“The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States…” ­­ — Article I of the U.S. Constitution     The Constitution makes clear that Congress approves the federal budget and […]

  After late-night drama and a nine-hour floor speech by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries—the longest in the chamber’s history—Republicans fulfilled President Trump’s wish to have the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, on his desk by July 4. The final version, crafted by the Senate, shreds the social safety net while adding at least $3.3 trillion to […]

  The GOP-led Congress is frantic to fulfill President Trump’s wish to have the budget reconciliation bill on his desk by July 4. The Senate modified some provisions of the bill passed by the House just before Memorial Day. But the core purpose is unchanged: more tax breaks for the ultra-rich, less support for children […]