Topic: U.S. Congressional Research Service

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Sequester 101: What happens if $85 billion in cuts hit on March 1

The sequester is a complex concept with a tortuous history. Here are the basics on the automatic spending reductions set to kick in March 1.

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Tax VOX Who benefits from tax preferences? You do.

Just about everyone benefits from tax preferences, Gleckman writes, a conclusion reaffirmed by a new Congressional Budget Office report on the distribution of tax expenditures.
Boston Marathon bombing: Is American jihadism on the rise?(+video)

The Boston Marathon bombing suspects appear to be the latest American jihadis, responsible for a surge in homegrown terror plots and attacks. But their ranks are diminishing, say some experts.
Decoder Wire Ricin roils Washington: How dangerous? (+video)

Preliminary tests indicate that letters sent to President Obama and to Sen. Roger Wicker (R) of Mississippi were laced with the potentially deadly poison ricin. They were postmarked Memphis, Tenn.
Decoder Wire Did North Korea secretly restart work on disabled nuclear reactor? (+video)

One of North Korea's more worrisome threats this week was to restart its plutonium production reactor at Yongbyon. Satellite photos suggest the rebuilding has already begun.
What the 'sequester' means for you ... and what won't change

For millions of Americans, life should go on much as usual, but for millions of others cuts in federal spending from the 'sequester' are likely to bring tangible effects. Which camp are you in?
Sequester 101: What happens if $85 billion in cuts hit on March 1

The sequester is a complex concept with a tortuous history. Here are the basics on the automatic spending reductions set to kick in March 1.
Is the South ready to say howdy to hemp?

Along with a federal bill, Kentucky is mulling the legalization of industrial hemp, marijuana's close cousin. Is it good business sense – or a Trojan horse for legalizing pot in the South?
The Monitor's View Plucking a big bone in free-trade talks: food

President Obama's ambitious goal for free-trade pacts with Europe and Asia depends on solving emotional disputes over food and agriculture. Leaders need to deal with people's deep concerns about what they eat, farming culture, and culinary identity.
'Lincoln' factual flaw is discovered by Connecticut congressman

A 'Lincoln' factual flaw was spotted by Rep. Joe Courtney when he went to see the film in theaters. 'Lincoln''s factual flaw 'was really bugging me,' said Courtney.
Gun control 101: Why is Obama pushing for new gun research?

A key part of President Obama's plan to rein in gun violence is his push to kick-start fresh gun-control-related research by federal agencies. Republicans have blocked such research in the past.
So if the US really hits the debt ceiling, then what?

The negative effects of hitting the debt ceiling could be mitigated by setting priorities for bill-paying, conservatives argue, but financial markets could still consider the US to have defaulted.
Tax reform: If both parties love it, why doesn't it go anywhere?

A speech by the an oil industry lobbying group Tuesday showed how interest groups are influencing the process, worried that they could be the big loser in tax reform.
How would a new US ban on assault rifles work? (+video)

A new federal ban on sales of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, likely to be proposed in the next Congress, would probably be similar to a ban that expired in 2004.
Briefing US gun industry by the numbers

As the debate over gun control rages on, the firearms industry in the United States is thriving. Here are seven key figures.
West Virginia gas pipeline explosion – just a drop in the disaster bucket

The West Virginia gas pipeline explosion follows several high profile natural gas accidents and a rapid increase nationally in pipeline mileage – even as federal oversight appears to lag.
Backchannels Vast sums of aid continue to be stolen in Afghanistan

Despite years of supposed effort to stop money laundering out of Kabul airport, billions continue to flow from the country unchecked.
Opinion To avoid fiscal cliff, Obama and GOP should compromise like Founding Fathers (+video)

President Obama and John Boehner express optimism that a budget deal to avoid the fiscal cliff will be reached, but gridlock threatens. Politicians would do well to remember that America was established by men who sorely disagreed. Consider the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Energy Voices Gas lines? Rationing? Is it the '70s again?

Back then, America's economy was over-reliant on oil. Now, its dependent on an electric grid that needs to be modernized.
US outspends Islamabad on flood relief in Pakistan

But instead of helping repair US-Pakistan relations, the flood aid looks as if it is feeding into old patterns of distrust between the two countries.
Backchannels A quiet waiver for Pakistan from the Obama administration

In September, the Obama administration waived conditions that would have halted $2 billion in aid to Pakistan on the grounds it hasn't made progress in fighting terrorism. Why? 'National security.'
Nuclear deal? New North Korea and Iran pact raises international concern

North Korea and Iran appear to be deepening their nuclear technology relationship under a new agreement reached between the two nations that President Bush labelled part of an 'axis of evil.'
More worries for the wealthy? Inheritance tax to jump unless Congress acts

The federal inheritance tax rate will jump to 55 percent in 2013 unless Congress acts. Republicans and Democrats disagree on the best plan. But a stalemate will result in higher inheritance taxes than either party wants.
Sub fire could have ripple effects for Navy fleet

The Navy is evaluating whether it's worth spending millions of dollars to repair the USS Miami, the nuclear-powered submarine damaged in a fire in a Maine shipyard. If the submarine is scrapped, the fleet could feel the effects for years.
Decoder Wire Obama honors Presidential Medal of Freedom winners: Who's eligible? (+video)

Answer: Anybody who's accomplished anything the president of the United States likes. Obama awarded the Medal of Freedom to Bob Dylan, John Glenn, and 11 other recipients Tuesday.
Decoder Wire Boehner says Obama misuses Air Force One for political trips. Is he right?

Using taxpayer dollars to fly to battleground states to make political points is 'pathetic,' Boehner says. But presidents running for reelection are often accused of using perks of office to unfair advantage – and guidelines are not clear.