Tag: United States

US Senate sends budget deal over crucial hurdle

BBC

17 December 2013 Last updated at 17:31 ET

US Senate sends budget deal over crucial hurdle

The US Capitol in Washington, DC, on 14 November 2013
The US Senate is expected to pass a two-year cross-party budget agreement later this week

A budget bill has passed a US Senate procedural vote, all but guaranteeing its approval this week and lowering the threat of a fresh government shutdown.

In a rare show of cross-party spirit, 12 Republicans joined Democrats to pass the measure 67-33, paving the way for a majority vote later this week.

The two-year budget bill was overwhelmingly approved last week by the US House of Representatives.

President Barack Obama has also backed the budget proposal. Continue reading “US Senate sends budget deal over crucial hurdle”

Business to Boehner: Hit ’em hard

Business to Boehner: Hit ’em hard

By Kevin Bogardus – 12/14/13 06:00 AM EST

 

Business lobbyists are pumping their fists over Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) slap-down of conservative groups.

Executives at trade groups told The Hill they were pleasantly surprised by the strident remarks this week from the typically laid-back Speaker.

Boehner this week said conservative groups had “lost all credibility” by opposing the budget pact before it was even released. He said the activist organizations are “using our members, and they’re using the American people for their own goals.”The rebuke was a clear shot at Heritage Action for America, the Club for Growth, FreedomWorks and other conservative groups that have proven adept at drumming up conservative opposition to legislation. Continue reading “Business to Boehner: Hit ’em hard”

Budget Conference Deal Summary/Talking Points

Budget Conference Deal Summary/Talking Points

Summary of Elements Impacting Feds:

1. Post-12/31/13 hires will pay an additional 1.3% toward their pensions, for total of 4.4%

2. FEHB will add a ‘self plus one’ option, which inevitably increases family plan premiums

3. Contractor salary reimbursement cap dropped to $487,000

4. The total deal is $85 billion. About $45 billion of that replaces sequestration cuts in 2014. About $20 billion replaces sequestration cuts in 2015. (Washington Post) Continue reading “Budget Conference Deal Summary/Talking Points”

US House passes two-year cross-party budget deal

BBC

US House passes two-year cross-party budget deal

US Speaker of the House John Boehner (second from left) walked to the House Chamber on 12 December 2013
US House Speaker John Boehner (second from left) had publicly supported the budget bill before the chamber’s vote on Thursday

The US House of Representatives has approved a two-year federal budget bill in a strong showing of cross-party support, further avoiding the spectre of another government shutdown.

The measure, written by the Republican and Democratic heads of the House and Senate budget committees respectively, was approved by a 332-94 vote.

The budget proposal next goes to the Democrat-led Senate for approval.

US President Barack Obama has already publicly endorsed the bill. Continue reading “US House passes two-year cross-party budget deal”

GOP and conservative groups: The breakup begins

GOP and conservative groups: The breakup begins

By: Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman
December 12, 2013 07:10 PM EST

Reps. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) leave for Christmas recess after voting for final passage of a two-year budget deal and defense authorization bills. | John Shinkle/POLITICO

A bipartisan group of lawmakers leaves the capitol after the budget vote. | John Shinkle/POLITICO

House Republicans and big money conservative groups are going through a breakup.

Groups like FreedomWorks and Heritage Action demanded Republicans reject Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget deal — or else.

But 169 Republicans approved it anyway Thursday night.

And even though the deal itself was relatively small, it’s still a big moment for House Republicans. Continue reading “GOP and conservative groups: The breakup begins”

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