on Stimulus Package
Despite all their differences over the stimulus bill, Republicans and Democrats in the House and Senate reached a $789 billion compromise in a little over one day. President Obama calls the stimulus package "enormous" in "scope and scale," but it's not as big as he wanted. It would likely create or save 3.5 million jobs instead of 4 million.
Read the story38 minCelebrations Abound in Honor of Lincoln's Bicentennial
In the Capitol Rotunda today, President Obama paid homage to the predecessor he admires most. "What Lincoln never forgot, not even in the midst of civil war, was that despite all that divided us -- north and south, black and white -- we were, at heart, one nation and one people, sharing a bond as Americans that could not break."
Read the story5 min
