Topic: Tom Harkin

Health-care reform in GOP cross hairs

Republicans plan an all-out assault on the new health-care reform law, which they see as the biggest symbol of over-reach by Democrats. President Obama's veto pen is the first defense.

For-profit colleges hit with claims of fraud, aggressive recruiting

At a Senate hearing Wednesday, government investigators released evidence that some for-profit colleges encouraged students to falsify financial aid documents.

Estate tax bills take aim at a growing 'aristocracy of wealth'

The Senate has so far failed to pass an estate tax bill, allowing the tax to expire this year. Two new proposals, though, aim to reintroduce the estate tax and could generate billions in revenues.

ADA at 20: breakthroughs abound, but some attitudes unchanged

The Americans With Disabilities Act, signed 20 years ago, has changed the face of America. But some attitudes toward those with disabilities need to change, say advocates.

George Steinbrenner spent big on politics, too

George Steinbrenner had a long history of political contributions as well as baseball expenditures. Some of those donations got him in serious legal trouble, but they are most notable for how evenly he supported both Republicans and Democrats.

For-profit colleges: Do they shortchange students?

For-profit colleges have come under government scrutiny for alleged practices driven more by profit margins than by educational goals. A Senate committee held a hearing on the issue Thursday.

The Monitor's View: Teacher bailout, teacher reform?

In weighing another bailout for teachers, Congress has the opportunity to motivate states to change seniority rules that restrict flexibility in hiring and firing.

Want real financial reform for Wall Street? Do this.

Senator Lincoln wants to stop big banks' risky derivative trades from being subsidized by taxpayers. Here's how to keep her measure in the financial reform bill.

Lettuce recall doesn't hide progress on food safety, experts say

The lettuce recall has many questioning the safety of US produce, but voluntary adherence to food safety standards has led to progress since the E. coli outbreak in 2007.

On National Teacher Day, unions rail against school cuts

Some 300,000 teachers and others might lose their jobs this year as administrators make difficult school cuts. One union launched a campaign on National Teacher Day to highlight the issue.

School budget cuts across the US projected for next academic year

As state and local governments slash spending and federal stimulus dries up, school budget cuts for the next academic year could be the worst in a generation.

Obama signs healthcare bill with 22 pens. Who started that idea?

Many presidents now sign historic legislation – like the healthcare bill – with multiple pens. Twenty-two isn't even close to the record, in fact.

Bill to rein in filibuster introduced. Long shot?

Democratic Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Tom Harkin introduced a bill Thursday to curb the use of the filibuster, which they say promotes gridlock. But changing Senate rules requires 67 votes.

With Scott Brown sworn into Senate, parties shift strategies

Massachusetts' Scott Brown was sworn into his Senate seat Thursday, giving Republicans the 41 votes needed to filibuster legislation.

Senate health care vote: 'defining' moment or 'abomination'?

Seldom, if ever, in US history has the partisan divide on such a big legislative step been so stark. The 60-to-39 Senate health care vote along party lines may make it far more difficult for the Senate to work on issues that lie ahead.

Obama on climate and healthcare: master of compromise or sellout?

President Obama lauded the Senate's healthcare reform compromises as well as a symbolic agreeement at the Copenhagen climate-change summit. Both highlight Obama's willingness to accept what is politically possible.

Fed's Ben Bernanke wins committee approval, but tougher road ahead

Ben Bernanke faces a tougher path to winning a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve after a Senate committee's 16-to-7 approval vote.

White House hits back at Howard Dean attack on healthcare reform bill

White House officials responded forcefully Thursday to former Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean’s call to defeat healthcare reform bill.

Will Senate Democrats' healthcare reform tradeoffs seal the deal?

The healthcare reform tradeoffs reached Tuesday - no public option but expanded Medicare access - may help Senate Democrats win more moderates' votes. But it's still not clear they've got to 60.

Healthcare reform: Obama cut private deals with likely foes

President Obama struck agreements with insurers, doctors, drug companies, and hospitals to keep them from turning against healthcare reform. What are they?

Senate healthcare bill revives public option. But can it pass?

Majority leader Harry Reid said Monday that the Senate healthcare bill will include a public option that states can decline. But it is not clear how he can get the needed votes.

Will healthcare reform mean cuts in Medicare for seniors?

Lawmakers are looking for savings in Medicare. But Congress has shown little heart for that, especially given the powerful seniors lobby.

Healthcare reform 'public option' still alive in Senate?

Although one key committee bill excludes it, a public option is favored by most Democratic senators - not to mention the House, where support among majority Dems is strong.

Healthcare reform: Can Democrats give up public option?

As Obama calls on Congress to pass reform, the Democrats are still split on the need for a public health insurance option.

Hey it's the president's birthday (wherever he was born)