Debt Plan Approved by House: Join the Live Chat
The Senate will vote tomorrow on the compromise debt plan. The announcement comes after the House approved the legislation tonight in a 269-161 vote. In the House, there was a big applause when Rep. Gabrielle Giffords showed up to vote on the plan in her first return since being shot in the head in January. We'll have the breaking developments from Washington. Plus, new bloodshed in Syria and more.
Scroll down to join the live chat during the program. It's your chance to share your thoughts on tonight's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules.
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really good show – that snake clip and commentary was great!!
Good night everyone. Great comments tonight on the blog. I'm afraid no one wants to buy, spend, hire in this craziness we have going on. Too much uncertainty. We just go from crisis to crisis.
The snake is back in the wild where it belong.
Good night Anderson. Sweet dreams. Good night Everyone!
Thank you Anderson & Team 360 – good show & good night too.
Good night fellow writers, great conversation. I wish you a safe & peaceful day.
The snake on the windshield shot was priceless.
Interesting discussion between Isha & Anderson. Who knew?? LOL
I am sure that seeing Giffords there was an uplifting moment for all of them.
“Rep. Gabrielle Giffords showed up to vote” happy to read
Happy and proud bullet can’t stop our voice
How can republicans like Rand Paul claim that their side of the compromise in this debt ceiling crisis is to raise the debt ceiling, which is something that even most republicans agree is something that MUST be done or else we default? How is agreeing to do something you are going to have to do anyway a compromise on your part?
Rand Paul like the rest of the Tea Party doesn't deal with reality too well. Compromise according to the Republicans is agreeing with us or take a hike. I don't understand!
You make a good point on the "compromise" part of Sen. Paul's explanation.
So, if Republicans really want to reduce debt, why don't we stop all wars and cut the Defense Budget. Waging 2 wars is how the budget grew exponentially. Why do the poor, aged, and needy have to suffer so They can dominate the world?
Ending the wars is only the begining we have to refurbish or replace billions in eqipment. Not to mention our troops and their psycological state. It will be very expensive and we can't just brush it to the side. The truth is there is a lot to do and it will take ideas from farther than Democrats or Republicans to solve them lets hope everyone stays engaged.
Right, cause we need to be ready when we get attacked! Let the equipment rust.
Very well what about the troops, hang them out to dry that not very liberal. PS I am very liberal.
Taking care of the troops past and present goes without saying for us liberals. The other party starts the wars and then we have to fight for money for the troops that are left with all types of injuries.
Respectfully, Rand Paul calls what goes on in the House and Senate floor debate? All I see is individuals talking past each other, often times making inaccurate statements, mostly sounding like lengthy bumper sticker slogans. Discourse in DC has become toxic and counter-productive.
The Tea Party should learn that an over weight person can't go on a diet and expect to lose all the weight in one week.
Both parties dump their soldiers today
When talking about tax increases for the wealthy. I think it would be important to seperate individuals and corporations. We can all disagree about individuals and if personal taxes are not fair. But to me the real issue is corporate taxes, I mean really GE didnt pay any taxes?
I can entertain that debate.
Hi Grant. Its just a difference that I think is important as we go through this. Im not sure 250,000 is right – ect. Theres a lot in there to really think about for individuals and talk through. But to me corporations paying no tax is a big problem that should be low hanging fruit to pick.
I agree the number needs to be looked at but all we hear is Taxes or no taxes. We need to hear where the numbers could go, who it affects and what impact will it be. I blame media for that they are the only ones in the room who have the non-partisan view to do it.
I agree. Even the President talks about corporate jets and millionaires in the same sentence. Since corporations are not hiring anyway, close some of their loopholes. But I don't see reason to tax individuals more who also have made sacrifices to achieve the level of success they have.
I really think it's worth debating I dont know how rich an individual needs to be before I beleive they could pay a higher tax rate and in the interest of compromise maybe even let all individuals off the hook. More over what about other forms of revenue. If we were lending instead of borrowing the interest could obsolve us of taxes all together but only for future generations we would have to make some major sacrifices to get there. I'm not sure we have it in us.
