Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review cheer House Republicans for strongly advancing the Ryan budget. We cringe as the S&P forecasts a negative future for the U.S. economy and we shake their heads as Democrats continue demanding no conditions for an extension of the debt ceiling.
The Truth About Medicare
Over the past several days, Rep. Paul Ryan and President Obama offered very different plans to address our nation’s soaring debt. Both identified Medicare reform as a major part of cutting costs, but they disagree strongly on tactics. So what’s the truth about Ryan’s plan to allow seniors into the health coverage marketplace and what difference would Obama’s efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse really have? Are Republicans trying to sock it to seniors in order to give breaks to the rich? And will middle-aged Americans embrace the changes Ryan is suggesting or will any talk of major reforms cause them to keep the status quo? We discuss it all with Louisiana Rep. John Fleming, who served as a physician for many years before coming to Congress.
When IRS Guys Are Smilin’
The Capitol Steps bring back one of their greatest parodies to mark the depressing occasion of the federal income tax deadline. Our guest is Steps star and co-founder Elaina Newport.
In Defense of Boehner
In the days leading up to Thursday’s budget resolution, more and more House Republicans were convinced that the compromise widely hailed on Friday was far less than promised. In the end 59, GOP House members voted against the plan and Democratic votes were needed to put the vote total over the top. So is this a success or a failure for Speaker John Boehner? What will he have to do to prove to the Tea Party that there really is no daylight between them as he’s suggested? We discuss that and the growing 2012 budget battle with John Gizzi of Human Events.
Three Martini Lunch 4/15/11
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review discuss focus on the dreaded event known as Tax Day 2011. They explain what they like about it (not much), what they don’t like (plenty) and what they find most bizarre about the tax code.
Not Good Enough
On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved a resolution to fund the federal government through September. But 59 Republicans voted against the plan, making Democratic support necessary for passage. Louisiana Rep. John Fleming joins Greg to explain why he opposed the bill, how much it really saves and how he approaches the upcoming vote on raising the debt ceiling.
Three Martini Lunch 4/14/11
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of National Review unload on President Obama for his petulant, dishonest speech on the debt that relies on the same old liberal arguments. We also cheer Rep. Paul Ryan for describing the speech as an unserious partisan broadside that does nothing to seriously address our debt crisis. And we tear into the House Republican leadership for agreeing to a budget resolution that looks increasingly lame.
The Same Promises and Platitudes
On Wednesday, President Obama delivered his highly touted speech outlining his plan for reining in deficits over the long term. He calls for higher taxes on wealthy Americans, cuts in military spending and generally tighter purse strings elsewhere in the budget. So how are House Republicans reacting to Obama’s plans? How does the GOP react to Obama suggesting the House GOP budget would reward the rich and punish seniors and students? What is the GOP plan? We ask Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg. We also ask Rep. Walberg where he stands on an increasingly controversial budget resolution to fund the government through September.
Three Martini Lunch 4/13/11
Greg Corombos of Radio America and Jim Geraghty of Radio America are encouraged by House Republicans slamming the door on Obama’s tax hike plans. We also rip the House GOP for agreeing to a budget resolution that looks more pathetic by the day. And we tear the United Nations to shreds over its proposal to give human rights to the earth, trees and animals.
The Problem is Spending
For years as U.S. Comptroller General, David Walker was among the loudest voices calling for Congress to get serious about controlling our spending and bringing our deficits and debt under control. What does he think of the Ryan plan for long-term fiscal solvency? What does he expect to hear from President Obama tomorrow? How urgent is the need for social security reform? Why does he believe raising the debt ceiling is imperative? What kind of spending restrictions would he like to see attached? We discuss it all with David Walker, who is now president of the Comeback America Initiative.