The Ed Schultz Show - News

Obama Pushing for End Game on Health Care

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama speaks at a suburban St. Louis high school Wednesday to make his closing argument for a health care overhaul.

Obama is pushing a new anti-fraud plan.

High-Tech Bounty Hunters
The plan would bring in high-tech bounty hunters to help root out health care fraud.

The idea has bipartisan backing.

Waste and fraud are serious problems for Medicare and Medicaid.

$54 Billion in Fraud
Improper payments totaled an estimated $54 billion in 2009.

They range from simple errors such as duplicate billing to elaborate schemes operated by fraudsters peddling everything from wheelchairs to hospice care.

Private Auditors
The bounty hunters in this case would be private auditors armed with sophisticated computer programs to scan Medicare and Medicaid billing data for patterns of bogus claims.

The auditors would get to keep part of any funds they recover.

Pilot Program
The White House said a Medicare pilot program recouped $900 million for taxpayers from 2005-08.

A presidential memorandum by Obama directs Cabinet Secretaries and agency heads to intensify their use of private auditors under current legal authority.

$2 Billion to be Recouped
The White House estimates that expanded use of private audits throughout the government could recoup at least $2 billion for taxpayers over three years.

Chamber of Commerce Spends $10 Million Against
Business groups that oppose Obama's plan are stepping their opposition.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced a campaign to spend as much as $10 million on ads, starting Wednesday.

The ad says, "Stop this health care bill we can't afford."

Waiting for Cost Estimate
Leaders in the House and Senate are waiting for a final cost analysis from the Congressional Budget Office in the next day or so that will allow them to start counting votes.

The two-step approach now being pursued calls for the House to approve a Senate-passed bill from last year.

Both chambers then would follow by approving a companion measure to make changes in that first bill.

Read the AP story

AP Poll: Obama More Popular than Congress

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The latest Associated Press-GfK poll shows only 22 percent approve of Congress.

Republicans worse than Democrats
Just 30 percent approve of how Republicans in Congress are doing their jobs.

Only 36 percent approve of the Democrats in Congress.

53% Approval of Obama
The same poll shows Obama's job-performance at 53 percent.

Over the past two months, President Obama has gained ground on national security issues, specifically the Iraq war and the escalating Afghanistan war.

55 percent backing Obama on Iraq.

57 percent support President Obama on Afghanistan.

56% Say Country Going in Wrong Direction
But 56 percent now say the country overall is headed in the wrong direction.

Control of Congress
Republicans still trail Democrats on the question of who should win control of Congress come November.

44 percent say Democrats should control Congress.

Only 38 percent say Republicans should control Congress.

Read the AP story

Senate to Pass Jobless Bill with Tax Breaks for Business

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Legislation to extend unemployment benefits to people who have been out of a job for more than half a year passed a key vote Tuesday that guarantees it will soon pass the Senate.

66-34 Vote
The vote was 66-34, with 8 Republicans helping Democrats to defeat a GOP filibuster.

Read the AP story

Read: New senator bucks party to end filibusters

Hoyer: Some trying to politicize Massa case

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-MD, accused political opponents Wednesday of trying to exploit the controversy surrounding former Rep. Eric Massa, who resigned from Congress amid accusations of sexual harassment.

Rep. Hoyer Comments
Rep. Hoyer said, "I think there were some people that did jump in and try to use this for political purposes."

Hoyer referred to critics who embraced Massa's charge that he was pressured to leave by majority Democrats because of his opposition to the health care overhaul bill.

Rep. Hoyer was asked directly if he or any other Democratic leaders brought pressure on Massa to step aside.

Hoyer said, "No, absolutely not."

Details of Complaint
Rep. Hoyer said one of his staffers alerted him on Feb. 8 that a staffer working for Massa had complained of being harassed.

Hoyer said he told his aide that the person making the complaint "needed to immediately bring this to the attention of the Ethics Committee.

Rep. Hoyer said, "If you don't make the complaint, I will."

He said he had not discussed the allegation directly with Massa because he thought the ethics panel was the "appropriate" forum for investigating the complaint.

Hoyer appeared on NBC's "Today" show.

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Read the AP story

Read - Hoyer: GOP using Massa's downfall for 'political purposes'

Massa denies he sexually groped male staffer

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Former Rep. Eric Massa, who resigned from Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, admitted to groping a staffer but denied it was sexual.

Eric Massa Comments
Massa said, "It doesn't make any difference what my intentions were, it's how it's perceived by the individual who receives that action."

He said, "I'm telling you I was wrong. I was wrong. ... My behavior was wrong. I should have never allowed myself to be as familiar with my staff as I was."

The Washington Post, reported Tuesday that the House ethics panel is investigating allegations Massa groped multiple male staffers in his office.

Massa was asked directly whether he sexually groped anyone, he said, "No, no, no."

But Massa said he tickled a staffer at a birthday party.

Massa said, "Now they're saying I groped a male staffer."

He said, "Yeah, I did. Not only did I grope him, I tickled him until he couldn't breathe and four guys jumped on top of me. It was my 50th birthday and it was kill the old guy."

Massa said his actions may have been misinterpreted.

He said, "If somebody on my staff was offended, uncomfortable, thought I was inappropriate, I own that."

Massa said. "It's why I resigned."

He said, "I wasn't forced out. I forced myself out."

Massa appeared on Glenn Beck's Fox News Channel show.

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Massa appeared on CNN "Larry King Live."

