Both Sides Confident on Deficit Talks Despite Impasse

Lawmakers continued to squabble over the details of competing proposals, offering little evidence that a deal was at hand.

Hopes Dwindling for Compromise in Budget Talks

Pessimism spread about the prospects of a debt-limit deal between President Obama and Republicans, prompting the Senate Republican leader to give a “last-choice option.”

Rush to Defend Tax Rule on Inventory and Profits

The White House is seeking to redefine what is owed on goods sold, while lobbyists from companies of all sizes are swarming around Congress to kill the proposal.

Agreement on Debt Talks: Health Groups Dislike Proposals

Proposals from budget negotiators to cut Medicare and Medicaid have provoked opposition from almost every major group that represents beneficiaries and health care providers.

News Analysis: For Boehner, Lofty Budget Goals Checked by Reality

Speaker John A. Boehner’s ambitions for a budget deal quickly crashed into a divided, highly partisan Congress.

Obama Leans on G.O.P. for a Deal on Debt Ceiling

President Obama met with Congressional leaders to try to revive chances for a $4 trillion deal to avert a default on the national debt, a day after Speaker John A. Boehner appeared to dash hopes for any far-reaching agreement.

Obama to Seek Biggest Deficit Cut Possible, Geithner Says

Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner’s remarks came after House Speaker John A. Boehner said he would no longer try to reduce the deficit by as much as $4 trillion.

Learn to Earn: Tough Budget Calculus as Technical Schools Face Deep Cuts

Federal funding for vocational and technical education is at risk, but such courses may keep disengaged high school students on an academic path and raise their future earnings.

Jobs Report Reinforces Parties in Deficit Talks

President Obama appeared largely alone in seeing the bad employment news as a call to boldness.

Still ‘Far Apart’ on Debt, 2 Sides Will Seek Broader Cuts

G.O.P. leaders and President Obama emerged from talks with a consensus to aim for the biggest possible deal — one resulting in up to $4 trillion in savings.

Next Page »