Topic: Bipartisan Policy Center

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Out of options in debt ceiling talks? Nope, here are five.

How many ways are there to resolve the debt ceiling crisis? Frustration is mounting in both political parties as an Aug. 2 deadline looms to avoid default on America's debt obligations and deficit-reduction negotiations are gridlocked. Still, at least five options for handling the matter have been discussed in recent days and months. Other possible solutions may emerge, but here’s the state of play on the options to date.
Federal budget mess: Six ways to fix it

Surprise! It turns out America's problem with runaway budget deficits is solvable, after all. That, at least, is the opinion of some prominent think thanks that have been offering ready-made blueprints.

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Payroll tax vote exposes divisions within each party

Despite the bipartisan support for the payroll tax bill, blocks in both parties had reservations: Republicans angry that the measure was not paid for, and Democrats worried about the health of Social Security.
Five things to watch for in Obama's State of the Union

Former White House speech writers offer pointers to watching President Obama's State of the Union Tuesday night.
Five days left: Would failure by budget super committee matter?

As the “super committee” deadline approaches, some say it won’t be disaster if the panel fails to deliver. The battles will just be fought again after the next election – and maybe then the side with the best ideas will have more political clout.
Latin America Monitor
Is Latin America prepared for a debate over geoengineering?

Latin America faces four major questions on the controversial topic of using technology to intentionally reshape aspects of Earth and its atmosphere in a way that counteracts climate change.
Tax VOX
Buffett rule: All about capital gains

Obama's objection—and Buffett’s—is not with rates paid by the average taxpayer who makes a million dollars or more a year Rather it is with those in this group who make most of their money from investments.
Response to 'credible threat' shows how much has changed since 9/11

Al Qaeda may have been degraded since 2001. But the threat since 9/11 has become more complicated, decentralized and elusive with franchises, affiliates, and homegrown terrorists.
Can 'super committee' play fair as it tries to control national debt?

The task of reining in the national debt lies in the hands of a super committee of 12, which gets down to business now that Congress is returning from its summer break.
Economist Mom
Zen deficit reduction?

The American public may have just convinced Congress to do a better job in negotiating deficit reduction the next time around
Trillion-dollar question in debt-ceiling talks: What can pass the House?

President Obama and the Senate appear to be on the same page in debt-ceiling talks. But House Republicans are so far holding firm on their no-new-taxes demands.
All of a sudden, Congress is full of debt ceiling solutions

With the deadline approaching, the House and Senate are going down two different paths in search of a deal to raise the debt ceiling. Here is a rundown of what they are considering.
If debt ceiling talks yield no deal, how bad for US economy?

Higher interest rates. No money for things like highways, federal workers, defense contractors, food stamps. Return to recession. That's what most economists see as inevitable if national debt ceiling is not raised.
Out of options in debt ceiling talks? Nope, here are five.

How many ways are there to resolve the debt ceiling crisis? Frustration is mounting in both political parties as an Aug. 2 deadline looms to avoid default on America's debt obligations and deficit-reduction negotiations are gridlocked. Still, at least five options for handling the matter have been discussed in recent days and months. Other possible solutions may emerge, but here’s the state of play on the options to date.
Tax VOX
Social Security: Could a new way to measure inflation affect it?

Social Security is probably the most controversial thing that would be affected by a change in the way inflation is measured. Besides Social Security, what would be the other effects of a new measurement of inflation?
Federal budget mess: Six ways to fix it

Surprise! It turns out America's problem with runaway budget deficits is solvable, after all. That, at least, is the opinion of some prominent think thanks that have been offering ready-made blueprints.
Can President Obama jump-start debt talks?

President Obama has invited congressional leaders to the White House Thursday to try to resolve the stalemate over raising the debt limit. The deadline for a deal is Aug. 2.
Debt crisis: Senate cancels holiday leave, but will it accomplish anything?

Heeding a call from President Obama, the Senate cancels its July 4th break to deal with the looming debt crisis. But Democratic leaders are not planning any meetings with Republicans.
Tax VOX
Americans won't give up tax breaks? Bribe them!

Offering temporary tax breaks to cut down permanent ones could be a way to 'bribe' taxpayers to give up tax breaks.
Tax VOX
How not to fix the housing market

The mortgage interest deduction should be seen for what it really is: A spending program that favors the wealthy
Donald Marron
Chain, chain, chain ... chain CPI

Is the Consumer Price Index really the best way to measure inflation?
With Obama's speech, momentum gathering to cut defense spending

Like Medicare and Social Security, cutting defense spending has been something of a 'do not enter' zone for many lawmakers. But that may be changing.
Tax VOX
Ease corporate tax by hitting up shareholders

A higher tax on investors and a lower tax on corporations could keep more investments in the US.
Economist Mom
Cockeyed optimists and the federal budget

Will congressional Republicans and President Obama reach a budget deal this year?
US debt: We can run, but we can't hide (Obama tax deal or not)

Tackling the $13.8 trillion federal debt isn't a partisan issue. It's a matter of America's future prosperity. Extending Bush-era tax cuts may make economic sense now, but President Obama and Congress must come together and make tough decisions to cut spending and raise revenue.
Tax VOX
Debt reduction plan helps childless workers

Debt reduction plan would allow federal aid to flow to low-income families without children.
Tax VOX
Want a vacation from paying taxes? BPC takes on the deficit.

The Bipartisan Policy Commission has released a tax reform plan that slashes spending and reinvents tax policy: starting with a year-long payroll tax holiday.