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January 31, 2008

2008 Medicare Debate: Savings and Performance on the Line

Congress this year should focus on long-term fiscal savings and performance solutions, writes Karen Davenport.

January 31, 2008

Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit 101

The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are valuable tools for reducing poverty. What are they, and how can we improve their effectiveness?

January 31, 2008

Strengthening Our Economy: Foreclosure Prevention and Neighborhood Preservation

CAP's Michael Barr testifies before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on a plan to deal with the housing crisis.

January 31, 2008

Your Government: Access Denied

The Bush administration takes one step forward and two steps back in transparency, making it harder for reporter watchdogs everywhere.

January 31, 2008

Addressing Foreclosures: A Great American Dream Neighborhood Stabilization Plan

David Abromowitz presents the Great American Neighborhood Stabilization Plan to address the glut of foreclosed properties across the country.

January 30, 2008

Remembering the Forgotten War in Afghanistan

A new independent study concludes that Afghanistan is descending into violence and risks becoming a failed state.

January 30, 2008

Bush Ignores Promise One Day After State of the Union

Derailing or delaying model carbon capture and sequestration project would be a blow to the task of addressing global warming, writes Robert Sussman.

January 30, 2008

Alarming GDP Growth Figures: Housing Crisis Puts Economy on the Skids

Accelerating problems in housing markets reverberate across the economy, writes Christian E. Weller, making a stimulus package imperative.

January 30, 2008

Developing State Solar Photovoltaic Markets

Report outlines four key strategies for ensuring wide-scale deployment of established solar technologies, and how states can lead the charge.

January 29, 2008

Abeyi: Sudan's "Kashmir"

This oil-rich region of Sudan is one of the most potent of tripwires in all of Sudan, write Roger Winter and John Prendergast.

January 29, 2008

Playing Politics with Intelligence: Bush Puts Security at Risk

Congress should be able to extend the Protect America Act until a more measured and responsible alternative can be put in place, writes Mark Agrast.

January 29, 2008

Quick Action For Housing Crisis: Market Indicators Are Tumbling

The latest data shows that homeowners and neighborhoods need targeted federal help now, write David Abromowitz and Andrew Jakabovics.

January 29, 2008

The Flashing Light on America’s Dashboard

The decline in basic scientific research in the United States is verifiable, writes Tom Kalil, but easily reversible with the right set of policies in place.

January 29, 2008

Bush v. Reality: Speech Obscures His Real Record on Energy

Daniel J. Weiss compares Bush’s statements on energy and climate change in last night’s State of the Union to the administration’s abysmal record.

January 28, 2008

What's Your Problem?

What’s your problem? Email us at miccheck@americanprogressaction.org and join the conversation.

January 28, 2008

Healthy Stimulus

Jeanne Lambrew explains why the Senate should include temporary support for states’ health programs as part of economic stimulus.

January 28, 2008

A Dysfunctional Health Care System

What should we expect on health care in Bush's State of the Union address, and what should our health care focus be in the coming year?

January 28, 2008

Policy for the Next President: Fair Trade or Free Trade

January 28, 2008

We’ve Got 99 Problems, But A Human-Animal Hybrid Ain’t One

As Bush’s days of power draw to a close, one thing is clear: We’ve got a lot more problems now than we did seven years ago. Read MicCheck Radio's list of 99 of them.

January 28, 2008

End Pet Projects: Earmarks are a Presidential Problem, Too

Stop spending on pet projects at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, writes Scott Lilly, beginning with executive branch.

January 28, 2008

The State of Latinos in the Union

A by the numbers look at the disproportionate setbacks that Latinos have faced during the Bush White House’s tenure.

January 28, 2008

No Virtue in Necessity: Bush Misleads on Troop Withdrawals

The president claims troop withdrawals indicate success. In fact, they leave out of necessity, exposing how the surge leaves us less safe.

January 27, 2008

Effective Cap-and-Trade System Requires Credit Auction

Experts say auction would foster green job growth, offset higher energy prices, and fund R&D in alternative energy sources and technology.

January 25, 2008

House Embraces Poverty Goal

Citing CAP Poverty Task Force report, House passes resolution supporting the goal of cutting poverty in half in the next 10 years.

January 25, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: A Nation of Unhappy Campers

Bush may want to tout Iraq and the economy in Monday’s State of the Union, but the public has a different opinion about his success—or lack thereof.

