Time Is Now

Submitted by Kelsey McLaughlin on August 4, 2012
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Problem-Solver's Daily
Congressional Gridlock
Rep. Himes
Fiscal Cliff

TIME IS NOW: With what’s coming in the next few months -- a divisive election, lame-duck session of Congress, fiscal cliff woes -- many take it for granted that Congress will not get anything done. But Rep. Himes argues that the deadlines coming on December 31, 2012 should offer an impetus for action. While he agrees it is unlikely that a grand bargain will be made before the election, he is hopeful that a bipartisan deal can be made in the lame-duck session based on the Simpson-Bowles recommendations: Ken Borsuk for The Greenwich Post: Himes: Time to act on reform is now

CREATE JOBS: “In most polls these days, Americans cite the lack of jobs as the No. 1 problem. President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney claim to know how to fix it. But win or lose, neither is likely to see his ideas fully put into practice,” state the editors of Bloomberg.com. Because elections no longer provide one party with the ability to push their agenda through, our lawmakers in Washington must work across-the-aisle to find solutions: Bloomberg.com: ‘Show Me Your Compromise’ Should Be Voters’ Rallying Cry

FALLING OFF THE CLIFF: Congress is “kicking the can” to avoid “falling off the cliff” at the end of this year. But it’s just not enough. Congress just failed to save the postal service from defaulting on its payments, the first time in history the U.S. mail system has not been able to meet its financial obligations. And America expects so little from Congress, people are settling for this inaction: Gail Collins for The New York Times: Congress Goes Postal

MORE JOBS, MORE UNEMPLOYMENT: Jobs grew more than expected in July, but unemployment ticked upward to 8.3%. These stats -- one good, one bad -- provide fodder for both presidential campaigns. While President Obama touts the 163,000 added jobs as a mark of an improving economy, former Governor Romney argues that increased unemployment means the economy is getting worse: Patrick Reis for POLITICO: Jobs numbers better than expected

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STAT OF THE DAY: With Senator Mike Enzi signing on to the No Budget, No Pay Act, the bill currently has 12 cosponsors in the Senate and 78 in the House, for a total of 90 cosponsors. He is also the final member of the Wyoming congressional delegation (also including John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis) to sign on.

 

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