safety net

Close-up of a nurse pushing patient on wheelchair in hospital. Healthcare worker hand pushing sick patient on wheelchair.

A default on the U.S. debt would be far worse than a government shutdown. Here’s how.

BY: , , and - May 19, 2023

WASHINGTON — A U.S. default on its debt would have a significantly broader impact on federal operations, financial markets and the global economy than recent government shutdowns that have left ordinary Americans largely untouched. While the two have been confused frequently during debate over the debt limit, the federal government has had considerable practice with […]

Black farmer with digital tablet in crop field

U.S. Senate panel debates safety-net spending in upcoming farm bill

BY: - February 9, 2023

WASHINGTON — Members of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee quibbled Thursday over spending on crop insurance and ad-hoc disaster relief, previewing potential fights in the 2023 farm bill. Legislators of both parties emphasized their support at a Thursday hearing for better funding programs that protect underserved producers, and accounting for future natural disasters […]