News Items

Embattled Congressman Bart Stupak to Retire from House

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Bart Stupak. D-Mich., under fire from pro-lifers for his vote on health care reform, announced Friday that he'll retire instead of seeking a tenth term.

Stupak has been criticized for his crucial role in securing House approval of the health care overhaul.

The Michigan lawmaker became a hero of the pro-life movement during the early months of the health care reform battle by leading a group of pro-life Democrats who insisted on language to keep federal funding of abortion out of the House's health care bill.

However, he did an abrupt about-face and gave up that...

Justice John Paul Stevens Retiring From Supreme Court

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WASHINGTON - Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, the court's oldest member and leader of its liberal bloc, is retiring. President Barack Obama now has his second high court opening to fill.

Stevens said Friday he will step down when the court finishes its work for the summer in late June or early July. He said he hopes his successor is confirmed "well in advance of the commencement of the court's next term."

Stevens' announcement leaves ample time for the White House to settle on a successor and for Senate Democrats, who control a 59-vote majority, to hold confirmation hearings and a...

U.S. Census Catering to Gay Marriage

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Concerns are being raised that the U.S. Census violates the Federal Defense of Marriage Act.

A recent government television ad targets the gay and lesbian community, urging same-sex partners to check the "married" box, even if they do not live in a state that allows gay marriage.

CBN News contacted the U.S. Census Bureau about the ad.

"One of the most fundamental principles of the U.S. Census is that it is based on self-identification and self-response," the Bureau responded. "We believe we get the most accurate data when people freely provide...

White House Advisor Suggests Tax Hike Likely to Control Deficit

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White House economic adviser Paul Volcker said the U.S should consider raising taxes as a way to pay for the huge government deficits in the years ahead.

Reuters reports the former Federal Reserve chairman also suggested implementing a VAT - or value-added tax - similar to the one used in Europe, acknowledging both ideas would likely be unpopular.

A VAT is essentially a national sales tax, but it does not replace other sales taxes. It would be a new tax, added on top of those Americans already pay.

"It shouldn't surprise anyone that the Obama White House would advocate a...

President Obama Facing Tough Sell on Health Care Law

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- Although health care reform is now the law of the land, President Barack Obama is still campaigning across the U.S. to persuade the public it's a good idea.

"This health care tax credit is pro- jobs, it's pro- business and it starts this year," Obama said.

However, as the president hits the road again Friday, polls show he has a lot of convincing to do.

According to a USA Today/Gallup poll, nearly two-thirds of Americans fear the massive legislation will increase their costs and decrease their quality of care.

In addition, 53 percent...

President Obama Takes Care in Sizing Up the Tea Party Movement

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For the first time President Barack Obama has publicly criticized the Tea Party movement.

In an interview this week he described the core of the group as being "on the fringe."

However, he also acknowledged some may have legitimate concerns about federal reach, spending and the national debt.

"I wouldn't paint in broad brush and say that everybody who is involved or have gone to a Tea Party rally or meeting are somehow on the fringe," Obama said.

"I think that there's a broader circle around that core group of people who are legitimately concerned about the deficit, who are...

Effects of the Heath Care Law: Should You Worry?

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats are selling their new health care law as a victory for American workers.

However, in light of how much it will cost to finance the reforms, the question lingers -- Are Americans really winners or losers with this new law of the land?

Economists Raise Concerns

As Americans across the country prepare to file their income tax returns, some analysts are warning about the new taxes people will be paying for the reforms in the new health care law both directly and indirectly.

"All tax increases...

Pro-Lifers Empowered by Health Care Defeat

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON - Many abortion opponents feel defeated by the health care law, but leaders in the pro-life movement are promising to bounce back stronger than ever.

When pro-life Democrats like Rep. Bart Stupak gave the health care bill its last-minute winning margin, many in the anti-abortion cause felt a horrible sense of betrayal and defeat

"We're going to lose a lot of children and you and I are going to be paying for that. That's huge," Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List, said.

"And on the other hand, it's the deep demoralization that you can't help...

Senate Sends Health Care Fixes Back to House

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The Senate has determined that the fixes to the health care overhaul bill will have to go back to the House for final approval.

The move was something Democrats were desperately trying to avoid as they face growing criticism -- and threats -- from their constituents.

Protests against the President Obama's health care legislation were growing in Iowa City, Ia., where he is expected to celebrate the bill's passage on Thursday.

Americans Divided

A USA Today-Gallup Poll shows many Americans are divided over health care reform.

  • 40 percent think the bill's passage...
President Obama Has A Problem With Israel - Did Not Allow Press to Cover Meeting With Prime Minister

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama met privately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night.

The meeting came after tense diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Israel over the construction of buildings and houses in east Jerusalem.  Although the White House has been very critical of the Jewish state in recent weeks, both parties in Congress have made it clear they support America's long-time ally.

Rough Road Ahead

The attempt to smooth over relations between the U.S. and Israel doesn't appear to be making much progress. ...

