To the Point
Obama's Budget: Social Security, Chained CPI and Taxes
President Obama will propose a "conciliatory" budget tomorrow with proposed cuts in Medicare and Social Security and an increase in taxes. Is there any chance of consensus?
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenPresident Obama will propose what the White House calls a "conciliatory" budget tomorrow with proposed cuts in Medicare and Social Security — conditioned on increases in taxes. We hear how both parties in Congress are likely to respond. Is there any chance of consensus? Also, tensions with North Korea continue. On Reporter's Notebook, should the CIA stick to intelligence or serve as a secret army?
Banner image: Medicaid is just one of the social programs that faces federal budget cuts. Photo by SEIU International
In this episode
3 storiesTensions with North Korea Continue
North Korea has warned any foreigners in South Korea to prepare to evacuate in case of war. The US Pacific Commander, Admiral Samuel Locklear, told the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that there's a "direct threat to US national security and regional peace and stability." Max Fisher is foreign affairs blogger with the Washington Post .
Read the story7 minObama Budget: New Consensus or Continued Gridlock?
Partisanship has left the budget process in shambles since 2010, but this year the Republican Congress and Democrats in the Senate have both passed spending plans.
Read the story32 min'The Way of the Knife' Describes the CIA's Secret War
Is the CIA an intelligence gathering agency staffed by spies or a secret army of professional killers? Since its creation during World War II, the pendulum has swung both ways, depending on the policies of successive presidents.
Read the story11 min
