From Today?s Times:
- As frustrations grow over the impasse in peace talks between Israel and Palestine, George J. Mitchell Jr., the chief U.S. envoy to the two sides, announced his resignation Friday. His resignation is effective May 20, an awkward moment considering it is the same day President Obama plans to meet with Israel?s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, The Times?s Steven Lee Myers reports.
- A government report painted a bleak picture of Medicare?s future on Friday, throwing fuel on the fire of the political debate over federal spending and entitlement programs, The Times?s Robert Pear reports. According to the Medicare trustees, the program?s hospital insurance trust fund will run dry in 2024, five years sooner than last year?s projections, prompting Republicans to call for immediate action to protect its beneficiaries.
- The Senate Ethics Committee released a harsh report Thursday citing ample evidence of impropriety on the part of former Senator John Ensign, who the committee said could have been forced out of his seat had he not resigned first. But the Justice Department has stayed out of the matter, taking no action against the Nevada Republican who admitted to having an affair with an aide?s wife and was under investigation for a substantial ?gift? made to the aide?s family. The Times?s Eric Lipton and Eric Lichtblau report that the committee?s findings further substantiate criticisms of the agency for being too cautious about taking on public officials.
- Georgia became the latest state to take immigration law enforcement into its own hands on Friday. Authorizing one of the nation?s toughest immigration laws, Gov. Nathan Deal signed a bill allowing law enforcement officers to request immigration documentation from criminal suspects and jail those who do not comply in preparation for deportation, as well as enforcing stricter hiring rules for businesses. The Times?s Robbie Brown reports that taking its cue from the backlash to similar laws in Arizona and Utah, Georgia?s bill is designed to withstand legal challenges.
Weekly Address:
- Skyrocketing gas prices are on the president?s mind this week. Mr. Obama laid out his strategy to ease Americans? pain at the pump in his weekly address: create a commission to prevent price-gouging, increase American oil production and end taxpayer subsidies for the industry. ?In the last few months, the biggest oil companies made about $4 billion in profits each week,? he said.�?And yet, they get $4 billion in taxpayer subsidies each year.? The bill to eliminate these subsidies is up for a vote in Congress next week.
- A proposal from the chairman of the House Budget Committee, Paul Ryan, got a boost in this week?s Republican address, which lamented the rising gas prices and other economic problems plaguing Americans. Representative Martha Roby of Alabama said all options should be on the table when it comes to reducing the deficit, except tax increases. ?The threat of tax hikes ? along with the torrent of rules and regulations coming out of Washington ? has employers sitting on their hands at the worst possible time,? she said.
Around the Web:
- Representative Ron Paul of Texas kicked off his presidential campaign by saying he would have opposed the 1964 Civil Rights Act, The Hill reports. Mr. Paul, who announced his candidacy Friday, said on MSNBC that he based his opposition to the landmark legislation on its violation of property rights, ?not because they got rid of the Jim Crow laws.?
Washington Happenings:
- Tour the world without leaving Washington. On Saturday, more than 30 embassies including those of Brazil, Egypt and Thailand will be open to the public for a cultural celebration that includes food, art, music and dancing.
- Janet Napolitano, the homeland security secretary, will speak at the National Fraternal Order of Police?s 30th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service at the Capitol on Sunday.
Romney?s Rhetoric on Health Care Echoes Obama
In wonky language that echoed President Obama in 2009, Mitt Romney laid out the reasoning behind the universal health care plan he championed as governor of Massachusetts.
Video: The YouTube Primary
Reader feedback on which candidate has the best Web video so far.
Romney?s Rhetoric on Health Care Echoes Obama
In wonky language that echoed President Obama in 2009, Mitt Romney laid out the reasoning behind the universal health care plan he championed as governor of Massachusetts.
Does the Tea Party Make Ron Paul Mainstream?
Ron Paul, the 75-year-old representative from Texas, announced his second run for the Republican nomination for president Friday morning.
Source: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/14/the-weekend-word-stepping-down/
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