Read the AP story

Read: Massa seeks to divert attention from harassment allegations

Read: Massa investigated for allegedly groping staffers

Read - Eric Massa: 'I did nothing sexual'

Read - Massa: 'I did nothing sexual' but resigned due to 'misbehavior'

Biden says Palestinians deserve 'viable' state

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday the Palestinians deserve a "viable" independent state with contiguous territory.

Israel announced plans to expand a Jewish neighborhood in disputed east Jerusalem.

Israel apologized for embarrassing Biden with the timing of its announcement.

But they made clear it has no intention of reversing its plan.

Vice President Biden Comments
Biden said, "The United States pledges to play an active as well as a sustainable role in these talks."

Biden said the Palestinians deserve an independent state that is "viable and contiguous."

Read the AP story

Read: Palestinian leader joins Biden in condemning Israeli housing decision

Obama pushes senators for climate bill

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama made a renewed push for a long-stalled climate and energy bill Tuesday, urging lawmakers at a White House meeting to pass a comprehensive bill this year.

14 senators from both parties - including several who remain undecided on the climate bill - met for more than an hour with Obama, four Cabinet members and White House energy adviser Carol Browner

Read the AP story

Chief Justice Roberts calls State of Union scene 'troubling'

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said the scene at President Obama's State of the Union address was "very troubling."

Roberts said the annual speech has "degenerated to a political pep rally."

Obama criticized the court, with the justices seated before him in their black robes, for its decision on a campaign finance case.

Roberts said anyone was free to criticize the court, and some have an obligation to do so because of their positions.

Roberts Comments
Roberts said, "So I have no problems with that."

He said, "On the other hand, there is the issue of the setting, the circumstances and the decorum.

Roberts said, "The image of having the members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the Supreme Court, cheering and hollering while the court - according the requirements of protocol - has to sit there expressionless, I think is very troubling."

Read the AP story

Read: Roberts questions SOTU attendance

Biden urges Israel to take risks for peace

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In Israel on Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden said the U.S. will back those willing to "take risks for peace."

Vice President Biden said he was pleased that Israelis and Palestinians had agreed this week to resume indirect peace negotiations with U.S. mediation.

Vice President Biden Comments
Biden said, "Progress occurs in the Middle East when everyone knows there is simply no space between the United States and Israel."

He said,"The United States will always stand with those who take risks for peace."

Read the AP story

Read: Biden Calls Ties Between U.S. and Israel �Unshakable'

Read: Biden highlights close U.S.-Israel ties on Mideast trip

Class-Action Lawsuits could Cost Toyota $3 Billion

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Toyota owners have filed at least 89 class-action lawsuits that could cost the Japanese auto giant $3 billion or more.

Toyota owners suing the company claim their vehicles have dropped in value because of the all the recalls.

They claim that Toyota knew all along about safety problems but concealed them from buyers.

Runaway Prius Stopped by Patrolman
A driver of a Toyota Prius was taken for a runaway ride when the car's accelerator became stuck and ran out of control at 94 mph.

The California Highway Patrol helped bring the car safely to a stop.

Read the AP story

Read: Prius with stuck accelerator glides to safe stop

Read - Driver: My Prius took me for a ride

Gates Praises Troops in Southern Afghanistan

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told a battle unit Tuesday that its heavy losses have helped the U.S. begin to push back against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.

Gates visited a remote outpost 30 miles north of Kandahar.

The Fort Lewis, Washington-based Stryker unit has lost 22 men and suffered an additional 62 wounded since arriving here last summer.

Secretary Gates Comments
Gates told members of the 800-soldier unit, "You all have had a very tough time."

He said, "You came into an area totally controlled by the Taliban. You fought for a critical battle space, you bled for it and now you own it."

Read the AP story

Read: Zabul province seeks U.S. troops, but is caught in Afghan numbers game

Gibbs Brushes off Rep. Massa Complaint

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs brushed aside allegations by resigned Rep. Eric Massa, D-NY.

Rep. Massa said he was forced out by the Administration and Democratic leaders because of his opposition to health care reform.

Gibbs was asked about the assertions Rep. Massa made Sunday in a radio address in his home district in western New York.

Robert Gibbs Comments
Gibbs said, "I think this whole story is ridiculous. I think the latest excuse is silly and ridiculous."

Gibbs accused Massa of continually changing the reasons for leaving Congress.

Massa resigned Monday.

Rep. Massa is facing a harassment complaint from a male staffer.

Gibbs appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Rep. Massa Comments

On Sunday, Massa appeared on a radio station and spent 90 minutes attacking Democrats, particularly House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Massa said, "I was set up for this from the very, very beginning. If you think that somehow they didn't come after me to get rid of me because my vote is the deciding vote on the health-care bill, then, ladies and gentlemen, you live today in a world that is so innocent as to not understand what is going on in Washington, D.C."

Massa Versus Emanuel
Massa said Emanuel was the "devil's spawn" who once confronted him naked in the shower of the House gym.

He said, "I am showering, naked as a jaybird, and here comes Rahm Emanuel, not even with a towel wrapped around his tush, poking his finger in my chest, yelling at me because I wasn't going to vote for the president's budget."

Massa said, "Do you know how awkward it is to have a political argument with a naked man?"

Massa on Fracking Comments
Massa said Democratic leaders were using a single comment he made at a wedding reception on New Year's Eve as a pretext to get him out of the House

He said, "I danced with the bride, and I danced with the bridesmaid. Absolutely nothing occurred."

Massa said, "I said goodnight to the bridesmaid. I sat down at the table where my whole staff was - all of them, by the way, bachelors. One of them looked at me and - as they would do after, I don't know, 15 gin and tonics and goodness only knows how many bottles of champagne - a staff member made an intonation to me that maybe I should be chasing after the bridesmaid. His points were clear, and his words were far more colorful than that."

