All DC Decoder
- Pentagon braces for furloughs in sequester: How big a hit to economy?
Thousands of Defense Department civilian employees could be furloughed if Congress proceeds with the automatic federal spending cuts poised to take effect in March under the sequester.
- Presidents' Day 2013: Actually, there’s no such thing
We don't care what that newspaper ad says, there's no official 'Presidents' Day' holiday. By law, it's 'George Washington’s Birthday' honoring the Father of Our Country, and only him.
- Key Republicans say Chuck Hagel now likely to be confirmed
Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham have led the opposition to Chuck Hagel's nomination to be secretary of defense. Now, both say former Sen. Hagel is likely to be confirmed.
- Behind the maneuvering over immigration, both parties look for advantage
The White House has floated a plan that would allow illegal immigrants to become permanent residents of the United States, putting them on a path to eventual citizenship. Republicans aren't happy, but they're under pressure to back comprehensive immigration reform.
- Why Republican delay isn't likely to stop Chuck Hagel confirmation
Republican senators blocked a vote on the nomination of Chuck Hagel to be Defense secretary. But they acknowledged that the situation could be different in a few days.
- State of the Union 101: How much in Medicare cuts did Obama put on table?
Obama didn't offer as much in savings from Medicare cuts as did the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction commission. But his State of the Union message outlined ways to shave a good chunk of change from Medicare costs. Here's how.
- Obama's universal preschool proposal: Game-changer or federal overreach?
President Obama said in his State of the Union address that he will push for universal preschool. Advocates say the plan could be transformational, but critics say it's too ambitious.
- State of the Union 101: Nine Obama proposals that might create jobs
A trade pact with the EU. Rebuilding roads and bridges. Innovation centers for manufacturing. Obama put forward a lot of proposals in his State of the Union address, but which ones will add the most jobs?
- State of the Union 101: Has Obamacare really slowed rise of health costs?
The president's State of the Union claim that Obamacare has slowed the rise of health costs misses the fact that key provisions don't kick in until 2014 and that slower spending is related to a weak economy.
- Immigration reform: Why many GOP lawmakers applauded Obama speech
President Obama treaded carefully around immigration reform during his State of the Union message. Republican lawmakers took notice, with many appreciating his back-seat approach.
- Ted Nugent slams State of the Union. Why did he rip GOP, too?
Shock-rocker and gun rights activist Ted Nugent was expected to have words for President Obama's State of the Union message. The surprise was his criticism of Republicans, whom he said lack resolve to win against a 'ruthless' foe.
- What does the federal government do with your money? Take our taxes quiz.
It seems there’s no end of taxes – and of debate about what the federal government does with all the money it collects. Whether you’re wrestling with Form 1040 or baffled by the latest debate in Washington over the national debt, here's at least a little relief. Test your knowledge of America’s fiscal behavior with this quiz. It won't cost you a dollar or add a dime to the deficit – and what you don't know you'll learn from the included answers!
- State of the Union: Obama and Rubio go head to head on the middle class
In the State of the Union and the GOP response, President Obama and Senator Rubio offer starkly different visions of how government can help (or hurt) the middle class – and those aspiring to join it.