Medicare drug plan wins bipartisan Senate Finance Committee backing
Senate Finance Committee approved a bipartisan Medicare drug coverage bill 16-5, offering prescription benefits through private plans funded by government subsidies and adding a new age care option via preferred provider organizations. The vote clears the path to full Senate debate as House Republicans push their version, aiming for a summer compromise.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Senate Finance Committee
Charles Grassley
Iowa
Medicare
Senate
Bill Frist
R-Tenn
Bush
House
Castro Leaders Massive Havana Protest Against Democracy Push
Fidel Castro led hundreds of thousands in a Havana march past the Spanish Embassy to denounce European support for U.S. pro democracy efforts on the island. Raul Castro led a parallel march past the Italian Embassy as security surrounds Old Havana.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Havana
Fidel Castro
U.S
Sur
Ded
Raul Castro
Malecon
Castro
Europe
Caribbean
Jimmy Carter
James Cason
Helicopter Attacks Highlight Israel Targeted Killings Policy
AP reports Israel describes strikes as targeted killings aimed at disrupting Palestinian militants preparing attacks. Palestinians call them crude assassinations in crowded streets, killing civilians. In three days twenty Palestinians died, sparking debate on morality and effectiveness of the policy. Former minister Yossi Beilin calls them capital punishment without trial. From November 2000 to May 31, at least 103 targeted killings and 53 bystanders were documented by B'tselem.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Erusalem
Israel
Yossi Beilin
B’tselem
House bill stretches tax credits through 2010
The House approved a package totaling 82 billion dollars in new tax cuts extending the 1000 dollar child tax credit to 2010 and widening eligibility for low income families and some married couples. The vote 224 to 201 marked a clash with the Senate which passed a smaller measure for 6.5 million low wage households to receive up to 400 dollar checks this summer. Democrats faulted Republicans for omitting instructions to send refunds to poor families this year, while Republicans said future talks could include rebates and that checks would be issued as quickly as possible.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
House
Senate
Treasury Department
Charles Rangel
New York
Ways and Means
John Feehery
J. Dennis Hastert
Lawmakers spar over child tax refunds for low income families
Democrats accuse House Republicans of omitting Treasury instructions to send advance child tax refunds this year, forcing low income families to claim larger credits next year. A committee aide cited delaying checks for 25 million families and IRS burden, while Republicans argue many affected pay no income taxes. Spencer Bachus criticizes the approach as turning the tax code into a welfare system.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
House
Treasury Department
Spencer Bachus
Ala
Rising costs hit state budgets as taxes and fees rise
States facing large budget gaps turn to higher taxes and new fees, targeting smokers drinkers gamblers and drivers while businesses bear costs. Across 21 states with enacted budgets for the new fiscal year Americans will pay about 4.3 billion in new taxes and 2.3 billion in new fees with 14 billion in proposed taxes and 2.4 billion in possible fees still on the table.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Associated Press
New York
Wyoming
Colorado
California
Connecticut
Pennsylvania
Also Mentioned on This Page
Sen
Max Baucus
Montana
Grassley
Shifa
Gaza City
Hamas
Thomas
Ways and Means Committee
Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Iraq
Sis
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