Todays news from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.): Watch Out, 1%: Republicans are pitching massive spending reductions, including cuts to Social Security, in ongoing negotiations over the government shutdown and debt ceiling. Sen. Bernie Sanders said reforms are needed to extend Social Securitys long-term solvency. “The answer is, to my mind, you end the absurdity that somebody who is making $100 million a year pays into the system the same as someone making $113,000, Sanders told Mary Kissel in a Wall Street Journal video interview. “So if you’re in the top 1 percent, watch out,” she concluded. Still No Deal: President Barack Obama on Friday began working aggressively with House and Senate Republicans to shape a deal to raise the debt ceiling and fully reopen the federal government, signaling a quickening pace in discussions to end a political stalemate that risks a U.S. debt crisis. The White House rejected a core part of a proposal from House Republican leaders that would extend the nations borrowing authority for six weeks if the president committed to deficit-reduction negotiations. Instead, Mr. Obama signaled that he wants a deal that raises the debt ceiling for a longer period and creates a longer-term forum for budget talks, The Wall Street Journal reported. Reid Pans Six-Week Deal: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has rejected the House Republican proposal for a six-week increase in the debt limit, The Hill reported. We do not believe a six-week delay of a catastrophic default is enough time to give the economy the confidence it needs, Reid said on Friday. 2 States Plan 2-Tier System for Balloting: Barred by the Supreme Court from requiring proof of citizenship for federal elections, Arizona is complying — but setting up a separate registration system for local and state elections that will demand such proof. The state this week joined Kansas in planning for such a two-tiered voting system, which could keep thousands of people from participating in state and local elections, including next year’s critical cycle, when top posts in both states will be on the ballot,The New York Times reported. Continue reading here: sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/newswatch/101213
Posted on: Sat, 12 Oct 2013 13:28:04 +0000