Capital Insider

NATO, Afghanistan, and the future of U.S. support

George Jackson — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

President Obama closed the NATO Summit in Chicago by emphasizing the end of a decade-long war in Afghanistan. Concerns going forward include troop numbers and ongoing financial support for Afghan security forces.

Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer (U.S. Army Reserve) discussed the future of our role in Afghanistan on Capital Insider.

House GOP to release details on health care investigation

George Jackson — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

House Republicans have been investigating what they call "secret deals" between the White House and the pharmaceutical industry during negotiations leading up to the health care overhaul. They say President Obama made promises to industry lobbyists to accomplish the Affordable Care Act despite campaign promises to be transparent.

The White House calls the investigation a distraction from real issues -- like jobs -- but promised to comply with requests for information.

CQ Roll Call Staff Writer Jonathan Strong discussed the issue on Capital Insider.

Senate committee hearing will detail Secret Service investigation

George Jackson — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

On Wednesday, the Senate Homeland Security Committee will take a close look at the prostitution scandal in Catagena Columbia. The Secret Service dismissed nine agents and cleared three others of serious misconduct after a night of drinking and interaction with about 20 prostitutes just before President Obama's arrival for the Summit of the Americas.

The unprecedented security breach happened last month.

Washington Post Columnist Joe Davidson offered perspective ahead of Wednesday's meeting on Capital Insider.

Putin skips G8, viewed as snub

George Jackson — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the G8 Summit this weekend, a move widely viewed as a snub of President Obama. Some say it signals a shift in the relationship between the two super powers. Putin, who won a third term this year, sent former president and current Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in his place.

Dr. Gene Novikov, co-author of the forthcoming book Re-thinking the Reset Button: Can We Trust Vladimir Putin's Russia? discussed the relationship on Capital Insider.

Sammies Finalist Michelle Bernier-Toth

George Jackson — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

The Partnership for Public Service, a locally-based non-profit organization, announced 33 finalists this month for the Service to America Medals. The "Sammies" honor federal workers who have shown a commitment to public service and who have made the agency they work for stronger.

Michelle Bernier-Toth, managing director of overseas citizens services at the State Department, is a finalist for the 2012 National Security and International Affair Medal. She discussed her work with Capital Insider.

That was the week that was

George Jackson — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

This weekend's G8 Summit and this week's NATO meeting could generate changes in worldwide fiscal policy.

Currently, the U.S. and Germany find themselves on opposite sides of the fiscal divide. President Obama supports measures designed to stimulate economic growth, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel champions austerity.

The G8's course of action could determine the future of the European Union and echo on the Presidential campaign trail.

Republican Strategist Jack Burkman and Democratic Strategist Richard Fowler discussed that and other issues on Capital Insider.

Showdown over Violence Against Women Act

George Jackson — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:45:00 EST

House Republicans set up a showdown with the Senate and President Obama over legislation to protect women from domestic violence. The House vote 222 to 205 on Wednesday to reauthorize the 1994 Violence Against Women Act for another five years.

The Senate took similar action already.

Still, big differences remain and advocacy groups say the House bill doesn't go far enough.

Erin Matson, Vice President of the National Organization for Women, discussed the issue on Capital Insider.

U.S. and China pledge cyber cooperation

George Jackson — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

Cybersecurity concerns brought the world's two biggest economies together this week. Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie made a rare public appearance with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. They pledged cooperation in the field of cyberwarfare.

Col. Cedric Leighton (U.S. Air Force, ret.) discussed the implications of the visit on Capital Insider.

Tax Insider: Ex-Im Bank, MEADS, and the NatGas Act

George Jackson — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

In a rare show of congressional bipartisanship, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to renew the charter of the Export-Import Bank for another three years. The bill also raises that agency's lending cap from $100 billion to $140 billion. The measure now heads to President Obama and he's expected to sign it.

Taxpayers Protection Alliance President David Williams discussed that and other issues on Capital Insider.

LSU professor: "Fed's inflationary bias fuels energy costs"

George Jackson — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The price of oil dropped to a six-month low this week. Speculators are concerned economic uncertainty in Europe could hurt demand for crude. In the U.S., gas prices have been flat -- about $3.73 a gallon according to AAA. That's down more than 20 cents from early April.

Will that trend continue? And can the federal government do anything to help?

LSU Finance Professor Joseph Mason discussed the issue on Capital Insider.

Senators push for swift action on 2012 farm bill

George Jackson — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

The current farm bill doesn't expire until the end of September, but public anticipation continues to mount. Action on the 2012 farm bill could be only weeks away.

Currently, a bi-partisan group of 44 senators asked top leaders to act quickly on the half-trillion dollar bill. It would cut spending by $25 billion over the coming decade -- slashing subsidy payments in favor of new crop insurance programs.

Taxpayers for Common Sense Vice President Steve Ellis followed the money for Capital Insider.

Realtors to stress home ownership during Washington rally

George Jackson — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The National Association of Realtors estimates 10,000 members will participate in a rally this Thursday at the base of the Washington Monument. They want Congress to know how much home ownership impacts the economic recovery process.

There are signs of hope on the horizon. The housing market seems to be rebounding and the average income for real estate agents also rose last year. The 2.3-percent increase was the first gain in nine years.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yoon offered a detailed look at the real estate industry on Capital Insider.

Big companies in big trouble

George Jackson — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon continues to play clean-up days after acknowledging a $2 billion trading mistake. On Sunday, he accepted blame during a TV interview. On Monday, JPMorgan said goodbye to a top executive. On Tuesday, Dimon faced another harsh audience -- company shareholders.

