government spending

The U.S. Capitol, pictured on Thursday. Congress has a lot to do, but House business is stalled without a leader.

The House has no speaker, but plenty to do. Here are 5 of the most pressing issues

12:32pm October 09, 2023

by Rachel Treisman

The House can't do legislative business until it elects a new speaker. Their growing to-do list includes keeping the government open, as well as policy issues like Ukraine aid and defense spending.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, is running for speaker of the House, a race that will have a significant impact on the future of the Republican Party and the governing ability of Congress.

Politics & Government

Fate of House GOP leadership throws Congress into chaos

5:27pm October 04, 2023

House Republicans are scrambling to coalesce around a small number of candidates to be Speaker of the House but the path to electing someone is unclear.

The White House has asked Congress for $44 billion in emergency funding to help cover costs of the war in Ukraine, recent natural disasters, and operations at the southern U.S. border.

Politics & Government

The White House wants $44 billion in emergency funding. Here's what that covers

5:00am September 06, 2023

by Tamara Keith

The White House has asked Congress for emergency funding for Ukraine, disaster recovery, and the border. The package would be tied to a broader deal to keep the government running.

The U.S. budget deficit ballooned in the first nine months of its fiscal year, both because of a sharp increase in government spending and a significant drop in tax revenues.

The federal deficit nearly tripled, raising concern about the country's finances

5:59pm July 13, 2023

by Scott Horsley

The federal government's budget gap widened significantly in the first nine months of the fiscal year, as tax receipts slumped and spending increased.

The government is acting like a spendthrift family, piling up credit card bills even though times are good.

Despite Strong Economy, Federal Deficit Soars

4:05pm August 03, 2018

by Scott Horsley

Even with a healthy job market and rapid economic growth, the federal government is piling up debt. The government's deficit is expected to top $1 trillion next year.

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President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte participate in a joint news conference at the East Room of the White House Monday.

Trump Says 'No Problem' With Government Shutdown Over Border Wall Funding

11:12pm July 30, 2018

by Scott Horsley

Joined by Italy's prime minister, the president took questions from reporters Monday. He discussed border security and said he would be willing to meet with Iran's leaders with "no preconditions."

Queue Listen Now

Demonstrators protest at Sen. Dean Heller's, R-Nev., office in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), programs on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

Politics & Government

No Closer To DACA Deal, Republicans Push Plan B To Keep Government Open

3:07am January 17, 2018

by Scott Neuman

GOP lawmakers want a compromise to prevent a shutdown for at least another month. But many Democrats have promised a no-vote unless protections for "Dreamers" are part of the bargain.

Anti-abortion activists hold a rally opposing federal funding for Planned Parenthood in front of the U.S. Capitol on July 28 in Washington, D.C.

Fact Check: How Does Planned Parenthood Spend That Government Money?

10:29pm August 05, 2015

by Danielle Kurtzleben

The government spends $500 million a year on Planned Parenthood. Here's where that money goes, where it comes from and how it's used.