Topic: Gang of Six

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Hillary Clinton for president? Eight Democrats who might run next time.

Tired of the 2012 presidential race? 2016 actually isn’t that far away, especially for Democrats looking hungrily at a nomination race that will not include President Obama. Speculation has already started over who might run – fueled by no less a figure than former President Clinton, who has suggested in recent TV interviews that his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, might change her mind about not running once she’s had a break. Here are some of the possible contenders.
Who's who on Congress's debt 'super committee'

Congress has created a special super committee to find at least $1.2 trillion in US budget cuts. If the plan is voted down, automatic spending cuts are slated to occur. Here are the 12 lawmakers named to the super committee.
In Pictures: Who's who in the US debt crisis
Obama open to short-term deal on debt ceiling. Here are five ideas.

The White House announced Wednesday it would support a short-term deal to raise the debt ceiling. Suddenly, Washington is awash in prospects for a deal. Check out these five.

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Hillary Clinton for president? Eight Democrats who might run next time.

Tired of the 2012 presidential race? 2016 actually isn’t that far away, especially for Democrats looking hungrily at a nomination race that will not include President Obama. Speculation has already started over who might run – fueled by no less a figure than former President Clinton, who has suggested in recent TV interviews that his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, might change her mind about not running once she’s had a break. Here are some of the possible contenders.
Try, try again: Senate 'Gang of Six' hatching plan on US debt reduction

Congress punted last year on a plan for major US deficit and debt reduction. But the bipartisan 'Gang of Six' senators is back at it, crafting a blueprint they say will be ready for consideration even before Election 2012.
A Congress with no room for Olympia Snowe and other centrists?

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R) of Maine is the latest centrist to depart Congress. For several years now, the partisans have been staying and the moderates have been either losing or leaving.
Economist Mom
The US fiscal situation can be solved

Our deficits are still being sustained at the moment, and U.S. Treasury bonds are a safe investment. But the nation must address the gap between spending and revenues to avoid a full-blown crisis.
Obama's deficit plan is just the first for 'super committee' to consider (video)

President Obama’s plan to cut the deficit by some $3 trillion faces robust competition in a Congress already awash in competing principles to get America back to a sustainable path.
A tax holiday for big business that both liberals and conservatives can get behind

Multinational corporations harbor and invest nearly $1.5 trillion overseas to avoid the 35 percent US corporate tax rate. Giving them a 'repatriation holiday' – a tax break if they bring that cash home and create jobs – will please both sides of the aisle and the American people.
How vulnerable will deficit 'super committee' be to pressure from lobbyists?

With the sweep of the deficit committee's mandate potentially covering every dollar taxed or spent in the federal government, Washington’s lobby community is going on full alert.
Who's who on Congress's debt 'super committee'

Congress has created a special super committee to find at least $1.2 trillion in US budget cuts. If the plan is voted down, automatic spending cuts are slated to occur. Here are the 12 lawmakers named to the super committee.
Obama tries to calm jittery investors

The Dow plunged 634 points Monday, even as Obama sought to assure the markets that the still-gaping deficit represents a failure of politics, not of the nation's credit-worthiness.
Economist Mom
Is this really a raw deal for Democrats?

The deal put an end to the stalemate in Washington, but it did not actually do much in terms of policymaking
Economist Mom
Debt-limit debate: Bizarro!

Debt-limit impasse has been all show and no substance. One solution to debt-limit dilemma over cuts or tax increases: 'pay as you go' for any further tax-cut extensions.
Economist Mom
The 'Six's' sense

The Senate's "Gang of Six" has a bipartisan proposal to cut the deficit. It might just be our best option.
In Pictures: Who's who in the US debt crisis
Obama open to short-term deal on debt ceiling. Here are five ideas.

The White House announced Wednesday it would support a short-term deal to raise the debt ceiling. Suddenly, Washington is awash in prospects for a deal. Check out these five.
Gold prices plummet on debt talk

Gold prices reached a record $1,610 an ounce Tuesday. But after Obama praised bipartisan debt-limit plan, gold prices fell $25.
'Gang of Six' plan hailed as debt-ceiling breakthrough. What's in it?

The proposal by the 'Gang of Six' senators Tuesday draws on ideas from the deficit commission. The middle-of-the-road plan will have to overcome partisan concerns and a lack of time.
'Gang of Six' revives hope for big deal in stalled debt-ceiling talks

President Obama's hopes for a 'grand bargain' both to raise the debt ceiling and rein in the deficit got a boost Tuesday when the Senate's 'Gang of Six' proposed $3.7 trillion in deficit reductions.
Obama: progress on debt limit talks

Obama praises debt limit plan from bipartisan Senate group that would cut federal spending by more than $4 trillion over the next 10 years. President warns that lawmakers nearing debt limit deadline.
Why the latest round of debt talks ground to a halt

On Monday, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will hold meetings with Sens. Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell to discuss the status of the debt talks.
A glint of compromise in Congress's debt limit stalemate?

Republicans say they'll raise the debt limit only if Congress passes 'real savings' in the form of spending cuts. Democrats prefer tax increases. A Senate vote Tuesday could offer a way to help bridge the divide.
Economist Mom
Even Paul Ryan wants to broaden the tax base

Ryan has a two-pronged proposal for tax reform. The first part would reduce the deficit, but the second part isn't so helpful.
Economist Mom
Do we all agree? Tax breaks add to the deficit.

Policymakers from both parties are starting to come up with the same solution to reduce the deficit: End tax breaks.
Economist Mom
Why we need the (well-mannered) Gang of Six

Beyond the potential for political progress, the Gang of Six has something else to offer America and the rest of Capitol Hill: good manners.
Congress has plenty of deficit-cutting plans, but can any of them fly?

President Obama met with Senate Democrats on Wednesday, and he will meet with Republicans Thursday in a bid to find a fiscal way forward.
Robert Reich
Beware the 'middle ground' of the Great Budget Debate

The center of public opinion is nowhere near the halfway point between the two extremes of the budget debate. Americans lean toward Obama and the Democrats.