For the latest on that and other big business blunders, Capital Insider spoke with Washington Post Financial Reporter Ylan Mui.

East Coast anti-missile site indicative of larger budget impasse

George Jackson — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The House is expected to vote this week on this year's defense policy bill. Republicans want to add to the overall defense budget and offset the increases largely by reducing spending on domestic programs for the poor.

CQ Roll Call's John Donnelly outlined one proposal included in the defense policy bill -- $100 million for an anti-missile site on the East Coast -- with Capital Insider.

"That was the week that was"

George Jackson — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney finds himself dogged on the campaign trail by allegations of bad behavior in high school -- roughly 50 years ago.

Romney spent the weekend in Charlotte, N.C. and Lynchburg Va. Trying to get back on message. His speech at Liberty University drew a sharp contrast with President Obama days after Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage.

Republican Strategist Jack Burkman and Democratic Strategist Erikka Knuti discussed bullying allegations and other issues on Capital Insider.

Sammies finalist created National Disaster Medical System

George Jackson — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The Partnership for Public Service, a non-profit based in Washington, announced 33 finalists for the Service to America Medals. The 'Sammies' honor federal employees who have shown a commitment to public service and made the government they work for stronger.

Dr. H. Allen Dobbs, chief medical officer for the National Disaster Medical System at the Department of Health and Human Services, is a finalist for the Career Achievement Medal. He spoke about his work on Capital Insider.

The importance of Public Service Recognition Week

George Jackson — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

After a spending scandal at the General Services Administration, Secret Service shenanigans in Columbia, and calls in Congress for pay cuts, federal employees could use a break.

Enter 'Public Service Recognition Week,' a time when the leaders of federal agencies are asked to pat their staff on the back. Tom Fox, Federal Coach columnist for the Washington Post, discussed the importance on Capital Insider.

Federal inmate wins 4 of 10 votes in W.Va. democratic primary

George Jackson — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The focus of presidential politics has moved to general election style campaign stops by GOP Candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama, but primaries in some states are still underway.

That was the case in West Virginia this week. The results of their democratic presidential primary might surprise you. Four in ten voters preferred Keith Judd, a federal inmate, over Obama.

David Cantanese, author of the blog 'Essential Intelligence from the Campaign Trail' on Politico.com, discussed the results on Capital Insider.

Three in four federal agencies report IT concerns for financial reporting

George Jackson — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Over the past six years, the number of cybersecurity incidents reported by federal agencies has increased 680 percent. Greg Wilshusen, director of information security issues at the Government Accountability Office, discussed the results of a new study on Capital Insider.

Economic turmoil in Europe threatens U.S. stability

George Jackson — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

National Security depends, in large part, on the economy. Troubling new factors overseas could impact markets in the United States. England is in a recession, France is in political turmoil, and Greece is fighting austerity measures. Col. Douglas MacGregor (U.S. Army, ret.) discussed those issues on Capital Insider.

Senate extends congressional stalemate over student loans

George Jackson — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

The student loan rate issue has been one of President Obama's favorites on the campaign trail this month. He turned to it again on Tuesday during a visit to State University of New York in Albany.

"Before they do anything else, Congress needs to keep student loan rates from doubling for students who are here and all across the country," Obama said.

The Senate did not heed those words and voted largely along party lines against starting debate on legislation drafted by the Democrats. If the stalemate continues, students will pay the price this July.

CQ Roll Call Education Reporter Lauren Smith offered analysis on Capital Insider.

FCC and incentive auctions of wireless spectrum

George Jackson — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

In February of 2011, President Obama announced an initiative to expand wireless coverage to 98-percent of Americans. He called for major investments including $5 billion for rural broadband, $3 billion for wireless innovation, and more than $10 billion for a wireless public safety network.

Fmr. Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), now with Sidley Austin in Washington, discussed U.S. progress on Capital Insider.

CIA prevents new underwear bomb plot

George Jackson — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

The CIA has prevented what they called an ambitious plot by Al Qaeda's affiliate in Yemen. The plot was an upgrade of the underwear bomb that failed to detonate on an airliner over Detroit in December of 2009.

The new bomb was also designed to be used in a passenger's underwear. U.S. Officials say Al Qaeda developed a more refined detonation system.

The FBI has examined the device to see if it could pass through airport security systems. The device did not contain metal, but it's not clear whether or not it could be detected by new body scanners.

Officials said the would-be bomber had yet to pick a target, buy a plane ticket, let alone enter a U.S. airport before officials seized the bomb. They have assured the public it poses no threat. No changes have been made to airport security procedures.

Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer offered analysis on Capital Insider.

Same-sex marriage, DOMA, and federal workers' rights

George Jackson — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:45:00 EST

President Obama's election-year position on gay marriage came under new scrutiny on Monday -- following mixed signals from top members of his administration.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan broke rank, stating his support for same-sex marriage one day after Vice President Joe Biden did the same on national television.

Obama aides say the remarks signal individual viewpoints and his position is "evolving."

Joe Davidson, Federal Diary columnist for the Washington Post, offered analysis on the civil rights debate and how it applies to federal workers.

'That was the week that was'

George Jackson — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:15:00 EST

Last week, the Washington Post released a new poll, showing President Barack Obama with a seven-point lead over likely GOP Nominee Mitt Romney in Virginia. That's the same margin Obama enjoyed in 2008. Democratic Strategist Richard Fowler and Republican Strategist Mercedes Schlapp discussed on whether or not Romney can close the gap and other trending political topics on Capital Insider.