Topic: Robert Greenstein

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Absent a super committee, now who'll lean on Congress to cut US deficit?

Global markets or deadlines for extending tax breaks may yet force Congress to try again for a 'grand bargain' to shrink the US deficit. But big action before the 2012 election is unlikely.
Balanced budget amendment falls 23 votes short in House

The House's bid to pass a balanced budget amendment failed to get the two-thirds majority it needed to proceed. All but four Republicans voted to make federal deficits unconstitutional.
US adds 3.8 million more to ranks of the poor as poverty rate jumps

US poverty rate hit 14.3 percent last year, up from 13.2 percent in 2008. The jump bring the number of the poor to its highest level since 1959, five years before the Johnson-era War on Poverty.
Medicare fund might last 12 years longer than previously thought

Medicare is in better shape because of President Barack Obama's sweeping health care overhaul.
Healthcare reform hangs on cinching the cost to taxpayers

Latest effort to lower the federal price tag taps companies that don't offer health insurance to employees. They would pay an annual fee.
Why healthcare reform is still alive, despite initial cost estimates

Dire pronouncements aside, the process is just getting started, with legislation at a formative stage and Obama yet to offer his plan.
Undaunted by the economy, Obama presses ahead on healthcare reform

His introduction of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) for secretary of health and human services marks an attempt to press for reforms even amid the economic crisis.
Obama’s deficit promise won’t be easy to keep

A likely topic in his address Tuesday, the long-term budget gap is largely caused by popular entitlement programs.
Will pocketbooks pick the president?

Big edge for Obama if the economy – statistically sour – motivates voters, say modelers.
Congress in no rush to fix Medicare and Social Security

A new report projects a $42.9 trillion shortfall for the two entitlement programs over the next 75 years.