Why the Health Care Battle is Far from Over

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- Less than two days after Congress passed President Barack Obama's sweeping health care bill, the measure already faces challenges in court.

Even as the president is poised to the sign the bill into law on Tuesday, a legal quest has been launched to repeal the new law of the land, signaling the health care battle is far from over.

Breaking the Law and the Bank?

While the White House remains focused on a public relations campaign supporting the measure, state attorneys general across the country plan to challenge the law in court.

"For the...

House Clears Landmark Health Bill -- Now What?

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WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama got his top domestic priority passed this weekend after House Democrats narrowly approved major health care legislation in a 220-215 vote.

Supporters say the measure will improve America's medical coverage. However, critics warn it will make health care worse, drive up taxes and spending, and hurt the economy.

Obama: House Vote a Victory for America

"Tonight's vote is not a victory for any one party," the president declared on Sunday. "It's a victory for them. It's a victory for the American...

House Passes Historic Health Care Overhaul

CBNNEWS.COM

President Obama's massive health care overhaul plan passed the House, Sunday, in a dramatic pull of last-minutes votes that rallied liberals and angered GOP opponents and pro-life groups.

While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi hailed the plan as one that honor's American tradition, House Republican leader John Boehner said the bill "disgraces" and fails the country.

The legislation squeezed through by a 219-212 vote, primarily because of a switch by pro-life Democrats who'd been holding out over fears the bill would allow federally funded abortions.

In a...

Voters Protest Sunday's Health Care Vote

CBNNEWS.COM

Voters have been gathering in Washington, D.C., all week to protest health care reform legislation being worked out on Capitol Hill.

The demonstrations are expected to continue over the weekend ahead of Sunday's vote.

Capitol switchboard operators are fielding roughly 40,000 calls per hour from constituents voicing their opinion on the bill-- 10 times the number of calls that usually come in.

Radio host Janet Parshall told CBN's Pat Robertson that many members of Congress are not paying attention to what the voters are saying.

"This idea that we don't care what you want, this...

Anger at Big Government Fueling New Revolution?

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON - From bailouts to boatloads of spending, there's no denying that Americans are mad.

Emotions are high at Tea Party protests across the country and now it's showing in the polls.They range from very angry, at 46 percent, to 25 percent being somewhat angry at current government policies.

"The government is imposing, overreaching, it's like a power grab and it's got to stop," one protester summed up at one of the many Tea Party rallies held throughout 2009.

Big Government Burden

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich points to the economy and President...

Poll: Obama Approval Rating Hits Record Low

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The weak economy and the battle over health care are taking their toll on President Barack Obama and Congress's popularity.

Obama's approval rating is down to 46 percent in Gallup's latest tracking poll, the lowest of his presidency. His disapproval rating stands at 48 percent.

The ratings come during a week when the White House and Democratic congressional leaders are looking to convince House Democrats to support health care reform.

Obama is tied with Republican Mitt Romney in a new survey from a polling company that works with the Democratic Party on presidential polling. In that...

Abortion Funding Still a Healthcare Bill Concern

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WASHINGTON - Pro-life Democrats want more assurances that tax dollars will not be used to fund abortions. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may be willing to compromise.

Strengthening the language could buy Democrats more votes, but abortion opponents who still have doubts continue to fight to have their voices heard.

While people in North Dakota are bracing for the rising Red River to flood, one of its residents is racing against the clock to put the breaks on health care reform in Washington.

"I actually grew up in Norway," Janne Myrdal said. "I'm a U.S. citizen now and we have that kind...

Fate of Health Care Rests on Wavering Lawmakers

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- Members of Congress are getting ready for what may be the biggest vote they will ever cast.

As House Democrats press forward on President Barack Obama's health care legislation, the pieces are falling into place for a vote that could take place as early as Sunday.

One Vote Closer

Democratic leaders got closer to their 216-vote goal on Wednesday when Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, said he would vote 'yes' on the legislation.

The Ohio Democrat opposed the bill when the House voted on it last year, but has now...

Will Big Government Agenda Be Democrats' Downfall?

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- The big political talk in 2010 is whether Democrats will lose control of the House because of their big government agenda. But the other part of that question is whether voters trust Republicans after being put off the last few years.

This has not been a good year for Democrats. Stumbles on health care, not enough movement on the job front, and a victory by Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., have the Republicans - like House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va. - salivating at the taste of victory in the 2010 midterm elections.

"Do you think there's going to be a...

Republicans Say Healthcare 'Slaughter Solution' Abuses Rules

CBNNEWS.COM

WASHINGTON -- Congressional Democrats are considering a controversial measure to pass the health care bill without actually voting on it.

In a health care debate that has introduced Americans into the world of "filibusters" and "reconciliation," there is now a new term: "deem and pass."

This rarely used procedure would allow House members to simply vote on a rule that would "deem" the unpopular Senate health care bill "passed."

Consequently, House members wouldn't technically have to vote on the Senate bill they really don't like in the first place. They would then pass their...