Topic: John Boehner

Are 'fiscal cliff' woes killing Christmas sales?

In last weekend before Christmas, traditionally a strong sales period, shoppers cite worries over taxes and so-so discounts as reasons to rein in spending. Experts warn of ho-hum holiday sales.

Robert Reich
Boehner's failure signals marginalization of GOP

If House Speaker John Boehner can't get Republicans to back a tax increase for the richest 0.3 percent of Americans, it has lost its claim to mainstream status.

In 'fiscal cliff' fight, Obama gets better marks than Boehner

President Obama's approval rating is at a three-year high; Speaker Boehner's is at an all-time low, and a majority of Americans view the GOP as too extreme. Is Boehner's position in danger?

Decoder Wire
Boehner 'Plan B' flop: Good or bad for President Obama? (+video)

It's natural to think that President Obama might have cheered the collapse of House Speaker John Boehner's Plan B for the 'fiscal cliff.' But the chaos it created might cause bigger problems.

John Boehner plays down setback of his fiscal 'fallback' plan

House Speaker John Boehner acknowledged Friday that too many GOP lawmakers saw his bill, which would have let tax cuts lapse for millionaires, as a tax hike. But the setback won't affect 'fiscal cliff' talks with Obama, he says.

Economist Mom
Fiscal cliff Plan C: Let Democrats find compromise. Huh?

Fiscal cliff Plan B is dead. But allowing Senate Democrats and President Obama to negotiate a deal is hardly a step forward in finding bipartisan compromise.

Republicans 'Plan B' fails. What's next to avoid going over 'fiscal cliff'? (+video)

House Speaker John Boehner could not muster enough support Thursday night from his fellow Republicans, a majority in the US House of Representatives, to pass his bill called 'Plan B' that he had hoped to use to avoid the so called 'fiscal cliff.'

Political bickering over fiscal cliff persists

Congressional leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, was unable to gain sufficient support to push through his 'Plan B' on Thursday. In order to avoid a recession, Boehner and President Obama aim to reach a deal before January. 

Boehner's 'Plan B' vote delayed

House Speaker John Boehner postponed the vote on his 'fiscal cliff' plan Thursday evening as he worked to round up the votes needed for final passage.

Full steam ahead? How economy might look if 'cliff' deal is struck. (+video)

If Washington can strike a bargain on the 'fiscal cliff,' some tax hikes and spending cuts would slow the economy. But rising consumer confidence could keep the slow recovery chugging along.

Will GOP's 'Plan B' push Obama closer to 'fiscal cliff' deal?

House Republican leaders hope to pass their own 'fiscal cliff' bill Thursday. But Obama and Senate Democrats are solidly against the plan, which could leave the sides no nearer a deal. 

Decoder Wire
What counts as a tax hike? Not Boehner 'fallback' plan, says antitax group

Lawmakers who vote to let tax cuts lapse for millionaires would not be violating an antitax pledge, says a group led by activist Grover Norquist. House Speaker John Boehner has put forward such a bill, stirring fury of other conservatives.  

Stocks sink as budget deadline nears

Stocks closed down on Wall Street as a year-end deadline nears with no deal in hand to cut the US government's budget deficit. Telecommunications stocks and health care stocks fared the worst.

Social Security: Is reform needed now or not?

Negotiations over avoiding the 'fiscal cliff' have put Social Security back in the news. While the program isn't a money loser for the federal government, its trustees favor acting soon to keep it healthy.

Sandy Hook shooting: why Obama is acting fast (+video)

President Obama announced a White House-led effort that will send a proposal to Congress in a matter of weeks, focusing on firearms as well as mental health, school safety, and law enforcement.

Tax VOX
What changing the consumer price index would mean for taxpayers

Opinion: Will John Boehner, President Obama master art of humility before 'fiscal cliff'?

John Boehner and President Obama continue their 'fiscal cliff' tussle over tax increases and spending cuts. But negotiating requires a healthy dose of humility. America's Founding Fathers, especially Madison and Franklin, knew this lesson well. We should look to them for guidance.

John Boehner's fiscal 'Plan B': What is it for and can it pass?

With a 'fiscal cliff' deal appearing closer than ever, Boehner offered up a fallback 'Plan B.' It seems designed to make Democrats uncomfortable and provide cover for Republicans ... if they pass it.

Obama makes 'fiscal cliff' offer. Are contours of a deal emerging? (+video)

In fiscal cliff negotiations, President Obama is now proposing that tax hikes could begin with households earning $400,000, not the $250,000 that he has long called for.

Opinion: As fiscal cliff approaches, don't be fooled by the great Nordic myth

The Nordic countries are some of the happiest and most prosperous, which many attribute to socialist policies. That's a myth. As John Boehner and President Obama's 'fiscal cliff' debate over spending cuts continue, lawmakers should remember that socialism did not spell prosperity.

Gun rights: What can Obama do? What might he do?

President Obama has vowed to use 'whatever power this office holds' to prevent future mass shootings, following last Friday's tragedy in Newtown, Conn. That could mean action beyond gun rights.

Stocks move higher as budget talks progress

Stocks rose Monday as signs of fiscal cliff progress in Washington made their way to Wall Street. Stock traders paused for a minute of silence at 9:15 a.m. EST to remember those killed in a gunman's rampage through a Connecticut elementary school.

How 'fiscal cliff' is already hitting defense industry

Although lawmakers have been moderating dire predictions, some small businesses are talking about layoffs if no deal on the fiscal cliff is reached. And some have already lost contracts.

Opinion: 'Fiscal cliff' cuts to job training for young people would cost taxpayers dearly

Because of the 'fiscal cliff' John Boehner and other lawmakers are looking to cut spending. But failing to prioritize successful programs in education and job training for young people would cost taxpayers more in the long-run. America should be expanding, not defunding, those investments.

Decoder Wire
Amid Newtown grief, will a 'fiscal cliff' deal quietly get done?

While the nation is focused on the shootings in Newtown, Conn., lawmakers appear to be nearing an agreement on the fiscal cliff – and may settle the matter without fight or fanfare.