The Obama stimulus plan was passed back in February at a pricetag of $787 billion. Congressional Republicans offered an alternative plan they say was cheaper and more likely to create jobs. Now two GOP members say they can create millions of jobs without costing the taxpayers another dime. So how can they do that? How would it work? how many jobs would it create? And will ever get a chance to succeed? We ask Louisiana Sen. David Vitter, one of the sponsors of the no-cost stimulus plan.
On Monday, Americans will pause to honor all those who have worn the uniform of our armed forces – with a special gratitude for those who gave their lives for this country. As we remember those heroes of the current and previous generations, we pause to visit with one very special veteran. Frank Buckles is 108 years old and is the last living U.S. veteran of World War I who actually was in Europe during the war. Listen here as Mr. Buckles takes us back more than 90 years to describe the war and his memories of “The War to End All Wars”.
With the U.S. and our allies cracking down on the Somali pirates, the pirates are hard up for some money. That’s where The Capitol Steps come in with their celebrity fundraiser. Our guest is Steps star and co-founder Elaina Newport.
We have Thursday’s top news… What is President Obama saying about his plans to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay? What does he say about critics who say we shouldn’t be bringing terrorists onto U.S. soil? How does he characterize the Bush administration’s approach to waging the war on terror? How is former Vice President Dick Cheney replying? What does he say about the value of Guantanamo? What does he say about those in Washington and beyond wringing their hands over enhanced interrogation techniques? What do we know about the foiled terrorist plot against Jewish facilities and the military in New York? And what happened on Wall Street today? We have the answers as we bring you the biggest stories for Thursday, May 21, 2009.
How long were the suspected terrorists plotting to attack New York synagogues and military targets? How easy is it to get the explosives they thought they had? How many homegrown terrorism groups are there? And who is right between President Obama and Dick Cheney on Guantanamo and enhanced interrogation techniques? We ask Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, Vice President of Research for the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
All week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has been moving closer and closer to approving the so-called ‘cap and trade’ bill, which is designed to move this country towards a future of renewable energy. But critics say it’s just a huge tax on the American people. So where does this legislation stand? What would it actually do? Would the new ‘green jobs’ outnumber the amount of manufacturing jobs lost because of this plan? And what has really happened in countries that have tried this same approach? We ask Phil Kerpen of Americans for Prosperity.
Who got the better of whom in Thursday’s national security speeches from President Obama and former Vice President Dick Cheney? Has Obama won Congress over to his plan to shut Guantanamo Bay? What was accomplished at this week’s meeting between Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? How much trouble is California facing after voters soundly reject tax hikes and other measures designed to build revenues? When can we expect a Supreme Court nominee from Obama? We ask John Gizzi of Human Events, and discover how long his 15 minutes of fame are really lasting.
On Thursday, President Obama delivered a sharply worded address defending his national security approach and slamming the tactics of the Bush administration – including enhanced interrogation techniques and the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. So is Obama right to insist that Guantanamo close in January of next year as planned? Is he right that it’s OK to imprison detainees right here in the U.S.? How about his contention that the Bush administration alienated the world and actually bred more radicals bent on killing Americans and other westerners? Will Obama’s speech convince Congress to pay for the closure of Gitmo? And what are constituents across America telling their elected representatives about the possibility of terrorists being held in their communities? We ask Oklahoma Rep. Mary Fallin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
We have Wednesday’s top news…What message did the U.S. Senate send President Obama about his Guantanamo Bay policy? What did Iran do to raise even more concerns about its nuclear program and its intentions towards Israel? Which Middle Eastern country is getting the Obama blessing for a civilian nuclear program? What changes does Obama have in store for Chrysler, GMAC and the SEC? How did the House vote on credit card reform legislation? What happened on Wall Street Wednesday? We have the answers as we bring you the biggest stories for Wednesday, May 20, 2009.
On Wednesday, Congressional Republicans outlined their version of health care reform. So how is it different? How will they provide access to care for everyone without spending more money? What is the basic philosophical difference between the two parties? We ask California Rep. Devin Nunes, and get his reaction to California voters soundly rejecting tax increases and other gimmicks proposed to cut the massive deficit facing the state.
