Topic: U.S. Senate Committee on Finance

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In Pictures: Who's who on the US deficit super committee
Who's who on Congress's debt 'super committee'

Congress has created a special super committee to find at least $1.2 trillion in US budget cuts. If the plan is voted down, automatic spending cuts are slated to occur. Here are the 12 lawmakers named to the super committee.
In Pictures: Mormons in politics
Congress lets unemployment benefits expire: 'What now' and six other questions

Over 2 million unemployed people awoke Wednesday to the prospect that they may no longer have unemployment checks to help them pay rent or buy food and gas.
5 famous pork projects: Beer museum and more

Coined from an 1863 story called “The Children of the Public,” pork-barrel spending referred to any public funds spent to benefit the public. Over time, the term has evolved, referring to projects seen as wasteful, or that may only benefit a small group but the costs are spread out between all taxpayers. Of course, often, one politician's pork is another politician's legitimate expense.
The Citizens Against Government Waste puts out an annual "Congressional Pig Book" that listed 9,129 projects at a cost of $16.5 billion in 2010..
Here a selection of US "pork" projects from recent years:

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Tax VOX
Tax reform goes local. What's the effect?

The need for fundamental federal tax reform is critical.  Often overlooked, however, is the fact that any such reforms will also affect the tax and fiscal policies of state and local governments.
Tax day horror story: taking your money ... and your identity

The IRS is making it a top priority to crack down on the burgeoning tax day scam of identity fraud. In 2011 the agency thwarted $1.4 billion in fraudulent refunds.
Violence Against Women Act: A political opening for Democrats?

Senate Democrats aim to extend the Violence Against Women Act, adding services for illegal immigrants and same-sex couples, a move Republicans say is out to score political points.
Payroll tax deal: Congress moves toward agreement

Payroll tax cut, long-term unemployment benefits would be preserved under a bipartisan deal. But negotiators won't predict whether Congress will pass the payroll tax deal by Friday.
Tax VOX
The tax system needs a bulldozer

Our tax system is a mess and unless we send a clear signal to Congress to do something about it, it’s just going to get messier and messier.
Tax VOX
Why expiring tax cuts should actually expire

The charade of annual or biennial debate about perpetually “expiring” tax provisions is terrible tax policy and a symbol of our failure to come to terms with budget reality.
Bush tax cuts debate helped to doom super committee effort

Bush tax cuts: A tussle between Republicans and Democrats over the future of the Bush tax cuts played a large role in scuttling the congressional super committee's attempt to reach an agreement on reducing the budget deficit.
Cracks in GOP promise of no new taxes for deficit cuts?

To help the deficit 'super committee' reach a deal, some Republicans appear to be open to the idea of ending some tax breaks, despite opposition from antitax crusaders.
Bipartisan plea for $4 trillion in deficit cuts: why it could work

A bipartisan group of 100 House members will call for the deficit 'super committee' to make massive deficit cuts – even if it means entitlement or tax reform. The strong backing could be key.
Deficit-cutting 'super committee': Can it come up with a plan in time?

Congress's super committee may have just days to act in order to meet its deadline and prevent $1.2 trillion in automatic cuts to defense and nondefense spending. So far, no plan has emerged.
New Obama jobs bill: Do too many Democrats view it as 'bailout lite'?

The White House is pushing a new $35 billion jobs bill to stave off layoffs for teachers, firefighters, and police. But moderate Democrats are balking at parts of the plan.
Tax the rich: Should millionaires really pay more?

The fight over raising levies on the wealthy, a theme of the 'Occupy Wall Street' protests, is about more than money. It's a clash over fundamental American values.
What's new in the GOP jobs plan?

Republicans are countering President Obama's jobs plan with a GOP jobs plan. But how much of the GOP jobs plan is really new?
In Pictures: Who's who on the US deficit super committee
Can 'super committee' play fair as it tries to control national debt?

The task of reining in the national debt lies in the hands of a super committee of 12, which gets down to business now that Congress is returning from its summer break.
Who's who on Congress's debt 'super committee'

Congress has created a special super committee to find at least $1.2 trillion in US budget cuts. If the plan is voted down, automatic spending cuts are slated to occur. Here are the 12 lawmakers named to the super committee.
In Pictures: Mormons in politics
Many industries reap tax breaks. Is picking on Big Oil unfair?

The oil industry is under fire from congressional Democrats for reaping big tax breaks even while amassing huge profits. Executives from major oil companies testified Thursday on Capitol Hill.
Medicaid like a Mercedes, S.C. lawmaker says

Medicaid coverage is 'way more than adequate,' South Carolina legislator says, as state Senate gives initial approval to new Medicaid budget.
Democrats' deficit-cutting plan: Big Oil subsidies the first target

Senate Democrats on Tuesday began enumerating ways to cut the US budget deficit. Tax breaks for oil and gas companies topped their list, as they challenged Republicans to whittle 'subsidies.'
Medicare vouchers plan shelved for now

Medicare reform passed the House. But GOP leaders say they won't push Medicare vouchers in the current round of spending talks.
US debt crisis: Can a deeply divided 'Gang of Seven' make any progress?

The members of the House and Senate who were appointed to the latest presidential deficit panel represent the starkest partisan views on Capitol Hill. But that could be a good thing.
Corporate taxes: Cut rate? Sure. But loopholes?

Corporate taxes should be simplified and rate lowered, Obama says. But many loopholes have a powerful constituency.
Vox News
Keith Olbermann last show: Has MSNBC killed its golden goose?

Keith Olbermann, last show on Friday, leaves MSNBC after eight years. His sudden exit, midway through his contract, has some saying he's been fired and others pointing to new owner Comcast.
Tax VOX
Will Obama call for tax reform in the State of the Union?

Tax reformers are pushing the president, but aren't sure it's at the top of his agenda.