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Friday, June 24, 2011

The Short List - June 24, 2011

International
  • The House will vote today to strip funding for offensive military action that might be used in Libya, as many House members feel slighted by the White House.  Speaker Boehner said the following, "We are engaged. I believe that NATO is an important organization, and as we’re there, I don’t want to do anything that would undermine NATO or to send a signal to our allies around the world that we are not going to be engaged.  This is primarily a fight between the Congress and the president over his unwillingness to consult with us before making a decision," which is to say this is a political stunt.

  • The U.S. has placed new sanctions on Iran, targeting Iran Air, because U.S. official believe Iran Air runs weapons for Syria and high-tech missile components to Iran.

  • Secretary Clinton is concerned what it would be more regionally stability as Syrian troops encircle a border town just 500 meters from Turkey.  As much as Turkey has been tilting eastward recently, it will be interesting to see how they respond to this situation.

  • The EU and IMF have pledged a new bailout package for Greece, but continue to insist on austerity measures that have triggered demonstrations in Athens.
Domestic
  • As reported here yesterday, Republicans have abandoned deficit reduction talks because Democrats have brought up raising some taxes as a way to close the budget deficit.  Oh, but don't worry, if Democrats take tax increases off the table, the Republicans will come back.  Serious about the deficit?  I am skeptical.

  • The Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 that generic drug manufacturers do not have to disclose warnings and are not exposed to law suits, even though brand name manufacturers are.  Yes, it sounds convoluted.

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