Those massive, automatic, job-killing spending cuts go into effect tomorrow, and everyone agrees this thing is happening. The New York Times reports Republicans and Democrats are looking for the silver lining in the cuts, and both sides are finding things they like. That said, President Obama is girding the country for the potentially painful, and trying to put the blame squarely on the GOP. And this is only the first battle in the Fiscal Wars of 2013.
The Washington Post’s E.J. Dionne writes that, ever since the Republicans took control of the House in 2011, they’ve made it their agenda to push the country to the fiscal brink. Washington’s in a state of permanent crisis, and Dionne has a way out of it.
Is the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act in jeopardy? That’s the takeaway when you hear what some of the Supreme Court’s conservative justices are saying about it.
The House of Representatives is poised to pass the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act, a version that would expand the 1994 law.
Today is Pope Benedict XVI’s last day on the job, and in his farewell speech, he pledged “unconditional reverence and obedience” towards his yet-to-be-elected successor.
Finally, our old friend Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas says the debt is as “immoral” as slavery. Is there any line this guy won’t cross?
Hardball staff