Topic: Steve Ellis

Studies fault Bayer in bee die-off

A corn pesticide manufactured by the German chemical company Bayer has come under scrutiny in two scientific studies that indicate that it is responsible for mass deaths of pollinating bees. 

In surprise move, GOP leaders admit defeat in payroll tax battle

House GOP leaders had wanted to offset the cost of a payroll tax extension by spending cuts. But their decision Monday suggests that the political cost of a stalemate was too high.

Budget hawks: Does US need to give gas and oil companies $41 billion a year?

As President Obama and Congress look for budget cuts, some experts say federal energy subsidies are ripe for trimming. Among oil companies, nuclear power, and coal, who gets what from US taxpayers?

Why the budget deficit is so hard for Congress to shrink

Congress has less and less leeway for closing the budget deficit as outlays for entitlement programs grow.

With big spending bill's demise, is 'earmark' new dirty word on Hill?

Deficit hawks and watchdog groups see Thursday's demise of an omnibus spending bill in the Senate as a turning point. A critical mass of lawmakers, they say, are committed to an earmark ban.

'Pork barrel' spending: A big liability for lawmakers in 2010 election?

With the federal deficit at $1.5 trillion, some voters are balking at politicians who tout a record of securing ‘pork barrel’ projects.

Election 2010: a fight over jobs and recovery vs. deficit and debt

Trillion-dollar annual US deficits are unprecedented, and many voters are alarmed by them. But the public also wants a jobs recovery. How those dual issues will affect Election 2010 races.

Congress scoffs at Obama's plan to trim 'pork' spending

A White House plan released Monday would give the president more power to cut 'pork' spending. But Congress controls the federal purse strings jealously.

House Republicans, besting Democrats, will ban all earmarks

House Republicans said Thursday they will adopt a unilateral, one-year ban on funding requests for all member projects, or earmarks. House Democrats put forward a partial ban the day before.

Federal budget: Congress's return to bad spending habits

Congress has spent all its time on other efforts, like healthcare. Now, time is running short to pass a federal budget, and Congress is having to take its typical shortcuts.

New earmarks -- some are transparent, some are like Jimmy Hoffa

How bailout deal will impact next president

A $700 billion US rescue of banks is not likely to crimp McCain's or Obama'sspending plans, at least in the short term.

Veterans groups seek dedicated funding for healthcare

The V.A. has yearly funding crunches because of lag time in Congress's appropriations process, they say.