January 24, 2008

Presidential Roadblock: Sorely Needed Economic Stimulus Package Leaves Many Americans Out in the Cold

Congress must look immediately beyond the stimulus package to a more fundamental recovery plan for the American economy.

January 24, 2008

New Regulations Fail to Address Security, Privacy

New ID regulations will change driver’s licenses while putting millions of Americans’ personal information at risk.

January 24, 2008

U.S. Moves Closer Toward Economic Stimulus Plan

January 24, 2008

Clock Ticks on Two Time Bombs: Attacks in Iraq Raise Questions about Surge

Police chief murder and attacks against Sunnis undermine President Bush’s claim that the surge in Iraq has “worked.”

January 24, 2008

Think Again: Fool Me 936 Times

The Bush administration’s 935 demonstrably false statements in the lead up to Iraq should give reporters pause when covering Iran.

January 24, 2008

Lofty Rhetoric on Energy

What should we expect on energy and global warming in Bush's State of the Union address? And what should our energy focus be in the coming year?

January 24, 2008

Iraq Benchmark Report Card

On the one year anniversary of President Bush’s "New Way Forward in Iraq" address, it is clear that the surge has failed to meet its objectives.

January 23, 2008

New Study Finds Bush Administration Officials Made Hundreds of False Statements About Iraq

A new study from two journalism nonprofits counts false statements Bush administration officials made in the lead-up to the Iraq war.

January 23, 2008

Green-Collar Jobs Means Standing Up for People and the Planet

It is great that our leaders are offering a better future. But as this green-collar job train begins to leave the station, it is time to confirm the destination.

January 23, 2008

Getting Serious About Renewing and Modernizing Public Education

January 23, 2008

The mortgage crisis and the rise in foreclosures nationwide have left the American dream in tatters and may be sparking a recession. Yet a fast-growing form of housing—the community land trust—has become a virtually foreclosure-free safe harbor. One of the best examples of this fresh approach to putting a roof over people's heads is in Boston.

January 23, 2008

Progressive Film at the Oscars

Five out of 12 films screened in 2007 by Reel Progress, CAP's progressive film series, have been nominated for Academy Awards. See what they are.

January 23, 2008

America in the 21st Century

Hachigian and Sutphen speak about their new book, The Next American Century, at a CAP event.

January 23, 2008

Cap, Auction, and Trade: Allowance Auctions and Revenue Recycling Under Carbon Cap-and-Trade

Podesta testifies before the House Select Committee for Energy Independence and Global Warming on carbon cap and trade.

January 23, 2008

First, Kill All the School Boards

When you look at what local control of education has wrought, the conclusion is inescapable: we must carry Mann’s insights to their logical end and nationalize our schools, to some degree. But before delving into the details of why and how, let’s back up for a moment and consider what brought us to this pass.

January 23, 2008

Solving the Housing Crisis: Key Legislator Embraces CAP Plan

The Senate Banking Committee chairman unveils Federal Homeownership Preservation Corp, a plan based on CAP proposal.

January 22, 2008

Economic Incompetence: Bush Stimulus Package Misses the Point as Markets Plunge

Global market meltdown highlights lack of economic competence in the White House, says Christian E. Weller.

January 22, 2008

<i>Roe v. Wade</i>: The Next 35 Years

Our world is changing, and we must take the time now to determine what the right to choose means in the 21st century, writes Jessica Arons.

January 22, 2008

This Week in Congress: 1.22.08-1.25.08

From economic stimulus to global warming and health care, CAP provides you with resources to say on top of the week on the Hill.

January 22, 2008

Congress Should Override the Bush Double Standard on Children’s Health: Here’s Why

Congress this week should override the Bush double standard on children’s health, writes Jeanne Lambrew. Here’s why.

January 22, 2008

Haywire FCC Spectrum Auction: U.S. Needs National Broadband Strategy

The FCC sale weakens national security and emergency preparedness, warns Mark Lloyd. There’s another way.

January 22, 2008

Bush Stimulus Package Misses the Point

What sparked Monday’s stock market sell off, however, was investors’ lack of confidence in President Bush’s grasp of the depth of the problem. His proposed $145 billion economic stimulus package is not targeted enough to get the biggest bang for the buck from the sizeable spending increase he proposed, and it does not include an answer to the threat of sharply lower house prices.

January 19, 2008

What Would Jesus Tax?

