News
Politico | Senate restores nearly $6 billion for agencies targeted by House
A draft Senate bill would restore close to $6 billion for environmental, arts and Western lands agencies targeted for deep appropriations cuts under the House Republican alternative.
CNN Money | Washington's budget brawl: 8 things you need to know
When Congress returns from its five-week summer break in September, lawmakers will face some make-or-break fiscal issues that they have once again left to the last minute.
Blogs
WSJ | Furloughed Fed Workers Boost Underemployment
The number of federal employees working part time but who would prefer full-time jobs more than tripled in the past year, a figure that shows the underlying effect of across-the-board budget cuts on the labor market.
CATO | Now Let’s Try Real Student Aid Reform
The U.S. Senate and House have passed a student loan bill President Obama will almost certainly sign. Bipartisanship lives! But don’t get too excited. Heck, don’t get excited at all: The bill will only deliver minor tweaks to a system that needs elimination, not a screw or two turned a little harder.
WSJ | Vital Signs Chart: Incomes Still 8% Below 2002 Peak
U.S. incomes remain far below prerecession levels. Real median household income rose a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in June from May, according to a study of census data.
CATO | Grand Bargains and Budget Battles
The “Grand Bargain” refers to a yet-to-be-realized agreement between Republicans and Democrats to put the federal government’s finances on a more stable trajectory in which both sides capitulate on long-standing policy positions.
