Topic: Dan Rostenkowski

Focus Tax reform: Why a kinder, simpler tax code eludes Congress, so far

As Tax Day nears, Americans in the throes of preparing their returns may be dreaming of a simpler tax code. Here's why tax reform is such a tall order for Congress – and how two lawmakers are laying the groundwork for it now.

Opinion: 'Fiscal cliff' or not, tax reform is easier said than done

As part of any deal on the 'fiscal cliff,' Congress will likely take up comprehensive tax reform. That's a worthy goal, but it will involve more political and economic pain than most would like to admit. Every line in the tax code has its own constituency and rationale.

Tax VOX A path forward on tax reform: 4 steps

Tax reform will be difficult, but with a four-step road map, it can be done.

Tax reform is essential, inevitable, and impossible

Tax reform is even more necessary now than it was in 1986. Everyone agrees that the tax system is complex, unfair, and inefficient.

Five lessons from the 1986 Tax Reform Act

Oct. 22 is the 25th anniversary of the landmark Tax Reform Act of 1986. Here are five important lessons to consider as tax reform creeps back onto the policy agenda.

Opinion: Is there room for political compromise in an era of permanent campaigning?

As the 112th Congress convenes, it must work to preserve one of America's greatest and most threatened national resources – compromise. To do this, it must rein in the mindset of constant campaigning that isn't fit for the reality of governing.

Dan Rostenkowski remembered as generous, powerful

Dan Rostenkowski, who died Aug. 11, was remembered at a funeral service at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, the same church where he was baptized and confirmed as a child.

Dan Rostenkowski: a Washington giant, a casualty of scandal

Dan Rostenkowski, once called one of the nation's most power politicians, died Wednesday. His lengthy political career in Washington began in 1958 and ended amid scandal in 1994.

A lesson in reasonable fiscal policy

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer emphasizes middle-path strategies for both stimulating growth and controlling deficit spending.

How key Democrats voted on health care bill: Pelosi's scorecard

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had the formidable task of persuading 216 Democrats to vote for a Senate health care bill that many did not like. This is how she succeeded – and failed.

Charles Rangel: master of politics, not the tax code

Rep. Charles Rangel, chair of House Ways and Means, knew how to work both sides of the aisle but didn't understand old rules of Capitol Hill had changed.

Voter (s) elect Emanuel's likely replacement -- no one cares

Corruption winds through Illinois politics

Weak laws and entrenched culture lets officials put personal gain ahead of public service.