Question: The Trouble With Corporate Taxes
In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for an overhaul of the corporate tax code. The federal corporate tax rate is 35 percent, higher than in almost any other country. But because the tax code is replete with loopholes, the government actually raises less money from corporations than in previous decades.

As David Leonhardt writes, some companies have paid less than 10 percent tax, and companies in the same industry often paid very different rates, even when they were similar in size. The system encourages companies to devote enormous amounts of time and effort to finding loopholes. Those that successfully use tax breaks would probably resist change.

How hard would it be to reform the corporate tax? Where should we start?
Please write a summary below.
Where should Obama start if he is serious about making all companies pay their fair share?
Specter's Defection Could Help Republicans Block a Nominee to Replace Souter
Specter at a news conference announcing his switch from the GOP to the Democratic Party (AP).

At first glance, with Democrats a hair away from a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, one would expect President Obama to have no trouble hand-picking a replacement for retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter.

But in an ironic twist, Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter's switch to the Democratic Party this week could give Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee the upper hand in rejecting a nominee they find unacceptable.

That's because the Judiciary Committee, where Specter was the ranking minority member, requires the consent of at least one Republican to end debate and move a nominee to the full Senate for a vote.

"I think, in narrow terms, it could present a procedural problem at the committee level, unless the Democrats are going to change the rules of the committee midstream," William Jacobson, a professor of law at Cornell University, told FOXNews.com.

"Most people presume in a controversial nomination that Arlen Specter would have been the one most likely to vote with Democrats, since he prides himself on being independent of Republicans. But now that he moves over to the Democratic side, the president and Democrats lost their most likely minority vote."

A committee aide to Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the panel, declined to comment on anything connected to Souter's expected retirement or a Supreme Court nomination.

Before the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee can form an opposition strategy, they will have to elect a new committee party leader. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has served as chairman before and would need a waiver from members to serve again. Next in line would be Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley.

Jacobson believes the most likely Republican to help Democrats on the committee is South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who was one of the Gang of 14, a group of seven Democrats and seven Republicans who averted a showdown on President Bush's judicial nominees in 2005.

"If Obama were to nominate someone clearly viewed as a political appointee ... then I think Lindsey Graham would be subject to pressure," Jacobson said. "On the other hand, if he were to nominate someone Republicans don't like but is qualified, like (Solicitor General) Elena Kagan, would Lindsey Graham feel compelled to go along with the gang of 14? I think that is something that remains to be seen."

Graham's office did not respond to a request for comment.

Democrats aren't powerless to stop a potential filibuster at the committee level. They could change the rules to allow the committee to vote on the nominee and send a recommendation to the full Senate without Republican consent.

But Jacobson believes that's unlikely to happen.

"The senators, as political as they can be, they have tended to put value on the rules of conduct," he said. "To change the rules to get a particular nominee confirmed would set a dangerous precedent. I doubt Democrats would want to do that."

He added that changing the rules might tick off the unpredictable Specter who has developed a strong respect for tradition.

"If Democrats were to change the rule to force through a nominee, he might vote with Republicans," Jacobson said.
Please write a summary below.
Sen. Arlen Specter's switch to the Democratic Party means Democrats may need another moderate Republican to help them move a Supreme Court nominee out of the Judiciary Committee.
TMZ Live: Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez -- Can't Stay Broken Up
TMZ Live Justin & Selena Can't Stay Broken Up

have a funny way of breaking up -- sneaking off to a schmancy Bev Hills hotel together right after she cuts communication with him?? We figured out why Biebs ain't done with Selena yet.

gets ripped for her "

" performance -- and for her reaction to her new half-sister. She can still change one of those things ... but will she?

did the unspeakable -- praying for peace in Israel on Twitter!!! So, why's everyone attacking her? Maybe because she stupidly erased the tweet ... or maybe because people just love to hate her.

couldn't stand being broken up -- because they were back together after one whole day of being apart. Teens these days.

gets ripped by a critic for "

" -- but no matter what anybody says ... everyone's gonna watch the movie.

Two WNBA players break up -- and then one of them allegedly shoots the other's car in a fit of rage. Harvey wants to know who has worse breakups -- gay men, lesbians, or straight couples.

's daugher won't face any charges over her alleged heroin overdose -- you gotta hear the law that's keeping her out of trouble.

wishes peace for Israel and Palestine -- then immediately deletes the tweets and issues an apology ... igniting a war in the newsroom over what was her biggest mistake.

contestant is preparing to have her breasts removed in order to prevent cancer -- you gotta hear her courageous story.

." When are they going to start listening to us and take her off the teleprompter?

says he finds women's MMA to uncomfortable to watch. Is there a double standard ... or does he have a point?

is ready for another "Star Wars" movie -- but the best part of this story ... is how Ryan
Please write a summary below.

Answer: Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez have a funny way of breaking up -- sneaking off to a schmancy Bev Hills hotel together right after she cuts communication…