Massa said, "And I grabbed the staff member sitting next to me, and I said, �What I really ought to be doing is fracking you,' and then tousled the guy's hair and left, went to my room, because I knew the party was getting to a point where I shouldn't be there."

Read the AP story

Read: House Democrat Says Party Drove Him From Office

Read: Massa says Democrats set him up over health care

Read: Eric Massa as conservative media hero

Read: Massa says Democratic leaders want him out

Israel rebuffs Biden by announcing new settlement construction

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Israel announced the construction of 1,600 homes in a settlement block in mostly Arab East Jerusalem just hours after the arrival of Vice President Joe Biden to help launch indirect Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

It was an open rebuff that led Biden to issue a sharply worded condemnation.

Vice President Biden Comments
Vice President Biden said, "I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in east Jerusalem."

Biden said, "The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now and runs counter to the constructive discussions that I've had here in Israel ."

Read the McClatchy story

Read: As Biden Visits, Israel Unveils Plan for New Settlements

Read - Biden: U.S. condemns Israeli announcement of new housing units

Obama appeals for public support on health care

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama accused insurance companies of placing profits over people on Monday.

President Obama Comments
President Obama said Republicans ignored long-festering problems when they held power.

Obama asked, "How much higher do premiums have to rise before we do something about it?"

President Obama said Republican critics in Congress say they want to do something about rising health care costs, but said they did not when they held power.

Obama said, "You had 10 years. What happened? What were you doing?"

The White House has said it wants the legislation wrapped up by March 18, but that seems unlikely.

Read the AP story

Read: Obama launches attack on health insurance companies

Read: Obama Turns Up the Volume in Health Care Bid

Read - Obama: Time to debate health care over

Senate Takes up Unemployment Insurance Extension

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Senate takes a key test vote Tuesday on extending unemployment insurance for the long-term jobless.

There are about 60 popular tax breaks for individuals and businesses that expired at the end of last year.

Details of Measure
The measure also prevents doctors from absorbing deep cuts in Medicare payments.

The proposal extends health insurance subsidies for the unemployed.

And it gives cash-strapped states help with Medicaid, the federal-state program providing health care to the poor and disabled.

$66 Billion for Unemployment
The unemployment insurance alone will cost $66 billion through December.

Extends Tax Breaks
The bill would extend the tax breaks through 2010, at a cost of about $26 billion.

The total cost of the measure is about $148 billion.

Read the AP story

Obama Congratulates Iraqis on Vote

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama praised Iraqis who turned out to vote in national elections Sunday despite "acts of violence" to discourage participation.

Attacks Killed 36
Insurgent attacks on polling stations killed at least 36 people even with extraordinary security measures in place.

The country's borders and the Baghdad international airport were closed before the vote.

The vote was Iraq's second national election since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

President Obama Coments
President Obama said, "I have great respect for the millions of Iraqis who refused to be deterred by acts of violence, and who exercised their right to vote today."

Obama said, "Their participation demonstrates that the Iraqi people have chosen to shape their future through the political process. "

Read the AP story

Read: Iraqis Defy Blasts in Strong Turnout for Pivotal Election

Read: In Iraq, a day of votes, violence

Obama Talks Health Care in Philadelphia

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama takes his push for health care reform on the road to Philadelphia on Monday.

President Obama will try to persuade the public to back his plan to remake the nation's health care system.

Obama is also urging uneasy lawmakers to cast a "final vote" for a massive reform bill during an election year.

Rep. Van Hollen Comments
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-MD, said, "I think the trend is in the right direction because people see that the status quo is absolutely broken."

Van Hollen appeared on CNN's "State of the Union".

Rep. Courtney Comments
Rep. Joe Courtney, D-CT, said, "A big issue for the House is putting suspenders with belts on the plan to ensure we don't get left holding the bag with just the Senate bill by itself."

Rep. Altmire Comments
Rep. Jason Altmire, D-PA, said, "The Senate has given us a lot of reason not to trust them."

Altmire said, "The Senate has given us a lot of reason not to trust them."

Altmire appeared on "Fox News Sunday."

Rep. Adler Comments
Rep. John Adler, D-NJ, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi isn't actively wooing him to vote for a new version of the bill.

Rep. Adler said, "She's been very gracious in considering my comments."

Adler said, "I think she's looking elsewhere for votes right now."

Adler appeared on "Fox News Sunday."

Congressional leaders are focusing on a strategy that calls for House Democrats to go along with a health care bill the Senate passed in December.

President Obama would sign the bill into law.

But Senators would promise to make numerous changes on issues that have concerned House Democrats.

Sen. Alexander Comments
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-TN, said, "What the President is really doing is asking the House Democrats to hold hands, jump off a cliff, and hope that Harry Reid catches them."

Read the AP story

Read: Obama Looks to Rally Public in �Uphill Battle' on Health Bill

DeLay: Pelosi and Reid Acting out of Arrogance

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-TX, faulted Congressional Democratic Leaders for what he calls their take or leave it approach to passing legislation.

Tom DeLay Comments
DeLay said, "I think what they're doing wrong is because of arrogance."

DeLay was talking about of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, when he said, "They have huge majorities . . . and you would think you could pass anything and pass it quickly with those kinds of majorities."

DeLay appeared on CNN's State of the Union.

Read the CNN story

Sebelius: We'll have the votes

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius prediced that health care reform legislation will become law.

Secretary Sebelius Comments
Sebelius said, "I think we'll have the votes for comprehensive health reform."

Sebelius appeared on NBC's "Meet The Press."

