This Week In Washington
Top 5 Stories This
Week
1.
President Obama
and international leaders moved to further isolate Russia, with the G-7 members
agreeing to suspend their participation in the G-8, and NATO countries
committing to bolster the alliance's security operations.
Look ahead: The leaders vowed to impose stricter
economic sanctions against Russia in the event of further military incursions
into Ukraine, but budget constraints could reduce NATO's role as a deterrent.
2.
The administration
is seeking an overhaul of the NSA's bulk data-collection practices, which would
leave records in the hands of phone companies and require the agency to obtain
a court order for searches.
Look ahead: Administration officials and congressional
leaders are nearing consensus on a plan to reform the NSA program—a proposal
from House Intelligence Committee leaders would require retroactive, rather
than prior, judicial consent.
3.
The Supreme Court
heard oral arguments this week in Sebelius
v. Hobby Lobby Stores and Conestoga
Wood Specialties v. Sebelius, which address the question of whether
for-profit corporations may gain a religious exemption from the legal
requirement to provide coverage for contraception.
Look ahead: A ruling in the case could have broad
implications, including laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual
orientation.
4.
The White House,
which has previously declined to extend the March 31st open-enrollment
deadline, will allow individuals to sign up for coverage until mid-April if
they are able to demonstrate that they began the enrollment process before the
deadline.
Look ahead: Individuals may seek an extension for a
range of reasons, and the government will grant it on an honor system.
5.
The House passed
a temporary "doc fix" bill on a voice vote, preventing a 24%
reduction in physician reimbursements under Medicare.
Look ahead: The Senate is expected to take up and past
the measure later today.
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