January 18, 2008

The President’s Economic Stimulus Plan Is Only a Start

President Bush’s stimulus proposal is a start, but fails to get a tax rebate to those filers who will spend it, and does not address housing troubles.

January 18, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: Americans Agree, Time for Action on Health Care

Americans are dissatisfied with out-of-control health care costs and lack of access, and they want the government to do something about it.

January 17, 2008

A Practical and Progressive Economic Stimulus and Recovery Plan

Laura Tyson, John Podesta and Sarah Wartell present Congress with CAPAF's practical and progressive economic stimulus plan.

January 17, 2008

The Eliminators

A large majority of former national security cabinet officials want to eliminate nuclear weapons, reiterating their call with an op-ed this week.

January 17, 2008

Think Again: No Dhue Diligence for Bill O’Reilly

“Ombuds-gal” Laurie Dhue does little to hold O’Reilly accountable. O’Reilly notes, “Why wouldn’t Laurie be on the side of goodness and light?”

January 17, 2008

The Conservative Agenda: Serving African Americans?

The conservative agenda has not served African Americans well, according to key economic indicators.

January 17, 2008

After the Surge: U.S. Army Chief of Staff Casey Is Right to Be Worried

Army Chief of Staff Casey highlights why Bush’s “surge” strategy leaves our nation more vulnerable, write Larry Korb and Brian Katulis.

January 16, 2008

Military Reform: A Reference Handbook

New book from Lawrence Korb and Winslow Wheeler examines the successes and failures of the military reform movement in Congress and the Pentagon.

January 16, 2008

Ask the Expert: The Death of a Doctrine

What should we expect from the Bush administration on non-proliferation and Iran in 2008? And how can we begin rebuilding U.S. strategy?

January 16, 2008

Cap and Trade 101

Cap and trade programs are being discussed around the world, but what is it? And how can we implement it successfully in the United States?

January 15, 2008

The Cost of The Next 10 Years in Iraq

Iraqi defense minister asks for a long-term commitment, and Sec. Rice applauds Iraqi government on law full of loopholes and caveats.

January 15, 2008

Geneticizing Disease: Implications for Racial Health Disparities

Report addresses the use of race in the move to geneticize disease and refocuses the discussion on social determinants that are knows to cause health disparities.

January 15, 2008

No Day at the Spa: Rejuvenating the Economy Won’t be Easy

Christian Weller examines the latest consumer spending numbers and possible long-term housing trends. Government intervention is the solution.

January 14, 2008

Our Ally in Islamabad

January 14, 2008

The Impending Health Care Crisis for Early Retirees

New strategies are needed to share the burden of health care for pre-Medicare retirees.

January 14, 2008

What the Public Really Wants on Retirement and Social Security

Retirement is a top American concern, yet little has been done to address their insecurities, writes Ruy Teixeira.

January 14, 2008

This Week in Congress: 1.14.07 – 1.18.07

From mine safety and the economy to Pakistan and the Defense Department budget, CAP provides you with resources to say on top of the week on the Hill.

January 14, 2008

What the Public Really Wants on Retirement and Social Security

Retirement is a top American concern, yet little has been done to address their insecurities, writes Ruy Teixeira.

January 12, 2008

American Workers See New Lows at the Year's End

New employment numbers show the smallest increase in job growth since August 2003, over four years ago, and the highest unemployment rate in over two years.

January 11, 2008

Tangled Tapes: Spliced Video Gives False View of Hormuz Incident

President Bush brandishes misleading video of Iranian actions in the Straits of Hormuz amid his Middle East Trip, writes Joseph Cirincione.

January 11, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: A New Direction on the Economy

The public is not optimistic about the current economic outlook, and this time, more Bush tax cuts aren’t going to cut it.

January 11, 2008

Our Pakistan Problem: Turmoil Requires a Shift in U.S. Policy

Relying on Pakistani president Musharraf is a mistake. We should reach out to the rest of the country, write Caroline Wadhams and Brian Katulis.

January 11, 2008

Too Big to Fail, Too Small to Fail: Bank of America's Telling Deal for Countrywide

Bank of America’s purchase of Countrywide exposes fissures brought on by the mortgage crisis, says Andrew Jakabovics.

