May 08 Watch Legislative Bid to Buoy Slumping U.S. Housing Sector Meets Debate Amid a continuing U.S. economic downturn, Capitol Hill lawmakers have been debating how to effectively provide relief for the housing crisis. Two members of Congress discuss their positions on the housing bill and how to best revive a slumping housing… Continue watching
May 02 Watch New Federal Rules Target Deceptive Credit Card Practices The Federal Reserve proposed new credit card regulations Friday in response to growing rancor over credit practices that are widely regarded as unfair and deceptive. Robin Farzad of BusinessWeek Magazine explains the details and possible effects. Continue watching
Apr 24 U.S. to Illustrate N. Korea-Syria Nuclear Ties By PBS News Hour CIA Director Michael Hayden and other intelligence officials are briefing House and Senate members Thursday on classified evidence linking North Korea to a Syrian nuclear facility that Israel bombed in September 2007. Continue reading
Apr 07 Watch President Bush, Congress Clash Over Colombia Trade Deal President Bush announced Monday that he would send a free trade agreement between the U.S. and Colombia to Congress for approval. While the White House urged swift action, Democrats raised concerns over anti-union violence in Colombia and the deal's impact… Continue watching
Feb 15 Watch Congressmen Debate Renewal of Warrantless Surveillance Law After a standoff with House Republicans and President Bush, the Democratic-led House failed to extend a warrantless terrorist eavesdropping program Friday. Congressmen Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., offer two views on the divisive surveillance law. Continue watching
Feb 13 How can such enormous debt be sustainable and what happens to the world economy if the U.S. defaults? By Business Desk Question/Comment: I am a Canadian. Unfortunately, 87 percent of our trade is with America. Consequently, U.S. recessions are felt more deeply in Canada. However, my questions are about the American debt. My understanding is that the debt could reach $10… Continue reading
Jan 09 I think Congress needs tighter control over the credit card industry. As this ‘bQandA evolves, I’ve taken to asking real economists (i.e., ones with Ph.D.s) to read both your questions and my answers, and comment on any or all of them. This installment’s “guest vetter” is Martin Neil Baily, now with… Continue reading
Dec 05 Watch House Considers Changes to Media-Ownership Rules The House Telecommunications and Internet Subcommittee heard testimony on Wednesday from top FCC officials on whether media companies should be permitted to own both a newspaper and a broadcast station in the same market. The NewsHour reports on the proposed… Continue watching
Nov 15 Watch Bush Announces Plan to Reduce Air Travel Delays President Bush announced new plans Thursday to minimize air travel delays and improve airline security. Two reporters assess the latest developments in the travel industry. Continue watching
Sep 28 Watch Congress Moves SCHIP Forward; GOP Debates Minority Issues The showdown between Congress and President Bush over the State Children's Health Insurance Program intensified, while a handful of Republican presidential hopefuls talked about minority issues during a debate on Thursday. Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the… Continue watching