Topic: U.S. Congressional Budget Office

Obama commission won’t cut deficits. Congress will.

President Obama has created a National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to help balance the federal budget by 2015. But few are optimistic about its ability to make substantial cuts.

How much does the Senate health bill cost?

A look at the Congressional Budget Office analysis of the Senate health bill costs.

Will House healthcare reform vote come next week?

Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the vote on the healthcare reform bill may come next week, but House Democrats are waiting for assurances about what the Senate will do afterward.

Politics' duality

There are two parts to the political system – shrewd and stupid.

The tax-the-rich delusion

President Obama's bank tax would hit its customers, not the banks or the wealthy.

Healthcare reform: 'Fixes' to bills are first major hurdle

House and Senate still have to work out tough issues on healthcare reform, including funding and abortion. The devil could be in the details – including 'fixes' House members want made to the Senate bill.

Will Obama's healthcare plan reduce costs?

Congress and ordinary Americans debate whether Obama's healthcare plan will reduce costs or increase them.

Healthcare reform: Three ways the House may derail Obama's plans

President Obama is meeting with House Democrats who could ruin his hopes for passing healthcare reform by Easter. Three groups, in particular, have significant reservations.

Opinion: At health summit, forget Obama vs. GOP: How did freedom do?

The Obama health care summit focused on costs and access. But proposed reforms would wipe away Americans’ freedom of choice in this vital area. 

Healthcare summit ends: GOP scores, but both sides still far apart

Some areas of agreement emerged over the six hours of televised talks, but Obama's healthcare summit ended Thursday with slim prospects of bipartisan accord.

The Monitor's View: After the health care summit: Obama's Bill Clinton moment

The summit was Obama's last big chance at public persuasion on Democratic health care. Now he needs to cut a deal that will necessarily disappoint liberals in his party.

Healthcare summit: Is Obama ready to tee up tort reform?

GOP's John Boehner calls Thursday's healthcare summit a 'charade.' But Obama hints he's ready to consider a Republican favorite: tort reform.

The Wyden-Gregg bipartisan tax reform plan: A familiar pattern

Sen. Judd Gregg (R) of New Hampshire and Sen. Ron Wyden (D) introduced tax code reform legislation Tuesday in Washington. Their reforms are a step in the right direction, but are far from bold. 

US budget deficit: Enjoying the ride on the road to ruin

We may be on the road to ruin, but too many people are enjoying the ride.

US Rep. Ryan responds to concerns about his balanced-budget roadmap

Should Congress Abolish the Joint Committee on Taxation?

Budget watchdogs see folly in US loan guarantees for nuclear power

Fiscal watchdogs are skeptical of Obama's move to give US loan guarantees for the construction of nuclear power plants, citing risk of default. Wall Street, too, has been reluctant to invest. Might that change now?

Healthcare summit: More like a duel at dawn than a garden party

The White House has invited congressional Republicans to join Democrats for a healthcare summit to be moderated by President Obama and broadcast live. But Obama says legislative proposals should be on the table, and the GOP wants to start from scratch.

Senate Democrats: we will move fast on job creation

Senate Democrats have been consulting within their own ranks to develop job creation ideas. They want to pass a bill by Feb. 12.

The Monitor's View: In State of the Union, Obama finally clocks in for job creation

A year late, Obama presses hard for the most effective job creator: tax credits for businesses that hire new workers. 

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

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

What Wall Street wants from Obama in State of the Union address

President Obama has responded to recent setbacks by striking a more populist tone, and his primary target has been Wall Street. Bankers are hoping he takes a more inclusive line in his State of the Union address Wednesday.

Don't let America's red ink scare you

America is running a hefty budget deficit but fret not. The deficit sky is not yet falling.

How much would Obama's spending freeze trim US deficits? Not a lot.

President Obama's spending freeze proposal, outlined Tuesday, would apply to only about one-sixth of the federal budget. But at least it would be a first step, say some budget experts.

Massachusetts Senate race: What will the outcome cost you?

The Senate race in Massachusetts could cost you $2,100 or save you $5,000 in insurance premiums, depending on who you are and whether healthcare reform passes.