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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Why Can't These Three Agree?

Time out! That was the call from President Clinton and Congress last week. Clinton and Republican leaders in Congress have been arguing for months over how the government spends its money. Tired and frustrated, the two sides decided to take a break.

For decades the federal budget has been out of balance, which means the U.S. government must borrow money to pay its bills. Republicans Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole want this to stop; they say the government should not spend more money than it takes in from taxes.

President Clinton has agreed with the idea of "balancing the budget" within seven years. But he can't agree with Republicans on how to do it. Gingrich wants to make big, money-saving changes in U.S. programs for the poor, sick and old. The President says these changes will hurt the needy. They also disagree on how much to cut taxes.

The budget fight has caused big problems. It led the government to shut down for a total of 27 days in November and December. Even national parks were closed. Some 760,000 government workers did not get paid over the holidays. Many Americans grew angry.

Last week Congress approved a budget to keep the government open until January 26. But it could shut down again if Clinton and Congress don't work things out when they meet this week.

Next: Ready, Set, Charge!