Congress is mulling over a $700 billion bailout of the financial industry. The Bush administration defends its call for such a huge price tag. Democratic leaders want to change the Bush plan before approving it. What are the latest developments in the effort to boost confidence and solve some of the problems afflicting our economy? That’s what we discuss in Dateline: Washington’s top news for Monday, September 22, 2008.
Economy
More News…
What are economic experts saying about the huge federal bailout plan to shore up the nation’s economy? How are the markets reacting to this turmoil? What are John McCain and Barack Obama saying to convince voters they would be the best stewards of our economy? And what’s the latest on the terrorist attack in Pakistan? Those answers and more in this news segment on Dateline: Washington.
New Jersey Rep. Scott Garrett Updates the Bailout Debate
Congress is now mulling over the Treasury Department’s $700 billion. President Bush wants the plan passed into law this week, but Democratic leaders are pushing a number of alternatives before giving bush what he wants. So what kind of haggling is going on? Is this a good thing at all for the taxpayers? And what would be the best and worst possible provisions? We ask New Jersey Rep. Scott Garrett.
Saving Energy or Just Too Slow?
Several fuel economy experts say our efficiency drops dramatically when we drive faster than 60 miles per hour. So now there is a growing movement to restore a national speed limit of 55 MPH across the nation. So what do you think? Is this a way to make at least a small impact in our current energy crunch or just a massive inconvenience that really won’t save enough fuel to make a difference?
The State of Taxation
Do you live in a high tax or a low tax state? Do higher taxes just mean bigger government and more bureaucracy or does it mean better schools and other state services? Check out the report below and let us know what you think!
Obama Launches Energy Week
Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama unveiled his energy agenda on Monday. He and his supporters say it’s the best way to move forward, economically and environmentally. However, Republicans say Obama is all about raising taxes and they contend anything short of exhausting all energy producing methods is not good enough. So who is right? Read the story. listen to the podcast and tell us what you think!
Obama calls for tapping into strategic oil reserves – CNN.com
Economy Is Growing…But How Strong Is it?
On Thursday, the Commerce Department announced the economy grew by 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2008. That means we are not in a recession and have not been in one during this entire economic downturn.
Does this suggest the doom and gloom is overblown? Or do other economic indicators such as inflation and the price of gasoline prove that we are in an economic mess, regardless of what the official numbers suggest?
Read more in the link below and share your thoughts with us!