The Capitol Steps celebrate Earth Day by taking us all to a singles mixer for the environmentally conscious.
Going Green
HHS Uncovers Obamacare Horrors
Just one month after President Obama signed health care reform legislation, the government’s own Department of Health and Human Services is pointing out some major flaws in the bill. Why are projected cost savings now turning into bigger deficits? Why could millions be cut from their current plans? Why will many face higher health care costs despite promises to the contrary? Why is the new CLASS Act for long term care doomed to failure before it even starts? And what does the future hold for Medicare patients? We ask Grace-Marie Turner of the Galen Institute.
‘Pro-Life’ Dems on Defense
Last month several Democratic members of Congress decided to support the Democratic health bill despite failing to insert language to ban taxpayer-funded abortions. Now several of these lawmakers who label themselves as pro-life are the targets of a $1 million ad campaign to boot them from office. So why do pro-life groups see this vote as the true measure of where these members stand on abortion? Which members will be targeted? Should the president’s executive order on abortion earn them some slack? And what should we expect from President Obama’s upcoming Supreme Court nomination when it comes to abortion? We ask Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List.
Iran Invades Latin America
As if the pursuit of nuclear weapons and efforts to kill American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan weren’t enough, Iran is now strengthening it’s foothold in Latin America through increasingly close ties with Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. What does Venezuela have that Iran badly needs? What aspect of authoritarian control is Iran exporting to Venezuela? How quickly is the Chavez ideology spreading? And what should be the U.S. policy to contain it? We ask Jaime Daremblum, former U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica and director of the Center for Latin American Studies at the Hudson Institute.
The News
President Obama makes an impassioned plea for Democratic financial reforms in New York City, but a former Congressional economist disputes Obama on the facts and the impact this bill will have. A Navy SEAL is acquitted in a court martial on charges he helped to cover up an alleged asault on a notorious terrorist. The Pentagon disinvites Rev. Franklin Graham from a National Day of Prayer event because some fear comments from 2001 might offend Muslims.
This Won’t Stop Another Crisis
President Obama says Democratic financial reform legislation is the best way to avoid a repeat of the economic crisis of 2008 that is still hurting America today. Not true according to former Joint Economic Committee chief economist Brian Wesbury. He explains why this legislation won’t stop another financial crisis, why opponents are not lying when they point out that Democrats are establishing a permanent bailout approach, what really caused the crisis and what strategy would actually do some good.
The Truth About Carbon Dioxide
As the climate change movement pushes Cap and Trade legislation and carbon emission regulations on Earth Day 2010, what are the facts about carbon dioxide and its impact on the earth? Are levels rising? Is that actually a bad thing? What impact would Cap and Trade have on the environment? What does it mean that global temperatures are falling even as carbon dioxide levels are rising? We ask Leighton Steward, author of “Fire, Ice and Paradise”.
Obama Didn’t Seal the Deal
President Obama took his financial regulatory reform pitch to Wall St. on Thursday, in an effort push Democratic legislation over the finish line. How did he do? Why could the momentum behind this bill easily be reversed? Is Obama credible when he says he supports the free market? We ask John Gizzi of Human Events and get his thoughts on the Florida U.S. Senate race, the budget fight in New Jersey and more.
Iran Targets U.S. in Afghanistan
In addition to developing nuclear weapons, one of the worst kept Iranian secrets is its fervent support of America’s radical enemies inside Iraq. But now that same effort to kill our soldiers and destabilize a key ally is happening to a greater and greater degree in Afghanistan. How big of an impact are Iranian weapons and money having on the Taliban’s efforts to retake the country? How much is Iran cranking up its involvement? Should this shred any hopes of Iran being talked out of its nuclear ambitions? And now that the military is admitting Iranian meddling, what should President Obama do? We get the latest from Stephen Hayes of The Weekly Standard.
The News
Members are Congress are going toe-to-toe over immigration reform in Arizona before the debate even begins in Congress. Will it come up for a vote this year on the national stage? Dems are close to lining up votes on financial regulation overhaul and President Obama promises no litmus test on Supreme Court nominee but says the person will be pro-choice.