Exactly how I feel Cathy.
And, last week, GE announced it is moving its entire xray company to China! That's what we got for the NO taxes! No jobs!
Yes Starr. When I heard that I couldn't believe it. Adds insult to injury.
Exactly, why doesn't anyone call these people on their statements that more taxes on "job creators" is a mistake. They *aren't" creating jobs, in fact they continue to move them out of the US because it is cheaper for them to do that and as long as they can keep making more profit at US worker's expense, why would they change their approach?
Interesting but how much cheaper for them would it be if we stopped buying their products.
Yeah, really. Corporations not only get huge tax breaks but they get subsidies from governments (federal, state and local). Why don't they cut corporate welfare??? Oh, yeah, they need all their money for all the great jobs they've been creating. Lucky us.
Maybe one way to stimulate hiring would be to index a corporations tax rate to the number of jobs created - more jobs, lower taxes because the people hired would be making up the difference.
More over we could have a ratio that rates how many of our dollars recirculate in the US versus how many go overseas then put it on their labels.
I like it!
One compromises on what is tolerable.
compromise is only a dirty word if one views it as a filp-flop
Ironic that Rep Giffords was present today. It was after the shootings in Tucson that we were all asked to change the rhetoric. So how did that go? Well Biden referring to the Tea Party members as terrorists; a journalist last night saying they were willing to blow up the country. It's sad what we have come to.
Just now Paul thinks comparing something to slavery (his interpretation) is terrible but, again, apparently referring to citizens who have the right to vote as terrorists, etc. is fine. Can we be anymore partisan?
Perfect reminder Cathy.
Wow, what an excellent reminder Cathy!
How was he wrong in referring to the tea partiers as terrorists? What else do you call a group of people willing to hurt others if their demands are not met?
I rest my case, David.
If I remember from previous discussions this deal is not enough to insure keeping the AAA rating. I believe it is about 1/2 of what S&P said would be required.
One possible problem I see with the bill is that an up or down vote on the committe of 12 recommendation is required in December. If the recommendation contains tax increases, would the Republicans still be able to filibuster (i.e., require 60 votes)to pass it?
That's a Great question!!
Let me get this right. The Republicans did not want to raise taxes because it would hurt the wealthy job creators and if taxes when up they would not create jobs.
Now the White House, the president, is expected to solve the job crisis.
Now that the deal is done and the rich will get no tax increases should they not be expected to create the jobs they create and may now create as they have no tax increases? This kind of trickle down crap is a lie and only espoused by the Republican party.
Hi James. Yes. Reagan demonstrated that "tickle down economics" is a complete failure in the real world.
I'm hopeful jobs will start to grow, but I don't think we can cut our way to prosperity.
Tomorrow's Senate vote should be very interesting.
I wonder if everyone who feels we need to raise taxes would vote for a national sales tax or consumption tax. I think it is the best way to ensure everyone contributes. We talk about loopholes corporations have, but we never talk about the under the table money that some make and then pay no federal income taxes. A consumption tax would not place a huge burden on anyone and would generate a lot of revenue.
Life is not fair! This bill lets poor sacrifice more and the rich less. If it is class warfare the rich want there in for the fight of their life.
Of course they are; they are a very small minority.
His class is not paying taxes!
That's right; the more people are working the more there are taxpayers!
there is sort of a nervous anxiety in the air – the fall of 2008 was filled with a lot of anxiety around the globe too – let us hope that the resolution of this situation leads to a positive economic result and an increased positive impact on jobs – anyone who does business with the U.S. is affected by the outcome
So now that Washington has done it's job it seems were all supposed to fell like running out to the mall and spend our money scince weve shoered up the economy. Thank you Washington for making our lives better.
