Topic: Kent Conrad

You want tax reform, America? Try the VAT.

Americans might be persuaded to accept a VAT, or value added tax, if tax reform meant they could eliminate corporate and estate taxes.

After healthcare summit: Is reconciliation next?

Republicans said after the healthcare summit that Obama and the Democrats appear ready to go it alone on healthcare. That means resorting to a process called reconciliation, which allows measures to pass by a simple majority.

Will Scott Brown make the 'party of no' more obstructionist?

Democrats say Republicans use petty tactics to block President Obama's agenda. But Senate Democrats had a hard time passing legislation even when they had a filibuster-proof majority.

State of the Union address -- President Obama's full remarks

Full text of President Obama's State of the Union address

The Monitor's View: The Senate’s opportunity to reduce the deficit

It should support a bipartisan commission to secure the country’s fiscal future.

Congress's early task: What to do about national debt ceiling?

A vote to raise the national debt ceiling is always tough, because it casts the majority party as a reckless spender. But Congress must confront the issue, probably Jan. 20, upon lawmakers' return from recess. If the ceiling is not raised, the government will likely run out of funds in February.

Lawmakers' tough choice: curb the deficit or create new jobs?

President Obama has made a priority of tackling the US unemployment rate – now about 10 percent. But a new jobs program would add more to the soaring federal deficit.

Senate Democrats join Republicans in rejecting Medicare 'doc fix'

Thirteen Senate Democrats joined Republicans in rejecting a $245 billion 'doc fix’ to prevent cuts in payments to Medicare doctors. Majority leader Harry Reid said the Senate will address the issue again after health reform.

Sunday shows - David Axelrod, Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett

New healthcare bill won't hurt deficit. What about your wallet?

The CBO says the Senate Finance bill will create a $81 billion surplus over 10 years. But critics say its fees, taxes, and mandates will hit Americans’ pocketbooks hard.

Obama's partisan reasons for 'bipartisan' healthcare

Obama needs to woo doubting conservatives in his own party even more than he needs to win over Republicans.

If public option in healthcare is dead, what's next?

Obama administration officials have been talking up consumer-owned cooperatives. But they might not be big or strong enough to compete.

The ABCs of healthcare: a glossary of the key plans

Understanding co-ops, public options, and single-payer plans is central to understanding the debate.

Senate's 'Gang of Six' key to healthcare reform

Finance Committee chairman Baucus tries for bipartisanship. But critics in his own party worry that could weaken overhaul legislation - especially provisions for children.

Senate veers toward healthcare bill that pleases no one

A bipartisan group of six senators worked Tuesday to hammer out a deal. But both parties worry that they will find the final product unacceptable.

Gibbs: Glass more than half full on healthcare

If a healthcare bill passes, this group might be why

A bipartisan group of senators met Tuesday to hash out details. The same panel helped President Bush to his first major legislative victory.

Obama fights for health reform– from Moscow

He has not insisted that an overhaul include a public insurance option... or else. But on Tuesday he reiterated his preference for that approach.

GOP senator: Obama's public healthcare plan is dead

Estimates that a government-run plan could cost $1.6 trillion mean it won't pass Congress, said Sen. Lindsey Graham Sunday.

Obama's spending plans may pose political risks

Will adding $9 trillion to the deficit become a political liability for Democrats in 2010 midterm elections?

Obama's health plan: Battle lines become clearer

Key players in the coming congressional debate spoke Sunday. Their comments are a road map for the week ahead.

Obama on healthcare reform: Mr. Flexible

His idea of a public insurance plan to compete with private ones is meeting resistance. Will the alternative of health insurance 'cooperatives' suffice?

To probe detainee abuse, Congress leans toward outsourcing

Success of the 9/11 commission means lawmakers often punt toughest investigations to independent bodies – despite some internal resistance.

Democrats' message to GOP in budget plan: We don't need you

Though Democrats are asking for bipartisan support, the resolution passed Wednesday suggests they are prepared to go it alone on healthcare and education reform.

House passes $3.6 trillion budget plan

The plan, which will help fund Obama's healthcare reform and education agenda, is also on track to pass in the Senate Wednesday.