How 'Chained CPI' Will Hit Your Pocketbook
Obama's new budget proposal includes changing some key inflation calculations to "chained CPI" -- a controversial shift because of the effect it may have on personal finances.
budget battle
House Passes Budget, Averts Government Shutdown
The House has passed a huge stopgap spending bill to keep the government open through the end of September, sidestepping any threat of a government shutdown.
Congress Moves to Finally Approve 2013 Budget
Congress is finally cleaning up its unfinished budget business for the long-underway 2013 budget year with a bipartisan funding bill -- but stark differences remain.
Obama's 'Charm Offensive' Yields No Budget Breakthrough
Obama's widely publicized recent string of meetings with rank-and-file lawmakers seemingly produces no breakthroughs -- though none were anticipated.
Budget Battle Puts Obama Charm Offensive to the Test
House Republicans are sending mixed signals in agreeing to meet with President Barack Obama for talks over the budget impasse.
Now That They've Happened, Spending Cuts Seem Here to Stay
So after months of dire warnings, across-the-board spending cuts kicked in. Washington didn't implode, government didn't shut down and the $85 billion budget trigger didn't spell doom.
Why the Budget Battle Stalemate? Politicians Are Too Human
Professionals who special in conflict resolution recognize in Washington's bitter budget standoff a hint of human nature as they know it, but with the crazy pumped up to absurd levels.
Cutting Medicare Eligibility Would Cost U.S. Billions
Among the many ideas legislators in Washington have proposed for reducing federal spending is raising the age at which Americans qualify for Medicare benefits from 65 to 67. On the surface, that makes sense. But scratch the surface and the numbers show it to be an $11 billion blunder.