Oh great. Not one single person on either side of the aisle felt it was a really good bill. So hey, let's pass it. No one wins this. Yes the debt ceiling is raised and that's a good thing but I'm afraid it doesn't tackle nearly enough toward getting out of debt and may still result in a downgrade of our credit rating. A travesty. All cuts, no revenue.
Right again Sharon.
Good Evening Mr Cooper and AC360 crews,
This is a tough issue of the year, the house bill was voted half-heartedly by both side of the isles. Hopefully the senate bill will be more symbiotically modified and reach bipartisan agreement to significantly cut deficits and, if needed be, an understandable tax reform from the president. The catastrophic default must be avoided at all costs.
President one only goal is win the 2012 so he has to switch the party.
There is no effort to create jobs in this bill, only jobs can save our economy
The fact is One day we have to reform our tax codes to keep our credit rating AAA . we miss that one day sad
Looks like we have another Jimmie Carter president. A good, honest man who is no match for the good 'ole boys who run Washington and are paid for by special interest groups and large corporations. Good bye middle class.
Hi Cynthia, you might just be right!
100 % I agree with you, feel like we left in the dark
Hi Anderson! While you're having a "six pack" (guests) I guess the wealthist americans are killing a lot of champagne-bottles today. But will the majority of americans who wanted tax increases will vote for republicans next time? I don't think so. With 1% of the voters the republicans won't win a bottle of water. Greetings to all!
Hi Sonia. Your post made me smile, thanks.
Gabriel Giffords does look great.
We are never going to be out of the woods; unless, they start paying the debt off in full!
Clearly, we have to raise taxes. Letting the Bush tax cuts expire will help but it's not "the balanced approach" by any stretch. We're going to have to all kick in and the very wealthy do more by losing alot of their "loopholes" and paying their fair share. I cannot see how we can balance our budget without doing this. It can't all be accomplished by "cuts". Wait til these cuts kick in. Then you'll hear the screaming and people will vote their feelings about it.
Politicians talk about what Americans want but they don't know. Some Americans are debating whether they can go to the ER tonight. Others are trying to scrape together a meal. Some are trying to put a roof over their families head. Yet some are thinking about if they should travel home from Washington next week or if they want to send their daughter to Europe. We all lost today and the politicians are happy to tell us what we think.
These are the people who will be hurt by the proposed cuts. Seems like a modest tax increase in lieu of these cuts wouldn't hurt anyone. This just widens the gap between haves and have nots, consistent with what Paul Begala just said quoting Warren Buffet.
A serious approach to this problem would involve increasing tax revenues, starting with closing tax loopholes, eliminating subsidies, etc, but eventually increasing tax rates. I'd like to see CNN really explore historical tax rates (the top rate was around 50% during most of the glorified Reagan years).
Good evening everyone.
How can any individual or business be paying zero taxes?
People in prison, the poor, students, who knows they might even be counting children to make their point...
It's fairly easy which is why we need reform more than tax increases.
Evening Anderson & Team 360.
Hello blogger friends!
The brightest part of the day, Gabby Giffords! Really good to see her in the House chamber!
Yes it was a very uplifting moment in an otherwise disturbing process.
Hello Grant, yes "disturbing' day is a perfect way to phrase it!
Hi Anderson! Hi Everyone! Good evening.
It's a start!
Good evening everyone. It was great to see Gabby Giffords in Washington today. What a miracle. As for the rest of it I feel kind of numb. I have a lot of lost faith in how we run this country.
Hi Sharon. I wish i felt numb.
I am angry. The so-called "process" was more than messy. It was disgusting!
I feel also traumatized as i live on a soc. sec. income. As much as i was willing to "share" a small portion of it, i need the rest of the check to Live.
Gifford looks great!
That is a remarkable recovery! Wow.
Anderson,
Hi! It's great to see you on–I hope you had a good weekend.
I'm very glad the debt plan was approved–it's great to see Gabrielle Giffords surprise return to Congress to vote.
–Looking forward to your discussions tonight!
Good Evening Everyone! Greetings!