Douglas Elmendorf pushes back against Democratic critics
Morning Must Reads: February 19
In the News: Dozens killed in Kiev clashes, another Christie Aid ignores subpoena, 150 earthquakes rock Oklahoma, and CBO report shows minimum wage puts dent in poverty and jobs
Another Former Christie Aide Refuses to Comply with Subpoena
Former campaign manager Bill Stepien joins fired aide Bridget Kelly in snubbing bridge investigation
The Return of the Pentagon’s “Wish Lists”
Now that list-killer Bob Gates has left the building, lawmakers are eager to resume padding the military budget
Report: Minimum Wage Hike Would Lift Earnings But Cost Jobs
A report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office enters a polarizing political debate
White House to Toughen Fuel Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
The President continues his stealth green initiative—tightening fuel economy standards for cars and trucks
Morning Must Reads: February 18
In the News: Talks under way in comprehensive Iran Nuclear Deal, Pussy Riot members detained in Sochi, Obama says stimulus worked, Republicans looking within in 2014, and Jimmy Fallon’s first night on ‘Tonight’
DNI Clapper: We Should’ve Come Clean About Phone Surveillance
Spy chief says Americans would’ve supported surveillance in wake of 9/11
Critics Attack Wrong Target for Pentagon Change
Military tweaks uniform rules under Sikh pressure, but some charge it’s ‘cowering’ to Muslims
Bill Clinton Calls Out George W. Bush For Not Being on Twitter
#HowAreYouNotonTwitter?
Republican Group Tweaks Spoof Websites
The NRCC faced criticism over sites that appeared to be those for Democratic candidates
Obama Plays Water-Guzzling Desert Golf Courses Amid California Drought
After preaching shared sacrifice to assuage the California water shortage, Obama has played some of the country’s thirstiest golf courses
Scalia Strikes Down Chicago-Style Pizza
The Supreme Court’s staunchest conservative is also a pizza originalist