Topic: Jim McDermott

Bush tax cuts debate helped to doom super committee effort

Bush tax cuts: A tussle between Republicans and Democrats over the future of the Bush tax cuts played a large role in scuttling the congressional super committee's attempt to reach an agreement on reducing the budget deficit.

Bipartisan plea for $4 trillion in deficit cuts: why it could work

A bipartisan group of 100 House members will call for the deficit 'super committee' to make massive deficit cuts – even if it means entitlement or tax reform. The strong backing could be key.

Bankruptcy for Solyndra. Is it China's fault?

Bankruptcy of the third US solar company in recent weeks has some Democrats accusing subsidized competition from China. Could revamped trade policy protect 'green' firms from bankruptcy?

Now, Congress down to its last strike to avoid debt-ceiling default

By rejecting the bill passed by the House Friday, the Senate essentially now has one last shot to get a debt ceiling increase through Congress before the Aug. 2 deadline.

Congo conflict minerals bill hurts the miners it hopes to help

Guest blogger Laura Seay writes that a US ban on conflict minerals amounts to a de facto boycott of the Congolese mining industry, hurting Congo's civilians by removing a key source of income.

House descends into federal budget-cutting chaos, just as planned

House amendments to cut the federal budget kept coming Friday, with Senate Democrats and the White House steeling for a fight. But Republicans say it's 'the House working its will.'

Man arrested after threats to Rep. Jim McDermott: 'I'll kill his family'

FBI agents arrest a California man who called Rep. Jim McDermott's Seattle office in December and left two threatening messages linked to the Democrat's stand on extending the Bush tax cuts.

Why House Republicans might vote against Obama tax deal

The Senate overwhelmingly passed the GOP-Obama tax deal Wednesday. But in the House, both parties are balking, which means conservative 'blue dog' Democrats could be crucial.

US legislation on Congo's 'conflict minerals,' explained

A congressional staffer explains recently passed legislation that aims to reduce Congo's "conflict minerals" industry by making it easier for activists to target US companies who import minerals from the Congo.

State of the Union: Obama urges bipartisanship, can he deliver?

President Obama's State of the Union speech emphasized cooperation and policies favored by both Republicans and Democrats, but offered no solutions for breaking partisan gridlock in Congress.

Pelosi's biggest healthcare task: holding her party together

The much-touted 'deal' with Blue Dogs Wednesday has now opened a rift with left-leaning Progressives.

Antiwar activists split over Obama's Afghanistan policy

Lawmakers and others who were against the Iraq war generally support the president. But they worry about another 'quagmire.'

Lawmakers craft role in time of crisis

Republican members weigh working with Obama versus more traditional opposition role.

On Capitol Hill – cultivating a monastery mind-set

During gnashing of teeth over the stimulus bill, a Thomas Merton-inspired House reflection group was holding hands and taking its weekly step back to reconcile personal conviction and political reality.

Jobless claims overwhelm state offices

The unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent in December.

Christmas tree ornament banned at White House

Census: Income rose, middle class grew in 2007

But child poverty also rose, according to the new report.

Who's poor? It depends on where you live, some say.

New York officials have unveiled a first-of-its-kind poverty measure that includes the city's actual costs of living.

Don't fold on Internet gambling ban

A 2006 US law has cut Web-based betting. If anything, the law needs to be toughened.