Mitch McConnell

What comes after a big night for Clinton and Trump?

Clinton, Trump sweep Super Tuesday primaries. Clinton collected 453 delegates, Trump rounded up 203. But neither landed a knock-out punch. So... on to the next round: 18 delegate-rich contests through March 15 that could largely decide both party races. Maybe voters in Michigan and Missouri will be

March 1, 2016Renu Zaretsky

Federal Budget and Economy: TaxVox

What Can Congress and President Obama Accomplish in 2016?

Can Congress and President Obama, who have battled over policy for seven years, reach consensus over key tax and other issues in the months leading up to the 2016 election? To ask the question is practically to answer it, but it is worth taking a closer look at the policy dynamics. Start by

January 4, 2016Howard Gleckman

Federal Budget and Economy: TaxVox

The Debt Limit: Here We Go Again

In less than a month—and in perhaps as little as 18 days-- the federal government will be unable to pay its bills. Realistically, there is only one way to avoid such a fiscal mess: Congress must raise the federal debt limit so Treasury can borrow more money. But how will that happen? On one hand,

October 15, 2015Howard Gleckman

: TaxVox

Thirty days, goodbye September, shutdown talks? Maybe in December.

About that possible government shutdown… The Senate passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 11. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and outgoing Speaker of the House John Boehner will meet with President Obama “soon” for budget negotiations , and the House is on

September 30, 2015Renu Zaretsky

Federal Budget and Economy: TaxVox

How Did the Gas Tax Lose Its Mojo, Even Among Conservatives?

With just a few days left before federal funding for highway programs expires, the Senate is debating all sorts of amendments to an extension-- from export subsidies to the Affordable Care Act. But there is one subject it will not debate—the gas tax. Except for a handful of lawmakers, nobody in

July 27, 2015Howard Gleckman

: TaxVox

Big Talk, Growing Opposition

Can the Senate pass a highway bill? Last night, the Senate finally voted to begin debate on its version of a transportation bill. But it is in for a tough slog thanks in part to two GOP presidential hopefuls. Ted Cruz has threatened to tie the Iran deal to the measure. The Texan wants an amendment

July 23, 2015Renu Zaretsky

: Daily Deduction

Does Saying “No Chance” Increase the Chances of Reform?

The House votes to ban taxes on Internet access. Again. But senators still want to link the prohibition to a separate measure that would clarify the ability of states to require online sellers to collect sales taxes. Like that little icon you get when your computer is stuck: The two issues just

June 10, 2015Renu Zaretsky

Federal Budget and Economy: TaxVox

Obama-Era Tax Reform: RIP

If you still thought there was any chance Congress would pass tax reform before the next election, you can officially abandon hope. In an online interview published Sunday on Morning Consult , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) hammered the last nail in the coffin. Asked about his

June 8, 2015Howard Gleckman

Business Taxes: TaxVox

Will Obama’s Executive Action on Immigration Kill Tax Reform? Hint: You Can’t Kill Something That’s Already Dead

The latest narrative making the rounds in Washington is that President Obama will kill prospects for tax reform in 2015 if he grants legal status to undocumented immigrants though an executive order. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and others claim that this step will so poison the well of trust

November 18, 2014Howard Gleckman

: Daily Deduction

Don’t Call It a Comeback… Yet.

Betting on tax reform in the 114th Congress? Consider some insight from TPC’s Bill Gale . GOP control won’t make gridlock disappear, even if President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell somehow do get along. The business community is not united on business tax reform. The GOP and the

November 6, 2014Renu Zaretsky