Hudson Institute expert Richard Weitz says the U.S. and Russia were wise to reach a new agreement on nuclear weapons, but not much has really changed in terms of policy because of this deal. So what does it do? How tough are the verification measures? Will Russia actually help us stop Iran from gaining nukes? And which side is calling the shots in this relationship?
‘This Is A Job-Killing Bill’
California Rep. Dan Lungren says realities of the health bill and the follow-up bill of fixes is already crippling major companies and forcing others overseas. Lungren says companies with retiree benefits will take a huge hit and so will anyone who invests money in private sector job growth. Lungren also discusses the charged atmosphere on Capitol Hill – a tension he says the Democratic majority could have easily avoided.
Obamacare Damage Already Seen
Grace-Marie Turner of the Galen Institute explains what’s in the so-called ‘fixes’ to the new health care laws. Why will major companies be hurt? Why are many doctors ready to quit? Why are seniors getting the shaft? And why will Democrats still be short on revenue despite massive tax increases?
Cash for Codgers
Passions on both sides of the health care debate remain very intense, even after passage of the Democratic legislation. So the Capitol Steps are considering another option to reform the system that might appeal to both parties.
The News
President Obama tries to sell his health plan in Iowa, as the Senate approves the health bill ‘fixes’ via reconciliation. Democrats charge Republicans with inciting terrorism, GOP says Dems are trying to politicize a few radicals. Rudy Giuliani slams Obama for shabby treatment of Netanyahu and Israel.
Rudy Rips Obama Over Israel
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani says President Obama is sending a terrible message to the world by scolding Israel over new settlements and being far more harsh on one of strongest allies than on the Palestinians who refuse to renounce terrorism. Giuliani says Obama is trying to curry favor with the Muslim world but is only making us seem weaker. He says there is only one way to deal with Islamic radicals. Giuliani also offers his thoughts on the current political climate.
‘It Needs to Be Thrown Out’
South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint says the second health bill only makes a horrible bill worse. Whose taxes will be going higher and how will college students be impacted by a government takeover of the student loan industry? What does DeMint say to moderates who warn repealing the health bill a few years from now would kill a few popular programs? And what does he have to say about the allegations of Democrats that Tea Party members are threatening and cursing at Democrats who supported the bill?
‘A Repeat of 1994’
John Gizzi predicted for months that health legislation would never become law. Now that is has, why does he believe his prediction was wrong? Will the reconciliation process hit any snags as Congress works on the ‘fixes’ bill? How will this issue impact the November elections? What does he think about the threats issued against lawmakers who supported the health care bill? In other news…How frayed are U.S.-Israeli relations? And which acting great and friend of Gizzi’s passed away in recent days?
From Obamacare to Cap & Trade?
Reports suggest Democratic leaders may follow up a divisive debate on health care with an equally polarizing fight over cap and trade energy legislation. Arizona Rep. John Shadegg says the Democratic plan is a guaranteed job-killer and cripples our ability to safely extract abundant quantities of our own energy. Shadegg also explains how this health care ‘fixes’ bill demolishes the private sector student loan industry.
Marriage Enters Health Debate
This week, the Senate is taking up the bill of health care ‘fixes’ through the reconciliation process. Republicans are bringing forth all sorts of proposed amendments and Democrats will do their best to make sure the bill passed by the House does not change at all. Republicans plan to offer an amendment that would suspend the legalization of gay marriage in Washington, DC, until voters of the nation’s capital have their way. So how will the vote likely go? Can Democrats wiggle out of a costly political vote by claiming the issue is just designed to disrupt the health bill? And what’s the latest on the court fight over marriage in DC? We ask Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage.