All DC Decoder
- Obama on Prop 8: How sweeping is administration support for gay marriage?
Even if the Supreme Court agrees with President Obama's brief arguing that California's Prop. 8 is unconstitutional, that doesn't mean there will be a nationwide right for gays to marry.
- The 'sequester' has landed: Just how 'automatic' will spending cuts be?
Department heads and agency chiefs will have some flexibility to move 'sequester' cuts between accounts and to decide their pacing. But wiggle room is limited under the law, budget experts say.
- Why backroom deals are out in 'sequester' talks
Backroom deals resolved the debt-ceiling crisis and the 'fiscal cliff' – why not the sequester? Because the House Republican rank and file are not allowing it.
- What the 'sequester' means for you ... and what won't change
For millions of Americans, life should go on much as usual, but for millions of others cuts in federal spending from the 'sequester' are likely to bring tangible effects. Which camp are you in?
- Why Republicans think Obama's back is against the wall on 'sequester'
President Obama has spent the past week trying to put Republicans on the defensive over the sequester. But many Republicans believe the pressure is on him.
- Obama's plan to replace the 'sequester': Does the math add up?
President Obama wants to replace the sequester with a package of spending cuts and tax revenues adding up to $1.5 trillion over 10 years. But some say that's not enough savings.
- Why March 1 isn't Congress's last chance to amend 'sequester' cuts
True, $85 billion in spending cuts kick in on March 1, but they won't be widely felt for several weeks. Meanwhile, funding for government operations expires March 27. The two fiscal issues could be rolled into one, but a top GOP appropriator sees that as a recipe for disaster.
- 'Sequester' harm to economy? Maybe for longer than you think.
Economists say spending cuts from the budget sequester will slow growth in the GDP somewhat in the near term. But a new analysis says a reduction in innovation could double the long-term impact.
- Four reasons Republicans are embracing the 'sequester' Republicans, it is clear, are conflicted on the "sequester." How did they come to embrace it? Here are four reasons.
- Why most Americans are yawning over 'sequester' – and why that matters
Only 1 in 4 Americans is following the debate over 'the sequester,' and even fewer say they understand it, a new poll shows. If the spending cuts take effect and more people pay attention, Obama's public support could slip.
- Michelle Obama: How well do you know the first lady?
She's a Harvard-educated lawyer, former university administrator, and self-declared "mom-in-chief" who has made headlines with both her policy platforms and her fashion choices. But how much do you really know about the first lady?
- 'Sequester' scare tactics? White House details 'devastating' 50-state impact.
A White House report stresses the huge impact the sequester spending cuts would have on states. For some states, that might be true. But for others, the cuts might just be a blip.
- 'Sequester' in US skies: Is an FAA 'calamity' avoidable?
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the 'sequester' will force the FAA to furlough air traffic controllers, creating an air travel nightmare. Some Republicans are calling this a scare tactic.