Fiscal cliff pressure now on Obama as Boehner’s ‘cynical’ Plan B fails
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he’ll press ahead with Congress in hopes of preventing across-the-board tax increases set to strike taxpayers Jan. 1 after House GOP leaders unexpectedly put off a vote on legislation calling for higher rates on million-dollar earners Thursday evening. The measure “did not have sufficient support from our members to pass,” House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, conceded in a brief statement. At...
Obama wants assault weapons ban reinstated, tasks Biden to study guns, mental health, education
WASHINGTON — Spurred by a horrific elementary school shooting, President Barack Obama vowed to send Congress new policy proposals for reducing gun violence by January. “This time, the words need to lead to action,” Obama said today. He tasked Vice President Joe Biden with leading an administration-wide effort to create the new recommendations and pledged to push for their implementation without delay. The president, who...
From NH to Colo., voter disdain spreads as ‘fiscal cliff’ debate rages
HOOKSET, N.H. – Fear and frustration course through the lunch crowd at Robie’s Country Store and Deli, a popular outpost 500 miles from where Washington is again locked in tense negotiations over taxes and spending as a critical deadline looms. “I’m worried,” Lorraine Cadren of nearby Manchester says between bites of her chicken sandwich. Her doubt in the nation’s elected leaders is palpable:...
High court upholds key part of Obama health law
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the individual insurance requirement at the heart of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul. The decision means the historic overhaul will continue to go into effect over the next several years, affecting the way that countless Americans receive and pay for their personal medical care. The ruling also handed Obama a campaign-season victory in rejecting arguments...
Hassan: Health compact bill wrong for NH
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Maggie Hassan said Tuesday that a GOP proposal to form a compact to assume control over Medicare and Medicaid within New Hampshire’s boundaries is a risky proposition that is wrong for the state. “Seniors pay their whole working lives for Medicare. Under this plan, workers would still pay a tax for Medicare health insurance, but now they would not be guaranteed Medicare coverage once they...