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Read the Politico story

Sen. Graham urges Obama to shift on terror trials

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, offeried the White House a deal on terror trials Sunday.

Sen. Graham Comments
Sen. Graham said that if the President agrees to try alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed and 4 accused henchmen in military tribunals, he will press fellow Republicans to vote to close the Guantanamo Bay prison.

Graham said, "I'm getting a lot of grief. But I will stand by my President to make rational detainee policy."

Graham, appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation,"

Read the AP story

Read: Graham Stands by Obama on Gitmo

Abortion coverage dispute divides House Democrats

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House Democrats who are opposed to abortion are resisting funding restrictions on the procedure spelled out in the Senate health care bill.

Speaker Pelosi Comments
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, vented her frustration Thursday.

Rep. Pelosi said she will not stand for health care legislation getting dragged down in a battle over abortion.

Pelosi said, "This is not about abortion."

She said, "This is a bill about providing quality affordable health care for all Americans."

Rep. Stupak Comments
Rep. Bart Stupak, D-MI, said he and a dozen fellow Democrats who supported the House bill will vote against it this time unless the Senate language is replaced with stiffer restrictions previously adopted by the House.

Stupak said, "Nothing has changed. I don't think they have the votes to pass it."

Read the AP story

Read: Democratic leaders working to win over abortion opponents for health-care reform

Read: Stupak prepared to vote no on health care

Liberals grill Obama on health reform

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

House liberals pressed President Barack Obama on healthcare reform Thursday.

They left the White House without making any commitments to vote for the final bill.

Rep. Lee Comments
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-CA, Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, told The Hill that liberals challenged Obama on the lack of a public health insurance option and other provisions in the Senate bill the president has endorsed.

Rep. Lee said, "Obama said he still strongly supports a public option, but the votes aren't there."

She said, "Obama said the current healthcare legislation is a foundation and he would work with us on the next effort."

Lee said, "I am going to keep hoping for a public option."

She said, "And he said he's going to work with us."

March 18 Deadline
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said that President Obama wants to see House passage before he leaves for a trip to Indonesia and Australia on March 18.

Gibbs said the White House is "making one final push" to get that done.

Read The Hill story

Read: Obama Takes Health Care Deadline to Democrats

Pentagon Gunman Killed after Shooting 2 Policeman

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Resentment of the U.S. government and suspicions over the 9/11 attacks have surfaced in writings by the California man identified as the gunman who shot 2 Pentagon police officers before he was killed.

John Patrick Bedell, 36, of Hollister, CA, was identified as the shooter.

The attack took place at the subway entrance to the Pentagon.

Police Chief Comments
Chief of Pentagon police Richard Keevill said, "He just reached in his pocket, pulled out a gun and started shooting at point-blank range."

Keevil said, "He walked up very cool. He had no real emotion on his face."

Police Chief Keevill said the gunman was well armed with two 9 millimeter semiautomatic weapons and several magazines of ammunition.

Authorities also found more ammunition in the shooter's car.

The Pentagon officers returned fire with semiautomatic weapons, sending the shooter to the hospital with critical injuries.

The shooter later died.

Troubled Individual
Bedell harbored ill feelings toward the government and the armed forces.

The shooter questioned the circumstances behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Marine Death
A user by the name JPatrickBedell posted on the Internet that he was "determined to see that justice is served" in the death of Marine Col. James Sabow.

Sabow was found dead in the backyard of his California home in 1991.

The death was ruled a suicide but the case has long been the source of theories of a cover up

The user named JPatrickBedell wrote the Sabow case was "a step toward establishing the truth of events such as the September 11 demolitions."

The same posting railed against the government's enforcement of marijuana laws and included links to the author's 2006 court case in Orange County, CA, for cultivating marijuana and resisting a police officer.

Hatred for Government
The assault at the Pentagon came 4 months after a deadly attack on the Army's Fort Hood, TX.

Hatred of the government motivated a man in Texas last month to fly a small plane into a building housing Internal Revenue Service offices, killing an IRS employee and himself.

Officers Released
The two officers injured have been released from the hospital.

One suffered a thigh wound and the other was hit in the shoulder.

Chief Keeveill said both were superficial injuries.

No Connection to Terrorism
Keevill said they'd found no immediate connection to domestic or foreign terrorism.

The shooter appeared to have acted alone.

Pentagon Traffic
About 23,000 military and civilian employees work at the Pentagon.

The subway system carries 750,000 passengers a day during the week.

Read the AP story

Read: Gunman killed after shooting 2 police officers at Pentagon entrance

Read: Two Pentagon Police Officers Shot; Gunman Killed

Read: Pentagon gunman dies after shootout with police

White House Considers Military Trials for 9/11 Suspects

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Washington Post reports that White House advisers are close to recommending that President Barack Obama use military tribunals for self-professed Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed and 4 of his alleged helpers.

The move would reverse Attorney General Eric Holder's plan to try KSM in civilian court in New York City.

ACLU Comments
American Civil Liberties Union Anthony Romero said, "If this stunning reversal comes to pass, President Obama will deal a death blow to his own Justice Department, not to mention American values."

Romero said, "Even with recent improvements, the military commissions system is incapable of handling complicated terrorism cases and achieving reliable results. President Obama must not cave in to political pressure and fear-mongering. He should hold firm and keep these prosecutions in federal court, where they belong."

Read the AP story

Read: Obama advisers set to recommend military tribunals for alleged 9/11 plotters

Read: Return to military tribunals?

House passes jobs bill

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The House on Thursday passed legislation giving companies that hire the jobless a temporary payroll tax break.

