Miners' Families Vent Anger to Lawmakers

Move cuts out private lenders, saves the government $61B

(NEWSER) - The House passed a sweeping overhaul of the federal student loan program today, slipping it into its final amendments to the health care bill. The measure would call for the government to lend directly to students, rather than paying private lenders to lend out the money. By effectively cutting out the middleman, the legislation would save the government $61 billion over the next 10 years, the Washington Post reports. More»

Lawmakers attack each others' hometown squads

(NEWSER) - Health care reform? Congress has trouble enough honoring sports teams. A resolution to formally salute Maryland's basketball team for making the NCAA tournament nearly fell victim to a feud between congressmen today. Maryland Democrat Steny Hoyer proposed the seemingly noncontroversial measure, which should have zipped by in a voice vote. Instead, California Republican John Campbell forced a roll call vote, and he came within 15 votes of killing it. More»

(NEWSER) - These days, $787 billion just doesn't go as far as it used to. A meeting of House Democratic leaders and their economic advisers today has raised the prospect of a second stimulus package, the Hill reports. “We have to keep the door open,” Nancy Pelosi said after the meeting. “The word of the day is confidence.” Economist Mark Zandi was blunter. “We are going to need more taxpayer money.” More»

Student groups oppose use of bailout funds for unregulated lenders

(NEWSER) - Private student lenders deserve no part of the Treasury’s $200 billion consumer lending program, student advocacy groups say. They charge that the largely unregulated industry preys on young borrowers with risky variable-interest loans, the Washington Post reports. “A bailout for the providers of usurious private student loans will not solve the college affordability crisis,” said the heads of nine groups, including the publishers of Consumer Reports, in a letter to Hank Paulson. More»

Weak pillars, dangerous areas linked to Utah deaths

(NEWSER) - The federal government has socked a Utah mine operator and its consultant with the highest fine ever—$1.85 million—for safety violations in a mine collapse that killed six men last year. Investigators said weak pillar support and work in dangerous areas of the Crandell Canyon mine led to the disaster. The mine operator was charged $1.34 million “for violations that directly contributed to the deaths,” as well as $300,000 in other penalties. More»