Blog
Welcome to our blog – The Bottom Line, where you’ll find up-to-date commentary and analysis on the most important news in the fiscal world. Below is a list of our blog posts.
One Stimulus Bill Passes--But Not the One You're Thinking
With much of the nation's attention focused on President Obama's oil spill address and much of the fiscal policy universe focused on the extenders...
Update: So How Much Does This Bill Cost Now?
The Senate released yet another version of the tax extenders and social safety net bill (The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 - H.R...
The Debt Buy-Down Act
Senator John McCain has introduced the Debt Buy-Down Act of 2010. A variation of this bill has been introduced in several previous Congresses (102nd...
“Doc Fix” Puts Congress in a Fix
The debate that won’t end drags on in the Senate as legislation to extend tax breaks, expanded unemployment insurance and the Medicare “doc fix” didn...
Coordinating Stimulus and Consolidation
The Wall Street Journal points out that deficit aversion is coming to Washington at a bad time. Just as lawmakers are looking to provide an extra kick...
Senate Seeks to Terminate Extenders Debate
The Senate will seek an end to the extended debate over tax extenders legislation tomorrow with a cloture vote on HR 4213 even though it is not clear...
Larry Summers Joins the Announcement Effect Club
Larry Summers, top economic advisor to President Obama, joined the Announcement Effect Club after remarks on a few occasions. First, in a speech at...
‘Line’ Items: World Cup Edition
“Beautiful Game”and Not-So-Pretty Agenda – Add soccer to all the other distractions in Washington as lawmakers face a packed agenda. With the World...
Credibility Is Key in Crafting Stimulus
Over the weekend, the President sent a letter to the Hill urging Congress to pass new stimulus measures. As we have written, we think the costs of...
Default in 2011?
Bruce Bartlett posits an interesting scenario for when debt default could occur in the US: next year. Before the panic sets in, we should clarify. He...
The Swiss Version of a Balanced Budget Amendment
As part of a celebration of Albert Gallatin's upcoming 250th birthday the Swiss Embassy held a panel discussing the Swiss federal government's "debt...
MARKETWATCH: June 11, 2010
U.S. financial markets this week have continued to be dominated by global capital seeking a safe haven in U.S. Treasury instruments, as the eurozone...