As Americans face today’s federal income tax deadline, how fair is the current code? How are big government supporters engaging in blatant class warfare? What are the best ways to reform the tax code? What will be the impact of ending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? And how big of an issue will taxes and spending be in this year’s campaign?
Archives for April 2010
Obamacare Flaws Even Hurt Congress
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso says Nancy Pelosi was right about one thing…we are learning more every day what was in the health bill. But he says each additional revelation is evidence of why the bill should have been rejected and should be repealed. Barrasso also explains why the U.S. got the short end of the stick in the latest START agreement with Russia over nuclear weapons. The senator also explains why Republicans continue to demand that Democrats find money to pay for the extension of unemployment benefits. Finally, Sen. Barrasso details what America needs – and doesn’t need – in our next Supreme Court justice.
Dems Trying to Dodge Deficits
Congressional Democrats say they may not formally pass a budget resolution, because they don’t want the projected deficits to become a major issue during the midterm elections. Can they do this? What are the budget rules? Have Republicans ever done this? We ask Texas Rep. Randy Neugebauer. We also ask the Congressman about the intensifying debate over financial regulatory reform. Will the bill prevent taxpayer-funded bailouts or make them a common event?
The News
President Obama is pushing hard for quick passage of a financial regulatory reform bill. He says it will prevent the meltdown we saw in 2008, while Republicans say it will usher in a permanent bailout culture. Also, Arizona Sen. John McCain says it’s time for the U.S. to actually make good on a threat against Iran for it’s nuclear defiance.
Big Labor Losing Top Dog
Reports suggest Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern will be stepping down after many years on the job. What is his real legacy? How has his leadership impacted the lives of union and non-union workers? Why is he leaving now? and just how much influence does he have on President Obama and Congressional Democrats? We ask Katie Packer of the Workforce Fairness Institute.
Obamacare to Trigger More Fraud
One of the promises behind the new health care laws was that it would drastically reduce the amount of waste, fraud and abuse in the health care system. But the new plan will probably make things even worse, according to former Deputy Health and Human Services Secretary Tevi Troy. So why will fraud increase? Why is President Obama misleading us when he talks about the amount of money that will be saved in the next 10 years? What would really slash waste, fraud and abuse?
Dems Are ‘Enemies of Freedom’
Last year, the tax filing deadline also marked the launch of the Tea Party movement against deficit spending and greater government control over the economy. So how surprised are Tea Party leaders with the rapid growth of the movement? What triggered this frustration with government? Is the movement deflated over passage of the health care plan? What is the next big battle that will get the Tea Party fired up? And is the Tea Party in league with the Republicans, or will all incumbents feel the wrath of the activists come November? We ask Matt Kibbe of Freedomworks, a major force behind the Tea Party movement.
The News
Obama claims significant progress at nuclear summit, Gates claims Iran a year away from nuclear weapon but some say it will be much sooner, Senate rumbles again over whether extended unemployment benefits should add to the deficit, more bad news coming in wake of Obamacare passage.
Wrong on Nukes, Wrong on Iran
Retired U.S. Army Gen. Paul Vallely says we shouldn’t expect China to help us deter Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Why is it not in China’s interest to help us? Why does Vallely see Obama’s nuclear policy leading us down a dangerous road? Why does Vallely believe Iran is much closer to a nuclear weapon than the Obama team estimates? And what new venture is Vallely promoting to defend the homeland?
Dems Drop Ball on Spending…Again
A familiar fight has returned to the U.S. Senate. Democrats say unemployment assistance is so vital, it does not need to be offset by spending cuts. Republicans also say the aid is vital but MUST not be adding to our already monstrous debt. So who is right? How hard is it to find the money to pay for these benefits? And how often will we see this fight? We ask James Sherk, Bradley Fellow in Labor Policy at the Heritage Foundation.