The measure passed 217-201 on a mostly party-line vote.

The bill also extends federal highway programs through the end of the year.

Read the AP story

House to vote on tax breaks for new hires

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The House votes Thursday on a measure that has highway funding with tax breaks for companies that hire unemployed workers.

The bill appears headed for House passage as Democrats work to send President Barack Obama the first of several promised election-year jobs bills.

The House is expected to amend the measure to conform with so-called pay-as-you-go budget rules that have become an article of faith among moderate Democrats.

House Details
The jobs bill contains 2 major provisions.

The first provision would exempt businesses hiring the unemployed from the 6.2 percent Social Security payroll tax through December and give them an additional $1,000 credit if new workers stay on the job a full year.

The Social Security trust funds would be reimbursed for the lost revenue.

The second provision would extend highway and mass transit programs through the end of the year and pump in $20 billion for the spring construction season.

The money would make up for lower-than-expected gasoline tax.

Senate Efforts
The Senate is working on a $100 billion-plus bill that would extend unemployment assistance, revive a number of popular but expired tax breaks, help states with soaring Medicaid costs and prevent doctors from having to absorb big cuts in Medicare payments.

Read the AP story

Obama Demands Vote on Health Care

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama took command Wednesday of one final attempt by Democrats to pass health care legislation.

President Obama Comments
President Obama said, "I don't see how another year of negotiations would help. Moreover, the insurance companies aren't starting over."

Obama said, "Everything there is to say about health care has been said, and just about everybody has said it."

He said, "Now is the time to make a decision about how to finally reform health care so that it works, not just for the insurance companies, but for America's families and America's businesses."

Obama Supports Reconciliation
Obama said, "The bill deserves the same kind of up-or-down vote that was used to pass President George W. Bush's signature tax cuts and welfare reform in the 1990s.

He said, "At stake right now is not just our ability to solve this problem, but our ability to solve any problem."

President Obama said, "The American people want to know if it's still possible for Washington to look out for their interests and their future. They are waiting for us to act."

He said, "I don't know how this plays politically, but knows that it's right."

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Read the AP story

Read: Obama urges Congress to 'finish its work' on reform bill

Read: Obama Urges �Up-or-Down' Vote on Health

Read: Obama outlines final health care plan

Obama urges Democrats to seize moment on health care

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama summoned more than a dozen House Democrats to the White House Thursday, pleading with them to seize a historic moment and vote for his massive health care overhaul.

Read the AP story

Republican fundraising document portrays Democrats as evil

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Democrats are sharply criticizing a Republican National Committee fundraising document that caricatured President Obama as the Joker.

The headline on one page was "The Evil Empire."

It pictures Obama as the Joker from Batman, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Cruella DeVille and Senate Majority Leaders Harry Reid and Scooby Doo.

The images were part of a 72-page PowerPoint presentation put together for potential Republican campaign donors and fundraisers.

The documents were obtained by POLITICO.

Read the Washington Post story

Read: RNC document mocks donors, plays on 'fear'

Senate rejects $250 checks for elderly

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A proposal to give 57 million elderly people, veterans and people with disabilities a $250 check was rejected by the Senate on Wednesday.

The Senate defeated it 50 to 47.

10 Democrats joined 40 Republicans to defeat the proposal.

President Obama Called for Planned
President Barack Obama called for Congress to approve the payments to make up for their benefits not increasing this year.

The payments would have added $13 billion to a $108 billion job-creation package pending in the Senate.

Read the Reuters story

Some Democrats Wary of Obama's Final Health Plan

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Some Democrats in Congress remain wary of President Obama's final health care legislation in spite of his closing arguments for overhauling the system.

Rep. Connolly Comments
Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-VA, said, "I think he has succeeded in prying open a window of opportunity, but it's a very narrow window."

Connolly said, "And he and the leadership here had better clamber through that narrow window while they can."

Rep. Courtney Comments
Rep. Joe Courtney, D-CT, said of the mood in the House, "It's fragile. It's getting close to the election."

President Obama Comments
President Obama said, "At stake right now is not just our ability to solve this problem, but our ability to solve any problem."

Obama said, "And so I ask Congress to finish its work, and I look forward to signing this reform into law."

President Obama rejected calls from Republicans to draft new legislation from scratch.

He said, "I don't see how another year of negotiations would help."

Obama said, "I believe the United States Congress owes the American people a final vote."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, will need some of 39 Democrats who voted "no" on the House bill, to switch their votes.

Speaker Pelosi Comments
Speaker Pelosi said, "Our families and businesses deserve reform that will create millions of jobs, strengthen Medicare, reduce our deficit and no longer deny care or drop coverage to those who need it most."

Pelosi said, "We must act now."

The legislative package now under consideration has less restrictive language on federal funding of abortion than approved by the House.

Rep. Bart Stupak, D-MI, leader of the anti-abortion Democrats, said, "It's accurate to say there are at least 12 of us who voted for healthcare that have indicated to the speaker and others that unless you change this language, we will vote against it."

The legislation passed the House in November by a vote of 220-215.

Read the AP story

Read: President Obama hits health care reform homestretch

Read: Obama calls for reconciliation to prevent filibuster on health-care reform

Read - Stupak: 12 previous health bill supporters could flip over abortion

Democrats Look to Obama for Health Care Momentum

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama unveils his revised version of a health care bill at the White House.

Republican Proposals Included
It's expected to include several Republican proposals.

The White House says President Obama will repeat why reform is so crucial and what it would mean for American families and businesses.

Obama will restate his preference for a comprehensive bill.

Details of Plan
The Obama plan would extend health coverage to about 30 million uninsured Americans.

