Author Archive

Chris Frates

Oversight

With Fiscal Fights Looming, Can Simpson-Bowles Group Get Congress to Move?

Fix the Debt effort has the cash to make campaigns difficult for uncompromising members.

Oversight

Senate Republicans Prepare for Coming Fiscal Showdown

Mitch McConnell's team is selling his role as GOP dealmaker.

Oversight

Nuclear Crisis Averted, Senate Begins Clearing Obama Nominees

Senate approves Cordray for consumer bureau; votes on Labor and EPA nominees expected this week.

Oversight

Senate Agrees to Up-or-Down Votes for Obama Nominees, Avoids 'Nuclear Option'

Deal paves way for vote on CFPB nominee Richard Cordray.

Defense

GOP Not Backing Down on Border Security in Immigration Bill

Republicans insist something’s needed on security to get their support for reform.

Management

Don't Expect Any Backroom Deals on Sequester -- For Now

Congress now likely to address fiscal situation through regular legislative process.

Oversight

Once unthinkable, severe spending cuts now seem plausible

Senators increasingly see sequester as the best deal either side can get.

Oversight

House GOP seeing sequester, not debt ceiling, as fight to pick

'Sometimes you’ve got to lay down a sacrifice bunt,' says Rep. Dennis Ross.

Oversight

Here's what's in the fiscal cliff deal

From tax hikes to a two-month delay in sequestration.

Management

Cliff deal would extend tax cuts for households up to $450,000

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and Vice President Joe Biden work to craft last-minute agreement to prevent tax hikes.

Oversight

Fiscal cliff negotiations: A slow-motion car wreck?

The best chance for a deal seems to lay with Senate leaders of both parties.

Oversight

Why a fiscal cliff deal is still possible

The best time to negotiate may be when the Capitol is empty.

Oversight

Democrats dodge questions on spending cuts

Obama’s plan calls for $1.2 trillion in reductions, including a switch to the chained CPI.

Oversight

Can Boehner sell the GOP on Obama's new fiscal cliff offer?

Rank-and-file reaction will determine the speaker's leeway to cut a deal.

Oversight

Majority leader expects Senate back Dec. 26

Legislative leaders often use the threat of holiday week sessions to force action.