ECONOMIC POLICY

A cleaning company illegally employed a 13-year-old. Her family is paying the price.

After the Labor Department descended on a sanitation firm operating at a Nebraska meatpacking plant, the company was fined for violating child labor laws. One of the minor workers has seen her life unravel.

By Maria Sacchetti and Lauren Kaori GurleyMarch 3, 2023

Biden chooses Julie Su to lead Labor Department

President Biden nominated Julie Su to be labor secretary, elevating a longtime advocate for workers to implement a key part of the administration’s agenda.

By Jeff Stein and Lauren Kaori GurleyMarch 1, 2023

Biden aides weigh economic aid for East Palestine after derailment

The administration has faced criticism over its handling of the train derailment and chemical spill

By Jeff SteinMarch 1, 2023

Millions could see cuts to food stamps as federal pandemic aid ends

For lower-income households, the cuts are expected to reduce their monthly benefits by an average of $182, according to the USDA.

By Tony Romm and Laura ReileyMarch 1, 2023

Confusion over EV tax credits stymies buyers and sellers

Uncertainty over how the credits work could leave buyers and dealers frustrated until automakers sort through new Treasury Department rules expected in March.

By Jeanne WhalenFebruary 28, 2023

High-skilled visa holders at risk of deportation amid tech layoffs

Many of the tech firms that lobbied for more temporary visas for high-skilled immigrants are now firing these workers, leaving them with 60 days to find a new job or leave the country.

By Erica WernerFebruary 24, 2023

White House aides have discussed Social Security tax, eyeing shortfall

Aides to President Biden have in recent weeks discussed proposing raising payroll taxes on the rich to fund Social Security, but it is unclear if the president will ultimately endorse that measure when he releases his budget in March, according to three people familiar with international deliberations.

By Jeff SteinFebruary 23, 2023

The former Trump aide crafting the House GOP’s debt ceiling playbook

The national debt exploded on Russell Vought’s watch. Now he wants Republican lawmakers to play hardball.

By Jeff Stein, Josh Dawsey and Isaac ArnsdorfFebruary 19, 2023

Biden’s ‘Buy America’ bid runs into manufacturing woes it aims to fix

The “Buy America” initiative that President Biden says will promote domestic manufacturing has hit a snag: The United States no longer makes many of the items needed to modernize roads, bridges and ports.

By David J. LynchFebruary 18, 2023

Amazon to employees: Be in the office 3 days a week

Amazon is the latest major company to adopt some version of a return-to-work policy that requires workers in the office for a certain number of days.

By Erica WernerFebruary 17, 2023

World Bank head denies climate controversy spurred resignation

World Bank President David Malpass sparked a furor last fall when he refused to say whether he accepted that the burning of fossil fuels is warming the planet.

By David J. LynchFebruary 16, 2023

Republicans take aim at food stamps in growing fight over federal debt

Some GOP lawmakers are eyeing work requirements and other changes to the SNAP program in a bid to reduce the deficit.

By Tony RommFebruary 16, 2023

U.S. faces possible default between July and September as deficit rises

A new projection says the government will add $19 trillion more debt over the next decade due to new spending, inflation and higher interest rates

By Tony RommFebruary 15, 2023

Biden picks Lael Brainard, top Fed official, to run economic team

The number two official at the central bank will lead the National Economic Council as the administration seeks to raise the debt limit

By Jeff Stein and Tyler PagerFebruary 13, 2023

Who is Lael Brainard?

Federal Reserve Vice Chair Lael Brainard will take over the National Economic Council.

By Rachel SiegelFebruary 13, 2023

White House aides asked Elon Musk for help with Biden climate goal

White House officials are hoping Tesla's charging stations can be converted for use by other electric vehicles.

By Tyler Pager and Jeff SteinFebruary 10, 2023

Social Security, Medicare brawl awaits Washington, even if not this year

Biden and Republicans appeared to agree to leave the entitlement programs alone — in a break from past budget fights.

By Jeff SteinFebruary 8, 2023

Biden labor secretary to depart to lead NHL players association

Biden labor secretary to depart to lead NHL players association

By Jeff Stein and Tyler PagerFebruary 7, 2023

U.S. government is not investigating Elon Musk’s Twitter purchase

Foreign investors backing the deal drew scrutiny, but officials appear to have decided not to look further.

By Jeff SteinFebruary 6, 2023

Gut spending? Slash the IRS budget? 7 GOP ideas for debt limit talks.

Republicans haven’t settled on what to ask for in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, but officials are eyeing these proposals.

By Jeff SteinFebruary 5, 2023