All DC Decoder
- 'Fiscal cliff' deal: What will it mean for you?
Some aspects of the fiscal cliff deal are well-known – such as rising tax rates on the rich. But, actually, everyone will be paying more taxes. Here's a look at the deal's details.
- How Obama won and lost in 'fiscal cliff' deal
President Obama would have looked incompetent if the nation had gone over the fiscal cliff. But now he faces three more cliffs early in 2013, and those could limit his scope.
- Unemployment down: which states are doing better than others
Unemployment rates fell in 45 states in November, but the strength of the job market varies widely by region, according to US data. Local resources and housing markets are among the reasons.
- Social Security: Is reform needed now or not?
Negotiations over avoiding the 'fiscal cliff' have put Social Security back in the news. While the program isn't a money loser for the federal government, its trustees favor acting soon to keep it healthy.
- Time to say goodbye to the payroll tax cut? It's looking that way.
No matter how the 'fiscal cliff' talks end, federal taxes of working Americans appear likely to rise after Jan. 1. That's because the Obama White House isn't pushing to extend the payroll tax cut.
- Social Security reform: What 'chained CPI' proposal by Obama means
Obama proposes revising the way Social Security benefits get adjusted each year to help retirees cope with inflation, as part of 'fiscal cliff' talks. Here's how 'chained CPI' would alter the status quo.
- Obama makes 'fiscal cliff' offer. Are contours of a deal emerging?
In fiscal cliff negotiations, President Obama is now proposing that tax hikes could begin with households earning $400,000, not the $250,000 that he has long called for.
- How would a new US ban on assault rifles work?
A new federal ban on sales of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, likely to be proposed in the next Congress, would probably be similar to a ban that expired in 2004.
- Sandy Hook tragedy: Pro-gun senator says it's time to ban assault rifles
The support of pro-gun Democrats, such as West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, is boosting prospects for a new drive to ban semi-automatic weapons and high-ammunition clips.
- GOP cracks in higher taxes for the wealthy?
House Speaker John Boehner has joined Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in signaling that the Bush-era tax cuts for 'millionaires and billionaires' – President Obama’s favorite campaign target for additional federal revenues – should be allowed to expire at year’s end.
- Can Ben Bernanke save the job market if 'fiscal cliff' talks fail?
The Federal Reserve said this week it would maintain ultralow interest rates until the unemployment rate falls to at least 6.5 percent, unless inflation starts looming as a near-term risk.
- Raising Medicare's eligibility age: How much money would it save?
A full account of the impact of raising Medicare's eligibility age to 67 must also include the added costs to other expensive programs, as some seniors switch to Medicaid or seek government subsidies for private insurance.
- Should estate tax rise in a 'fiscal cliff' deal? Why some ultra-rich say yes.
While much of the focus in the 'fiscal cliff' debate has been on income taxes, the group of wealthy Americans says an estate tax 'promotes democracy by slowing the concentration of wealth and power.'
- Obama's Medicaid expansion: How many states are likely to rebel?
The Supreme Court ruled that states do not have to abide by the expansion of Medicaid under President Obama's health-care law. There are strong economic arguments on both sides.
- Why Obama insists on higher tax rates for the wealthy
As the 'fiscal cliff' looms closer, President Obama says higher tax rates for the wealthy – not just revenue from limiting deductions and other sources – is his nonnegotiable demand.
- 'Fiscal cliff' talks: Could they sink US job market?
The 'fiscal cliff' talks are about more than taxes. How they are resolved could have a significant impact on the US job market, experts say.
- GOP 'fiscal cliff' counteroffer: What's in it?
GOP leaders responded to President Obama's 'fiscal cliff' proposal with their own. It calls for new tax revenue and turns to a Democratic idea for spending cuts, but it doesn't raise tax rates.
- Timothy Geithner, John Boehner edge toward the 'fiscal cliff'
With less than a month before the 'fiscal cliff' imposes automatic tax increases and spending cuts, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and House Speaker John Boehner dueled rhetorically on the Sunday TV news programs.
- Susan Rice's 'worst week' could derail Secretary of State bid
As critics go after her comments on the Benghazi terrorist attack, Susan Rice's race, gender, and personality have become part of the debate over whether she should be the next Secretary of State. Even those who might have supported her are floating other names.
- Why Obama is pushing for stimulus in 'fiscal cliff' deal
President Obama's opening offer in 'fiscal cliff' talks includes $255 billion in stimulus spending – tax cuts, incentives, and more. It could be a bargaining ploy or a bid to offset rising taxes on the rich.