Loophole Opens Today
politicalwire.com 10/15/2009 — CBS News : "This past summer, the Senate wrote into its budget rules that beginning Oct. 15, they could use a procedural maneuver called 'reconciliation' to pass health care reform, which would allow the bill to pass with 51 votes instead of the 60 ...

US Chamber claims corporate tax loophole "required" by treaties
static.uspirg.org 10/7/2009 — In Washington, the Big Lie works. You make a claim that is so outrageous, no one will think you are making it up. In this case, the U.S. Chamber is claiming (The Hill) that unless we encourage offshore tax cheats...

Senate Health Bill Gets Strong Score, But Weaker Mandate Could Pose Problems — TIME.com Top Politics Stories 10/8/2009
Senate Democrats are relieved that the CBO gave a qualified thumbs-up to the Baucus health-care bill, but some of the cost-saving methods could end up backfiring

Congress: health care — First Read 10/8/2009
The New York Times says that the CBO's analysis of the Baucus health care bill now allows Baucus to "push for a panel vote within the next few days, and sets the stage for Democrats to take legislation to the floor for debate by the full Senate ...

Jobless lose lifeline as Senate stalls — CNN Political Ticker 10/8/2009
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) – As thousands of jobless Americans lose their weekly unemployment checks every day, Congress is still debating who should qualify for a benefits extension. The House passed a bill last month lengthening benefits ...

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) — POLITICO.com: Congress 10/9/2009
Baucus is pragmatic and organized — but unpredictable and overly willing to compromise on Democratic principles.

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) — POLITICO.com: Congress 10/9/2009
Levin has gone after some of the biggest issues in the war in Iraq.