Topic: U.S. Government Accountability Office

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Debt-ceiling showdown: 4 reasons it's not a replay of 2011

In 2011, Congress and President Obama went to the brink of government default when congressional Republicans balked at raising the nation's debt ceiling. The spring of 2013 appears to have another debt ceiling fight in store. Here are the top four things that have changed.
Briefing
Obama vs. Romney 101: 5 ways they differ on immigration

President Obama has staked out positions favored by Latino voters on immigration issues. Mitt Romney has tried to cast himself somewhere between the staunchest anti-illegal immigration activist of his party and Obama. Here are the two candidates' positions on five issues:
Top 3 lessons the US military has learned in Afghanistan

As robust defense budget wranglings continue on Capitol Hill, much of the debate about one of the Pentagon's largest expenses – Afghanistan – centers around just how effective the decade-long fight has been. Here are the top three lessons that US military has learned in Afghanistan.
Gay rights in America: How states stand on 7 hot-button issues

The tapestry of federal and state laws surrounding gay rights is enormously complex. Here is a look at each state's laws regarding issues ranging from gay marriage to hate crimes to hospital visitation.
Can AT&T buy T-Mobile? Five key factors.

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Christmas Day terrorist attack: have 9/11 reforms failed?

Congress is gearing up to look into why the security changes made after 9/11 didn't prevent the failed Christmas Day terrorist attack on an airline landing in Detroit.
The Monitor's View: Obama’s smart pick for cyber czar: Howard Schmidt

The president’s cyber czar has the right credentials for this important job, but he’ll need Obama’s visible backing to do it.
The Monitor's View: Making sure the US Postal Service delivers

The business model for the US Postal Service is broken. Some tough decisions lie ahead, including reducing labor costs and cutting service down to five days.
Does the Federal Reserve need an audit?

Concern about the Fed's transparency ebbs and flows. Today, over 300 members of Congress think the time has come to audit the Federal Reserve.
The Monitor's View: The real jobs summit? At the Bernanke Fed.

The central bank, more than the White House or Congress, can boost lending to small firms, the largest source of new jobs. That's why the Senate must give Ben Bernanke a second term.
Ft. Hood rampage raises questions about gun control

The FBI had limited time to investigate alleged Ft. Hood shooter Maj. Hasan’s purchase of guns used in the deadly attack. Critics say pro-gun lawmakers have blocked efforts to connect gun purchases with potential terrorists.
America the jobless: Ron Paul wins, Timothy Geithner loses?

Frustration at how Washington has managed the 'jobless recovery' is turning some members of Capitol Hill against Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner – and in favor of a controversial measure by Rep. Ron Paul.
Outlook for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac still troubled a year later

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remain insolvent, and their share prices could fall to zero, one private-sector investment firm concludes.
Billions for a US-Mexico border fence, but is it doing any good?

The cost for adding 600 miles of new barriers is $2.4 billion so far. The new fencing has been breached more than 3,000 times, a government report finds.
'Surge home' overwhelms Veterans Affairs clinics

With many soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Veterans Affairs has seen treatment requests and disability claims soar.
Nuclear power’s new debate: cost

Issues of safety and waste make way for a focus on funding.
Opinion: End the Fed? A not-so-crazy idea.

Congressman Ron Paul's bill may never pass, but history suggests the US economy would be better off without the Federal Reserve.
Where do reforms urged by 9/11 commission stand?

Five years after the commission released its report, one key reform for US security – streamlining congressional oversight – hasn’t happened.
Opinion: Obama soars abroad, but America's PR doesn't

The president's stirring Cairo speech demands follow-up, amplification, and explanation.
Iraqi cities: Could violence bring US forces back?

Key challenges remain, including the discontent of former Sunni insurgents recruited by the US and credited with improving security.
Easy for suspected terrorists to buy guns in the US, report says

One senator calls this the 'terror gap' and vows to plug it, but gun owners fear the government might use the FBI's terror list to crack down on law-abiding citizens.
US guns in Mexico: Will new data help change law?

Democrats are largely avoiding the gun issue, but some hope a new Government Accountability Office report will help tighten rules for gun shows.
US guns feed Mexican drug violence, says report

Most of the guns seized by Mexican authorities are from the US, says a Government Accountability Office report.
Opinion: Solution to immigration reform is in the details

The US can stop 'making do' with the broken status quo by not letting interest groups direct policy with grand concepts.
Obama healthcare push: right issue, tough choices
Credit-card bill: What it does, what it doesn't do

Supporters and critics agree that it greatly empowers consumers and changes the credit-card industry.
Obama targets tax havens, and corporate America shudders

The plan to crack down on individuals who hide cash in foreign accounts has broad support. But eliminating tax havens for American companies could put them at a disadvantage internationally, experts say.
Government's role in economy getting too big?

The US may have headed off a deeper recession by investing hundreds of billions into major companies. But it drives up deficits and creates uncertainty among investors.
US faces Iraq-like spending problems in Afghanistan

With billions at stake, there's major concern about lack of accountability – especially with so many private contractors involved.
Wealthy nations move to shore up Pakistan

In Tokyo, nearly 30 countries pledged $5.28 billion to bolster its weak economy and government.