This
Week In Washington DC
Top 5 Stories
1.
President Obama is set to announce
plans to eliminate sequestration in his 2016 budget request, seeking an
increase in domestic and military expenditures, financed by eliminating
"inefficient spending programs" and closing tax loopholes, according
to an administration official.
Look ahead: The president's plan
is likely to meet with resistance among Republicans, who oppose any net tax
increases.
2.
Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney
for the Eastern District of New York and the president's nominee to serve at
attorney general, faced the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, offering a careful
defense of administration policies on immigration and drug enforcement and
repeatedly emphasizing her independence.
Look ahead: While the proceedings
served largely as a venue for the airing of Republican grievances against
President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder, Lynch is expected to win
confirmation.
3.
Fresh off a fight over
amendments, the Senate passed legislation to authorize construction of the
Keystone XL pipeline setting it up for a veto from the Whitehouse.
Look ahead: It remains unclear whether Senate Republicans
can gather enough support to override a presidential veto. Republicans made the Keystone pipeline a
priority for 2015.
4.
During a largely ceremonial visit
to India, the president reached agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to greater
cooperation on civilian nuclear trade.
Look ahead: India consented to limit
the liability of American nuclear suppliers in the event of a power-plant
disaster and vowed to implement enhanced tracking of fissile material.
5.
Several Republican presidential
hopefuls traveled to summits in Iowa and California in an effort to woo the
party's conservative base and secure the backing of major donors.
Look ahead: Even as prospective
presidential candidates seek their favor, major GOP donors are taking a
measured approach, allowing the field to settle and narrow before committing to
a single contender.
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