Budget Debate

Rep. Ryan's War on Seniors

Eric Griego | Posted 05.09.2012

Eric Griego

Paul Ryan's budget -- which the House passed -- proposed drastic cuts to two programs that can literally mean life and death for America's most vulnerable citizens -- Social Security and Medicare.

No Work, No Pay

Ami Bera, MD | Posted 04.28.2012

Ami Bera, MD

If Americans struggling to make ends meet can make tough decisions to balance their books, why can't Congress?

Re-Thinking Old Age: In the National Interest

Michael Hodin | Posted 05.24.2012

Michael Hodin

As Americans live longer is it any wonder the country is struggling to balance its budget? Is it any wonder we can't figure out how to pay for long-standing "entitlements"?

Budget Cannot Be Balanced on the Backs of America's Most Vulnerable People

Mike King | Posted 10.16.2011

Mike King

Many older people have no one to care for them. As head of an organization that provides health care and housing to low-income seniors, I take very seriously the reality that for many vulnerable Americans, we have become their family.

Our National Dark Night Of The Soul

Lisa Sharon Harper | Posted 10.16.2011

Lisa Sharon Harper

We are a nation woven together by eclectic threads of common faith in the truth that all people are created equal. Again and again, our darkest hours have come when elements within our own national body have tested this faith.

Balancing The Budget Debate With Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries

Christine A. Scheller | Posted 10.04.2011

Christine A. Scheller

There is a human story behind every item in the federal budget, and if you don't balance your fiscal prudence with humane values, then you'll do what my grandmother used to say: you'll cut off your nose to spite your face.

The Moral Default

Jim Wallis | Posted 10.03.2011

Jim Wallis

The debate we have just witnessed has shown Washington, D.C. not just to be broken, but corrupt. The American people are disgusted watching politicians play political chicken with the nation's economy and future. In such a bitter and unprincipled atmosphere, whoever has the political clout to enforce their self-interest and retain their privileges wins the battles. But there are two casualties in such political warfare: the common good and the most vulnerable.

The Idolatry Of Political Ideology vs. The Budgetary Wisdom Of Faith

Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. | Posted 09.27.2011

Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr.

Pledges to political principles have taken on the aura of confessions of faith. But Democrats and Republicans could find a way beyond the present impasse if they would just take seriously two principles.

Will Politicians Listen to Pastors?

Jim Wallis | Posted 09.13.2011

Jim Wallis

Our country is in the midst of a clash between two competing moral visions, between those who believe in the common good, and those who believe individual good is the only good. It's time our leaders in Washington listen to someone other then themselves.

What's the Real Relationship Between Taxes and Jobs?

Paul Tullis | Posted 09.12.2011

Paul Tullis

What's the effect of tax cuts for the rich on job creation? The Congressional Budget Office says little to none.

Growing Economic Inequality the Root Cause of Economic Stagnation

Robert Creamer | Posted 09.10.2011

Robert Creamer

Growing economic inequality as we have had in America for the past three decades directly impacts million of lives and destroys millions of dreams. It's not just about economic policy. It's about right and wrong.

Look to '94 Crime Bill to Solve Budget Crisis

Jim Kessler | Posted 08.16.2011

Jim Kessler

Just as a major deal on an anti-crime package seemed improbable then, a major deal on the budget seems a pipe dream today.

GOP Plans to Demand Mandatory Cuts in Social Security, Medicare as Price for Debt Ceiling

Robert Creamer | Posted 07.04.2011

Robert Creamer

It is increasingly clear that the Republicans will demand mandatory cuts in Social Security and Medicare as a price for increasing the debt ceiling later this spring. They just won't say it in those terms.

Bryan Maygers

'Go Through Us First': Christian Leaders Draw Line On Budget Cuts

HuffingtonPost.com | Bryan Maygers | Posted 06.27.2011

A broad coalition of Christian leaders has announced a new "Circle of Protection" to formalize their opposition to governmental budget cuts that would...

Religious Themes In The Budget Debate

Brad Reid | Posted 06.20.2011

Brad Reid

Our modern questions about the role of government and the allocation of social resources are truly ancient questions that are not resolved by sound bites on television.

How Obama Seized the Political High Ground in Budget War

Robert Creamer | Posted 06.14.2011

Robert Creamer

Washington conventional wisdom has convinced itself that Obama has been on the losing end of the budget debate. But with his speech yesterday, Obama seized the high political ground that will heavily define his second two years in office.

Budget Deal Vote Thursday, Boehner Tries To Keep GOP Together

AP/The Huffington Post | Posted 06.14.2011

ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press WASHINGTON - The House and Senate are ready to vote on legislation cutting almost $40 billion from the budget for t...

Obama's Deficits: Progressive Priorities, Conservative Context

Robert L. Borosage | Posted 06.13.2011

Robert L. Borosage

Given the rumors floated by administration spokesmen, many progressives were pleased by Obama's speech. But it is worth understanding just how conservative this debate has become -- and how far the president has retreated.

Taxation WITH Representation Isn't Too Great These Days

Tom Gerdy | Posted 06.12.2011

Tom Gerdy

Twenty-five years before the Revolutionary War began, Reverend Jonathan Mayhew was credited for having coined the rallying cry, "No taxation without r...

Needed: Prophetic Voices For A Just Economy

Ryan J. Bell | Posted 06.11.2011

Ryan J. Bell

I'm afraid we've learned nothing from the collapse of 2008 and the slow erosion of the middle class. Maybe tomorrow, I'll read up on the new budget agreement. But today, I want to weep and repent.

'Neither Party Can Solve The Budget Dilemma Alone'

nationaljournal.com | By Eliza Newlin Carney | Posted 06.09.2011

The sweeping budget blueprint that House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., released this week marked the fifth time since 1980 that Republi...

The Spiritually Viral Hunger Fast

Jim Wallis | Posted 06.08.2011

Jim Wallis

The hunger fast for a moral budget has gone spiritually viral. Ten days ago, we announced that the budget debate had become a moral crisis. We now have more than 30,000 participants and are still growing.

Sam Stein

Allen West Compares Dem Critics Of One-Week Funding Measure To Neville Chamberlain

HuffingtonPost.com | Sam Stein | Posted 06.07.2011

WASHINGTON -- No shortage of hyperbole has accompanied the ongoing budget debates threatening to end in a government shutdown this week. And the perpe...

John Boehner, Harry Reid Meeting With Obama At White House As Government Shutdown Looms

AP | Posted 06.07.2011

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says another round of talks with congressional leaders has helped but there is no deal yet to avert a govern...

A Look At Effects Of Government Shutdown

AP/The Huffington Post | Posted 06.07.2011

A look at how key government sectors would be affected if the White House and congressional negotiators are unable to strike a budget deal by Friday: ...