Deficit reduction in the United States

Latest figures say U.S. deficit declining, economy improving

Global Politics

The latest economic data for the United States is encouraging. The budget deficit is declining, consumer spending is picking up and the government is collecting more in taxes. But there’s the possibility this good news could leave the U.S. in a worse position in the long run.

Debt ceiling outcome’s effect on the middle-class

The World

President Obama Unveils Smaller Military

Global Politics

Top of the Hour: Obama to Unveil Deficit Reduction Plan, Morning Headlines

CBO: Reid Plan Will Reduce Deficit by $2.2 Trillion

Judging Obama’s Deficit Reduction Plan

President Barack Obama outlined a comprehensive plan on Wednesday to reduce the nation’s looming deficit by $4 trillion over the next 12 years. His plan, which includes tax increases for the wealthy, changes to social welfare programs and long-term spending cuts, was offered as a Democratic alternative to the proposal put forward by Rep. Paul […]

The World

Carbon emissions cap is among the creative ways to pay for government spending

Global Politics

Among the more creative ways the White House plans to pay for its spending is a carbon emissions cap that the President says will produce $150 billion. The money would finance renewable energy projects and pay for middle-class tax credits.

The World

International reaction to Obama budget

Global Politics

Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with MIT economist Simon Johnson about what’s in President Obama’s proposed budget — and what it says to the world about U.S. priorities.

Top of the Hour: Budget Fight Begins, Morning Headlines

The federal deficit is $1.4 trillion. The national debt registers $14 trillion. Republicans believe they were elected to cut spending and to do that immediately. But what will they choose to cut from the budget? We take a look.

Facing the Big Bad Budget

Global Politics

Joining us to discuss potential budget cuts is Gus Faucher, an economist with Moody’s Analytics, who says that while there is no long term fiscal gain without short term pain, the proposed cuts in discretionary spending are just a drop in the bucket.