President Obama's plan bans the insurance industry from denying coverage for the ill.

The proposal expands pharmaceutical benefits for the elderly and give lower-income people subsidies to help them afford coverage.

It would be paid for by raising taxes on upper-income Americans and finding savings from Medicare.

Momentum for Democrats
Democratic congressional leaders feel confident that they could revive the bill and deliver it to Obama's desk, before the Easter recess begins March 29.

Sen. Pryor Comments
Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Arkansas, said, "I like the idea that the President is working with Republicans and trying to find common ground."

Sen. Pryor said, "I think that's a good place to be for him, I think that's what the American people want to see."

Sen. Reid Comments
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, said, "We're anxious to get health care done, which we will get done."

Sen. Landrieu Comments
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-LA, said she is comfortable using reconciliation to advance a narrower package of changes to the legislation.

Sen. Landrieu said, "The general feeling in our caucus is we've worked very hard, this is a very reasonable, general approach to health-care reform, that the status quo is wholly unacceptable, and that we're hoping to move forward."

Read the AP story

Read: Obama to offer amended health care plan

Read: Obama reaches out to Republicans as Democrats seek to push through health bill

Read: Obama Offers to Use Some G.O.P. Health Proposals

Read: Obama looking for up-or-down vote

Read: Obama's new health care reform plan to include GOP ideas

Gov. Perry defeats Hutchison in Texas GOP primary

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Rick Perry, R-TX, easily beat Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the Republican primary on Tuesday night.

Gov. Perry Comments
Gov. Perry said, "Texas voters said no to Washington bureaucrats and yes to leadership that controls spending, fights for individual freedoms and the United States Constitution."

Perry said, "Hardworking Texans sent a simple, compelling message to Washington: Quit spending all the money!"

Perry had 51 percent to Hutchison's 30 percent.

Debra Medina, a GOP party activist who had supporters in the tea party movement, finished a distant third.

Read the AP story

Halter calls for 'compromise' on card check

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Arkansas Democratic Lt. Gov. Bill Halter (D) offered a muddled endorsement of a key labor bill on The Ed Show on MSNBC.

When asked about the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) during an interview with Ed Schultz, Halter declined to address the most controversial provision - known as "card check. "

Instead he said he supports a compromise.   

Lt. Gov. Halter Comments
Halter said, "They have moved away from the initial card check bill, but they're moving towards something that I think you can fashion a compromise around."

AFSCME, CWA and SEIU have each pledged $1 million to help boost Halter's campaign.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln opposed EFCA and further angered labor groups by voting against Craig Becker's nomination to the National Labor Relations Board.

Halter said he isn't just getting support from the left side of the political spectrum.

He said, "I'm getting support from across the political spectrum here in Arkansas."

Halter said, "I'm going to be a lot more comfortable taking [small] contributions from individuals and making the argument that that does not leave me beholden to any special interest than somebody taking $5,000 checks from political action committees and industry executives and others."

Read The Hill story

Justices may extend gun owner rights nationwide

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Supreme Court suggested Tuesday it will strike down U.S. cities' outright bans on handguns.

The ruling that could establish a nationwide ownership right sought by gun advocates.

Efforts from Chicago
Chicago area residents who want handguns for protection in their homes are asking the court to extend its 2008 decision in support of gun rights in Washington, D.C., to state and local laws.

Read the AP story

Obama proposes $3,000 home energy rebates

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama proposed rebates of up to $3,000 to help homeowners pay for the cost of making their homes more energy efficient as part of a $6 billion program to create jobs.

Obama said the plan would generate jobs by providing incentives for Americans to make their homes more energy efficient.

President Obama Comments
President Obama said, "These are big incentives. You'd get these rebates instantly from the hardware store, from the contractor."

On the Spot Rebates
Consumers would collect on-the-spot rebates of $1,000 or more for buying insulation, water heaters or other equipment to make their homes burn energy more efficiently under a rebate program.

It is Obama's latest step to convince Americans he can ease the countries economic problems.

White House to Main Street Tour
It was the latest stop on his "White House to Main Street" tour, to discusses ideas for rebuilding the economy.

Details of Plan
The Home Star program is intended to prompt Americans to invest in everything from insulation or new windows to overarching energy upgrades of their homes.

The Obama Administration believes it will create construction and manufacturing jobs, and boost energy efficiency.

Read the Reuters story

Read: Obama to spell out rebates for energy efficiency

Rep. Charles Rangel to Temporarily Leave Key Chairman Position

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rep. Charles Rangel, R-NY, announced Wednesday that he would temporarily step down as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

Rep. Rangel Comments
Rep. Rangel said, "In order to avoid my colleagues having to defend me during their elections, I have this morning sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking her to grant me a leave of absence until such time as the ethics committee completes its work."

Speaker Pelosi Comments
Speaker Pelosi, D-CA, said she would honor Rangel's request to step down temporarily.

Pelosi said in a statement, "I commend Chairman Rangel for his decades of leadership on jobs, health care, and the most significant economic issues of the day."

Read the AP story

Read: Rep. Charles Rangel to temporarily quit key tax post

Read: Speaker Pelosi on Rangel: 'I guess he is still chair of Ways and Means'

Read: Rangel Appears to Be Losing Grip of Committee

Read: Charlie Rangel on the brink

Read - Rangel: No plans to step down from House committee

Senate Votes to Extend Jobless Benefits

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sen. Jim Bunning, R-KY, agreed to end his filibuster Tuesday night and the Senate voted 78-19 to pass a $10 billion measure to extend benefits for unemployed workers and fund road projects.

