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How bad would a U.S. default be?
If Congress does not act to extend the debt limit, the Treasury Department will only have its cash on hand — estimated to be about $30 billion — and whatever revenues it takes in each day. Because the government is running…
A rational fix for Social Security system
Rep. Rush Holt, D-N.J., is a smart man — quite literally a rocket scientist, as his supporters’ bumper stickers will attest. When Holt talks, people should listen, whether they agree or not. So it’s a bit ironic that one of his…
Entitlements may get cut, Dems fear
Liberal Democrats are growing increasingly worried that the fiscal showdown will lead President Obama to sacrifice sacred-cow programs such as Social Security in order to end the deadlock. Although Obama has been adamant he won’t negotiate on legislation to reopen the…
Who works and who doesn’t: the law behind the government shutdown
With the federal government shutdown in its second week, what functions remain in operation are becoming clear, even though the reasons behind them may not be. FBI agents and TSA security screeners are on the job, but park rangers are not.…
Senator accuses administration of using scare tactics on debt limit
A Republican senator is accusing the Obama administration of intentionally scaring the public and financial markets over the borrowing limit. Orrin Hatch of Utah made the charge at a hearing where Treasury Secretary Jack Lew urged Congress to raise that limit…
GOP Financial Terrorism Must End, Shutdown Must End, Social …
The latest offer from those I have called Banana Republicans would keep the government shut down and threaten again to default the nation and crash world markets in a few weeks unless Republicans get their way. This is financial terrorism,…
US Treasury secretary: Republicans underestimate debt ceiling danger
The Treasury secretary, Jack Lew, warned on Thursday that the continued brinksmanship over the debt limit risks unforeseen consequences in the financial markets that could in turn lead to the US running out of cash within days. As pressure mounted on Congress…
SHINE offers help to seniors
The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) and Medicare Advantage Plans (MA) open enrollment period is just a few days away (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7), so now is the time for Florida seniors to review their current health care…
Government shutdown may drive more young Christians from GOP
How does one deem a government worker “non-essential”? It’s difficult to say, but 800,000 of them were sent home last week. The ripples of the government shutdown are far-reaching, affecting mail delivery, Social Security, Medicare, national parks, and the IRS. Even the…
Federal workers get 60 percent of check on Friday
When federal workers are paid as scheduled Friday, they will get only 60 percent of their normal amounts. Their pay will be based on time worked from Sept. 22 to Sept. 30, the end of the federal budget year. For most…