Topic: Tom Coburn

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9-11 memorial: Priceless at any cost? (+video)

The September 11 memorial and museum will require a $60 million-a-year operating budget. Some argue the federal government can't afford such a hefty price tag, while others say the meaning behind the memorial is worth any cost.
Paul Ryan's record: huge role in debt debate but few legislative wins

Rep. Paul Ryan's grasp of federal spending has given him an outsized role in defining the GOP position on deficits and debt, but he has a lower profile in driving the bipartisan compromises needed to pass laws.
Tax reform takes bipartisan step in Senate. Could something come of it?

To 'develop trust' before taking on the heavy lifting of tax reform, Senate tax-writers are attempting to proceed along bipartisan lines, starting with the extension of a reduced number of expiring tax breaks.
Economist Mom A rift over the GOP's tax pledge?

Over the past generation, the GOP's pledge to introduce no new taxes has become the essential conservative credential. But some Republicans are refusing to sign.
Stefan Karlsson Sweden: a spending reduction success story

Since 2006, when the current Swedish government was elected, government spending relative to GDP fell from 52.9 percent in 2006 to 51.8 percent in 2011, faring much better than the global average.
More firings expected in Secret Service scandal

The chairman of a House committee investigating a Secret Service prostitution scandal predicted more firings as key lawmakers expressed confidence that the agency will effectively deal with the incident.
How many Romneys are voting for Ron Paul?

The Ron Paul campaign released a list of six Romneys, including several relatives of Mitt Romney, who are backing Ron Paul for president.
Why conservative critics are now backing Mitt Romney

Conservative Republican critics of Mitt Romney are now lining up behind him, in part because the bruising primary race is hurting the GOP in the eyes of voters, say polls.
Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum in dead heat in Ohio

Mitt Romney has caught up to Rick Santorum in Ohio, says the two latest polls. Is this a repeat of Michigan?
Transcript of the State of the Union

President Obama's speech, as prepared for delivery by the White House.
Newt Gingrich's rise – and fall – tied to his reign as House speaker

After leading in some polls, New Gingrich has fallen out of favor with most Republican voters – especially in the key state of Iowa. He's taken a drubbing in negative ads, and much of the response from lawmakers who served with him in the House has been more criticism or silence.
As debate approaches, Republicans, conservatives target Newt Gingrich

As front-runner in the Republican presidential nominating race, Newt Gingrich is a natural target for critics. At this point, it's mainly conservatives and fellow Republicans questioning his character and leadership qualities.
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.
'King' Harry? GOP fury as Reid rewrites how the Senate works.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid left Republicans dumbfounded Thursday when he made a move some call the 'nuclear option.' It could mean Senate gridlock has passed a breaking point.
National debt-ceiling deal: Why did that take so long?

The haggling over the national debt-ceiling deal exposed a growing issue for Congress: the influence of ideological pledges is limiting prospects for compromise.
Afghanistan, the Taliban, and the US deficit

A series of Taliban assaults left at least 22 people dead in southern Afghanistan today, a reminder that as Congress looks for spending cuts, the US remains far from a 'mission accomplished' moment.
In Pictures: Who's who in the US debt crisis
'Gang of Six' plan hailed as debt-ceiling breakthrough. What's in it?

The proposal by the 'Gang of Six' senators Tuesday draws on ideas from the deficit commission. The middle-of-the-road plan will have to overcome partisan concerns and a lack of time.
'Gang of Six' revives hope for big deal in stalled debt-ceiling talks

President Obama's hopes for a 'grand bargain' both to raise the debt ceiling and rein in the deficit got a boost Tuesday when the Senate's 'Gang of Six' proposed $3.7 trillion in deficit reductions.
National debt talks: Signs some in GOP may yield on tax 'loopholes'?

Republican and Democratic leaders resume talks with President Obama Thursday on raising the national debt limit and bringing down the deficit. Will anyone bring more to the table this time?
Big Ag boom is thanks to state subsidies

Farmers planted a near record number of acres of corn this season, which has caused corn futures to sink
Why the latest round of debt talks ground to a halt

On Monday, President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will hold meetings with Sens. Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell to discuss the status of the debt talks.
How can Congress cut $2.4 trillion? Here are three places to start.

As an Aug. 2 deadline for raising the debt ceiling nears, Congress is getting serious about where to find major spending cuts. Republicans have vowed not to support a potential $2.4 trillion increase to the debt ceiling unless they get an equal amount of budget savings to offset the increase. Finding $2.4 trillion in spending cuts is not easy, but Congress's search is beginning to show some signs of promise. In particular, three programs long protected by big, bipartisan majorities in the past now appear vulnerable.
Senate votes to end ethanol tax breaks: What it means

A Senate vote to eliminate $6 billion in tax breaks for ethanol producers is a strong sign that ethanol is losing allies and Congress is increasingly open to getting rid of tax breaks.
A first crack in the GOP’s 'no new taxes' armor?

Sen. Tom Coburn wants to abandon the Republican promise not to raise taxes, and he may be convincing other Republicans to consider the same