President Obama Comments
President Obama said, "The bill passed tonight by the Senate will extend access to health care benefits for workers who have lost their jobs, help small businesses get loans so they can grow and hire, and extend unemployment insurance benefits for millions of Americans who are looking for work."

Obama said. "I'm grateful to the members of the Senate on both sides of the aisle who worked to end this roadblock to relief for America's working families."

No Votes
The 19 'no' votes came from Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-TN, Sen. John Barrasso, R-WY, Sen. Robert Bennett, R-UT, Sen. Jim Bunning, R-KY, Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-OK, Sen. Bob Corker, R-TN, Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-ID, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-SC, Sen. John Ensign, R-NV, Sen. Mike Enzi, R-WY, Sen. Judd Gregg, R-NH, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-UT, Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, Sen. Jim Risch, R-ID, Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AL and Sen. John Thune, R-SD.

Return to $100 Billion Proposal
The Senate now returns to debating a $100 billion-plus bill reviving popular tax breaks and extending longer and more generous jobless benefits through the end of the year.

Read the AP story

Read: Senate passes $10 billion jobless benefits measure

Read: Bunning finally ends blockade

Read: Senate clears Jim Bunning roadblock

Read: Bunning filibuster ends, job benefits extended

GM recalling 1.3 million vehicles over steering problems

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

General Motors Co is recalling 1.3 million compact cars in North America.

A power steering problem that has been linked to 14 crashes and one injury.

The recall covers the 2005-2010 model year Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 in the United States.

Read the Reuters story

Kyl: Unemployment Benefits Make People Not Want To Get A Job

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-AZ, argued on the Senate floor Monday that unemployment benefits discourages people from job-hunting "because people are being paid even though they're not working."

Sen. Kyl Comments
Sen. Kyl said, "Unemployment insurance doesn't create new jobs. In fact, if anything, continuing to pay people unemployment compensation is a disincentive for them to seek new work."

Kyl said, "I'm sure most of them would like work and probably have tried to seek it, but you can't argue that it's a job enhancer."

Sen. Bunning Blocks Help for Unemployed
Sen. Jim Bunning, R-KY, continued to block a $10 billion aid package to extend federally funded unemployment benefits and other popular provisions on Monday.

The move has united Democrats and sent Republicans hiding from the political backlash.

Furloughs for DOT Workers
Sen. Bunning's filibuster has blocked an extension of federal highway funding.

That forced the Department of Transportation to put more than 2,000 workers on unpaid furloughs in 17 states, as well as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Bunning Flips Bird to Reporter
When an ABC News producer tried to talk with the Sen. Bunning on Monday, he flipped him the middle finger instead.

Read the Huffington Post story

Read: Bunning's fiscal hardball jams GOP

Read: Democrats Blame Republicans over Blocking Extension for Unemployment Benefits

Read: Democrats rip GOP senator for blocking jobless benefits extension

Lt. Gov. Halter Raises Nearly $4 Million after One Day

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Arkansas Lt. Gov. Bill Halter raised nearly $4 million the first day after announcing he will run against Sen. Blance Lincoln for the Democratic primary.

Executives with AFL-CIO voted to not only endorse Halter but they also committed $3 million for an independent expenditure campaign to help him unseat Sen. Lincoln.

Lt. Gov. Halter also received about $620,000 from MoveOn.org.

The liberal group initially set a fundraising goal of half-a-million dollars, only to up the number to a full million as the money flowed in.

Read the Huffington Post story

Obama Cites GOP Ideas in Health Care Plan

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama embraced a handful of Republican health care ideas Tuesday to lure Democratic votes as he prepares to spell out his final package.

Obama said he might include four GOP-sponsored ideas in his plan.

The ideas include: Sending investigators disguised as patients to uncover fraud and waste in Medicare and Medicaid;
Expanding pilot programs to bring more predictability to medical malpractice lawsuits;
Increasing payments to Medicaid providers;
And expanding the use of health savings accounts.

Some Democrats might find it easier to vote for the health care package if they can tell constituents it had bipartisan elements that Republicans should have supported.

Read the AP story

Read: Obama Offers to Use Some G.O.P. Health Care Proposals

Read: Obama says he's open to four GOP ideas on health care

Read: President Obama 'open' to Republican ideas on health care reform

Read: Obama embraces GOP health care proposals

Obama Looks to Undecided Democrats for Health Backing

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A group of House Democrats who opposed health overhaul legislation on the first vote, may support President Barack Obama's plan when he unveils a revised proposal on Wednesday.

9 Democrats May Switch Vote
According to an Associated Press survey, 9 of the 39 Democrats who voted against the House bill in November are now undecided or withholding judgment until they see Obama's final product.

The health care legislation passed the House 220-215 in November.

President Obama plan to announce on Wednesday the newest blueprint of the changes he wants made to the Senate's health care bill.

Republicans Ideas
Some of the Republicans ideas discussed last Thursday at the summit are expected to be included.

Areas of medical malpractice reform and cutting out waste and fraud from the medical system are a couple of areas Obama wants to include.

Retiring Lawmakers
Three Demcratic House members are retiring and don't have to worry about getting punished by voters if they switch their vote to support Obama's plaln.

The retiring lawmakers are Rep. Brian Baird, D-WA, Rep. Bart Gordon, D-TN, and Rep. John Tanner, D-TN.

Five others who are considering vote for the bill after opposing it in November are freshmen, mostly in competitive districts.

The freshmen are Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-FL, Rep. Frank Kratovil, D-MD, Rep. Scott Murphy, D-NY, Rep. Glenn Nye, D-VA, and Rep. Michael McMahon, D-NY.