January 11, 2008

The Fraud of Voter ID Laws

Everything was supposed to change after Bush v. Gore. Never again would the outcome of a presidential election be left in the hands of nine Supreme Court justices who issued their opinion amid nation-wide questions of "hanging chads" and "butterfly ballots." In its opinion, the court said it anticipated "legislative bodies nationwide" would "examine ways to improve the mechanisms and machinery for voting" in order to avoid a repeat of the 2000 recount disaster. Seven years later, however, local, state, and federal governments have failed to fix these flawed voting "mechanisms," leaving the country with low-quality voter registration databases and inadequate safeguards for maintaining voter rolls.

January 11, 2008

The First Leg of Bush’s Middle East Trip: Initial Steps in the Right Direction

The first leg of Bush's Middle East trip suggests he is taking steps in the right direction, writes Moran Banai.

January 10, 2008

Catching Crumbling Infrastructure

The Minneapolis bridge collapse underscores need to modernize infrastructure monitoring, writes Reece Rushing for Science Progress.

January 10, 2008

The Politics of Aid

Gayle Smith discusses the evolution of foreign aid under the Bush administration and before in Human Rights.

January 10, 2008

Think Again: Iraq Isn’t Vietnam, but America Is Still America

While Iraq isn’t Vietnam, America is still America, and comparing U.S. involvement in the two countries provides interesting results.

January 10, 2008

Four Ticking Time Bombs

President’s open-ended commitment of U.S. troops impedes political reconciliation and exacerbates Iraq’s internal conflicts, write Katulis and Juul.

January 9, 2008

Supreme Court Takes on Voter ID Laws

The Court today considers a voter ID law that disproportionately affects minorities, the poor, and the elderly and causes disenfranchisement.

January 9, 2008

Responsible Investment: A Budget and Fiscal Policy Plan for Progressive Growth

The latest paper detailing the Center's plan to transform America's economy through clean energy, innovation, and opportunity is fiscally responsible and pro-growth.

January 9, 2008

Economic Snapshot for January 2008

Housing and mortgage market crises have translated into massive foreclosures and a much weaker labor market, says Christian E. Weller.

January 9, 2008

Science, Delayed

Chris Mooney at Science Progress says restoring the Office of Technology Assessment for Congress is more difficult than expected.

January 8, 2008

Setting U.S. Policy on a Better Course

Middle East Progress provides insight into what the president can do to keep momentum going on peace talks and stabilization.

January 8, 2008

Bush's Middle East Trip is Better Late than Never

The president leaves for the Middle East today to follow up on Annapolis, address regional security, and improve relations with regional allies.

January 8, 2008

Diversity Powers Innovation, Economy

Science Progress reviews Scott Page's new book on how diversity can create better groups, firms, schools, and societies.

January 8, 2008

The Founding Fathers' Religious Wisdom

January 7, 2008

Get Real: Bush Economic Proposals Are All Wrong

More tax cuts and more deregulation are the wrong way to aid the economy. Helping the middle class is the key to prosperity.

January 4, 2008

Heeding Roberts’ Call: Chief Justice Calls for Judicial Pay Reform

Federal judges’ pay is alarmingly inadequate and hampering the judicial branch’s ability to attract the best and most diverse pool of judges.

January 4, 2008

American Workers See New Lows at the Year’s End

With employment declining, it is clear that economic growth alone will not translate into rising fortunes for America's workers, says David Madland.

January 4, 2008

Public Opinion Snapshot: Voters Want Change, Especially on Iraq

Polls show that Iowa and New Hampshire voters want a new president who won’t follow in Bush’s footsteps, particularly on Iraq.

January 3, 2008

Think Again: No Iraq News (Still) Isn't Good News

Media coverage of Iraq declined dramatically in late 2007, just in time for the run-up to the presidential election that could change our policy there.

January 3, 2008

Getting Pakistan Right: Postponed Elections Are an Opportunity

Before the February elections, the U. S. and others must insist measures are taken to ensure a free and fair election, writes Brian Katulis.

January 3, 2008

Time to Diversify Energy Resources as Oil Hits $100 a Barrel

With price barrier broken, the need to diversify our energy resources becomes all the more important, writes Dan Weiss.

January 3, 2008

Fun with Numbers, Housing Crunch Style

Attention to November’s 0.4 percent increase in existing homes sales compared to October cannot whitewash the 20 percent drop in sales from last November. The grim reality is that there are more homes for sale on the market than last year at this time, fewer of those homes are selling, and when they do, they are selling for less money. No amount of spin from the National Association of Realtors or from the media looking for an upbeat story as we end the year is going to convince Americans that the housing market has now stabilized and is poised for a rebound.

January 3, 2008