Stephen Dinan
Articles by Stephen Dinan
Budget chief: Big challenges, ‘worrisome trends’ for U.S.
After years of putting off big decisions the federal government faces daunting budget challenges this year, according to Congress's chief scorekeeper, which said Tuesday that continued high unemployment, low tax rates and above-average spending are creating a volatile mixture. Published January 31, 2012
CBO says federal employees rake in much more pay
Buoyed by generous benefit packages, federal workers earn significantly better compensation than similarly educated workers in the private sector, according to a report released Monday from Congress' chief scorekeeper that threatens to reignite at the national level last year's state battles over public-employee rights. Published January 30, 2012
Bill would ban using Hill data for profit
Moving quickly on at least a part of President Obama's State of the Union program, Senate Democrats will hold their first vote Monday on a bill to prevent members of Congress from profiting from inside knowledge gained through their official duties. Published January 26, 2012
Senate clears way for hike to $16.4T debt limit
The debt fight that dominated Congress last year whimpered to a close Thursday as the Senate voted to clear the way for President Obama to raise the federal government's borrowing limit by another $1.2 trillion to $16.4 trillion, which he hopes will last past the November election. Published January 26, 2012
Senate paves way for final debt increase
The debt fight that dominated Congress last year whimpered to a close Thursday as the Senate voted to clear the way for President Obama to raise the federal government's borrowing limit by another $1.2 trillion to $16.4 trillion, which he hopes will last past the November election. Published January 26, 2012
Democrats press for Koch testimony on Keystone XL
Democrats demanded Wednesday that Koch Industries officials testify before Congress about whether they have any financial stake in the Keystone XL pipeline, as President Obama's allies sought to limit political damage from his decision this month to reject the project. Published January 25, 2012
Giffords exits, but legacy of cooperation could remain
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had been through State of the Union addresses before. But it was the speech she missed last year where her presence was felt most — and has given her a chance at a lasting legacy. Published January 24, 2012
Inability to sway undecideds hurt Romney
Mitt Romney on Sunday downplayed his collapse in South Carolina's primary over the weekend, saying winner Newt Gingrich had "a good week." But the results of the vote show the former Massachusetts governor still hasn't overcome his problems with conservative voters searching for any candidate but him. Published January 22, 2012
Gingrich backs portion of Dream Act
Newt Gingrich on Friday backed at least a portion of the Dream Act, saying that he would grant a path to citizenship to illegal immigrant youths who agree to sign up and serve in the U.S. military. Published January 20, 2012
Gingrich assails infidelity charges in S.C. debate
Besieged by accusations from one of his former wives of marital problems, Newt Gingrich on Thursday night fired back, blaming the press for carrying the story and calling it "trash," as he and the three remaining Republican candidates held their final debate before South Carolina's primary on Saturday. Published January 19, 2012
Backers reflective of Paul’s wild-card status
Wonder Ann is a big Ron Paul supporter - so much so that during his town-hall meeting here Tuesday she urged him to consider ditching the GOP and running as an independent if he doesn't win the Republican presidential nomination. Published January 19, 2012
Perry pulls out of race, backs Gingrich
Texas Gov. Rick Perry ended his bid for the Republican presidential nomination Thursday morning and endorsed rival Newt Gingrich, further crystallizing the race for the conservative alternative to front-runner Mitt Romney. Published January 19, 2012
Recount gives Santorum edge in Iowa caucuses
Rick Santorum claimed a victory in Iowa's caucuses Thursday after a recount of the Jan. 3 votes gave him a 34-vote advantage over Mitt Romney, who earlier had been declared the winner in the first contest of the Republican presidential nomination. Published January 19, 2012
Female turnout critical in South Carolina primary
Female voters generally turn out at a lower rate than men in Republican primaries, but not in South Carolina, where in past elections estimates say they have made up about half of the electorate — more than all but a few other states. Published January 18, 2012
Times poll shows GOP schism on interventionism
Nearly half of all Republican primary voters say it's time the U.S. stops intervening in world affairs and focuses on domestic priorities instead, signaling a persistent rift that is playing out in the party's presidential nomination battle. Published January 17, 2012
Romney defers release of income-tax returns
Mitt Romney said Tuesday he will eventually release his income-tax returns, but acknowledged he likely pays a lower overall tax rate than many less-wealthy Americans. Published January 17, 2012
GOP voters want Gingrich on ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Republican primary voters think Rick Santorum is the most generous of heart and say Mitt Romney is the man they would trust to manage their financial portfolios, but it's Newt Gingrich whom they want to see do the hustle on TV. Published January 17, 2012
Romney solidifying lead, Times poll finds
With two wins under his belt, Mitt Romney holds a significant lead among national Republican voters, though there is still room for conservative voters to unite against him and back an alternative to be the GOP presidential nominee, according to the latest The Washington Times/JZ Analytics Poll. Published January 17, 2012
In debate, Romney urged to release tax forms
Mitt Romney's opponents in the Republican presidential primary pounced Monday night, using the latest debate to question his economic record, turn his own supporters' attacks back on him, and demand he release his tax forms. Published January 16, 2012
Withdrawing Huntsman takes parting shot at GOP field
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. dropped out of the Republican presidential race Monday and endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, but not before firing one last shot at the rest of the field, accusing them of running a race "not worthy of the American people." Published January 16, 2012