The ninth Democrat looking at switching his vote from a no to yes is Rep. Rick Boucher, D-VA.

Obama to Defend Reconciliation
President Obama plans to defend reconciliation to pass healthcare reform this week.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama will make an announcement likely on Wednesday.

Gibbs said the President will deal with both process and policy on healthcare reform.

Possible Scenario
Democrats are looking at having the House approve the Senate-passed version of the healthcare reform.

The House would then pass a separate piece of legislation that would make fixes to Senate healthcare bill.

The Senate would also pass the package of fixes, but under budget reconciliation rules.

Robert Gibbs Comments
Gibbs said that Obama "believes an up-or-down vote is necessary."

Gibbs said, "Republicans could decide not to filibuster, and that would be one way (to approve healthcare legislation)."

Read the AP story

Read: White House hints Obama will offer defense of reconciliation strategy

Postal Service Announces Significant Changes

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Postal Service is estimating $238 billion in losses in the next 10 years if lawmakers, postal regulators and unions don't give the mail agency more flexibility in setting delivery schedules, price increases and labor costs.

The Postal Service experienced a 13 percent drop in mail volume last fiscal year.

The Postal Service lost $3.8 billion last year.

Postmaster General John Potter is asking for flexibility to make chages such as ending Saturday mail deliveries.

Potter is also suggesting closing some branches and expanding its use of self-service kiosks in grocery stores and other popular retail spots.

Read the Washington Post story

Read: Postal Service Proposes 5 Day Mail Schedule

Rangel to give up tax committee chairmanship

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NBC News reports that Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-NY, will give his chairmanship of the powerful House Ways and Means committee.

Rep. Rangel was admonished by an ethics panel for accepting corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean.

Several of Rangel's fellow Democrats had called for him to give up his committee gavel in recent days.

Read the NBC News story

Read: Charlie Rangel on verge of losing gavel

Senate Breaks Republican Filibuster on Unemployment

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sen. Jim Bunning, R-KY, will permit a vote Tuesday evening on stopgap legislation to extend help for the jobless and keep federal highway dollars flowing.

Sen. Bunning has been holding up a vote for days seeking to find ways to finance the $10 billion measure.

But Bunning gave in after Democratic attacks and dwindling support within his own party.

That means hundreds of thousands of unemployed people would no longer face the loss of more generous unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Sen. Bunning Comments
Sen. Bunning said, "I hope Senate Democrats tonight vote for their own 'pay fors' and show Americans that they are committed to fiscal discipline. I will be watching them closely and checking off the hypocrites one by one."

Sen. Murray Comments
Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, said, "Today we have a clear cut example to show the American people just what's wrong with Washington, D.C."

Murray said, "That is because today one single Republican senator is standing in the way of the unemployment benefits of 400,000 Americans."

Majority Leader Reid Comments
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV, said, "They've gone too far. They've gone too far in blocking these unemployment benefits."

Read the AP story

Read: Deal with GOP senator ends one-man blockade

Read: Senate reaches deal to end Bunning blockade

Read: Senator Relents, Allowing Jobless Bill Vote

Read: Jim Bunning backs down

Read: Jobless benefits deal reached

Biden touts jobs created by stimulus in Florida

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Vice President Joe Biden told construction workers he knows people are frustrated with the pace of economic recovery.

Biden said federal stimulus spending is working.

$20 Million Job
Biden stopped at a $20 million central Florida road construction project to tout jobs being created by the $787 billion stimulus package.

Read the AP story

Obama Addresses Drop Out Epidemic

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama took aim Monday at the nation's school dropout epidemic.

Obama proposed sending $900 million to states and education districts that agree to drastically change or even close the worst performing schools.

Only 70 percent of freshman students go on to graduate from high school.

President Obama Comments
President Obama said, "There's got to be a sense of accountability."

Obama's plan would seek to help 5,000 of the nation's lowest-performing schools over the next 5 years.

Obama said, "In this kind of knowledge economy, giving up on your education and dropping out of school means not only giving up on your future, but it's also giving up on your family's future."

He said, "It's giving up on your country."

Read AP story

Sen. Lincoln faces Democratic Primary Challenge

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-AR, one of the Senate's most vulnerable members, is facing a challenge from member of her own party.

Lt. Gov Halter Announcement
Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, D-AR, announced Monday that he's seeking the Democratic nomination for Lincoln's seat.

Halter is the first Democrat to formally challenge Lincoln.

Lt. Gov. Halter said, "Washington is broken. It's working for the special interests, not Arkansas families."

Sen. Lincoln Comments
Sen. Lincoln said, "I know that I am the target of both political extremes, but that's what makes this campaign so important to all of us."

Lincoln said, "This Senate seat belongs to Arkansas, not to outside groups that are angry I don't answer to them."

Read the AP story

Read: Sen. Lincoln gets primary challenge

Conrad: Reconciliation can't be used for comprehensive reform

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sen. Kent Conrad, D-ND, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, threw cold water on the idea of using the reconciliation process Sunday.

Sen. Conrad Comments
Sen. Conrad said, "Reconciliation cannot be used to pass comprehensive health care reform."

Conrad said, "The major package would not be done through reconciliation."

He said that reconciliation was not, in fact, an option.

Conrad said, "I am the Chairman of the committee in the Senate, and I think I understand how reconciliation works and can't work."

He said that the so-called Byrd Rule would prevent the use of reconciliation for the main health care bill.

Sen. Conrad said, "The only possible role I can see for reconciliation would be to make modest changes in the major package."

Conrad said only "side car" issues could be affected through the reconciliation process.

Conrad appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation."

Read the Politico story