Archive for May 6th, 2009
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Senate moves toward easing mortgage terms (AP)
AP – Trying to curb home foreclosures, the Senate voted on Wednesday to make it easier for homeowners with risky credit to switch to a lower-cost mortgage backed by the government. The bill, passed 91-5, also would give banks a break by encouraging reduced fees they must pay for the government to insure deposits. -
Obama Calls for $17 Billion in Budget Cuts, Resistance Likely (Bloomberg)
Bloomberg – May 7 (Bloomberg) — President Barack Obama proposes to cut
or eliminate 121 federal programs to save almost $17 billion, a
budget plan that almost certainly will face obstacles in
Congress and resistance from interest groups. -
Obama will slice budget by $17 billion
The White House on Thursday will detail a proposal to save $17 billion next year by eliminating or reducing 121 federal programs, according to a senior administration official.
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Joe the Plumber calls gays ‘queer’ (AP)
AP – Samuel Wurzelbacher, the Ohio man hailed as “Joe the Plumber” by Republican John McCain’s presidential campaign last year, said he believes gays are “queer” and said he won’t allow them near his children. -
Obama speaks with Chinese President Hu (AP)
AP – President Barack Obama discussed the global economy and health issues in a phone call with Chinese President Hu Jintao. -
GOP Committees Deal Could Falter If Gregg Opts Not to Retire (CQPolitics.com)
CQPolitics.com – Judd Gregg of New Hampshire had no part in the deal cut by fellow Republicans Charles E. Grassley of Iowa and Jeff Sessions of Alabama to line up plum jobs for themselves on the Senate Budget and Judiciary committees in the next Congress.
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Luntz Shapes GOP Messages on Health Care (CQPolitics.com)
CQPolitics.com – Republican message guru Frank Luntz is back — this time to help Republicans try to win the war of words as they battle Democrats on overhauling health care.
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Will Obama tax plan really save jobs?
President Obama says his proposals to crack down on corporate tax loopholes will do a lot of things, including create more U.S. jobs.
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Report: FBI slow to update terror watchlist (AP)
AP – The FBI has been slow to update the national terror suspect watchlist and the lapses pose real risks to U.S. security, a Justice Department audit has found.
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Authors of ‘torture’ memos face backlash
Pressure is mounting against two former Bush administration attorneys who wrote the legal memos used to support harsh interrogation techniques that critics say constituted torture.
