Blogs

Unlike the past few years, the recent budget agreement has smoothed the way for Congress to recess for its winter break well before Christmas. That has left some traditional end-of-year legislation out in the cold. (more…)

President Obama hailed the two-year budget deal reached by House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Budget Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) as a “good first step.” If he meant a good first step toward broader reforms needed…

Congressional negotiators are reportedly moving towards a limited budget agreement that would avoid another government shutdown but generally fails to pursue substantial fiscal reforms.A budget conference committee was given until this Friday to come up with a belated compromise plan…

In addition to making short-term budget decisions, elected officials must do a better job than they have this year in confronting the nation’s larger, long-term fiscal challenges.Budget experts, lawmakers and former members of Congress expressed that theme as they discussed…

If the recent past is any indication of how elected officials will deal with the country’s short- and long-term fiscal challenges, Americans – and especially younger ones – are in trouble. Washington will have to step up its game. And…

Although health care costs continue to rise, their slowing growth rate offers some hope for the future. A new report by the President’s Council of Economic Advisors naturally tries to put the administration’s efforts on health care reform in the…

A recent report by the President’s Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) reviewing the recent slowdown in health care costs examined its potential causes, its sustainability and the economic impact going forward. (more…)

A recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the Pentagon’s latest five-year plan would cost substantially more than the funding allowed under the sequester caps.Each year the Department of Defense provides Congress with its “Future Years Defense…