CRUZ PLAYS ‘SHUTDOWN CHICKEN’: The Texas Senator, who almost single-handedly persuaded House Republicans to shut down the government in 2013 – with disastrous political results – is back at it in the waning days of the 113th Congress. Read more
OBAMA, EXECUTIVE LOVEFEST: There's a reason a relaxed President Barack Obama lingered so long on Wednesday with members of the Business Roundtable. He was enjoying their company.That's not as odd as it sounds for a president sometimes reputed to be hostile toward business. Read more
OBAMACARE LITIGATION RISK: There potentially are more legal challenges to Obamacare on the horizon. CEOs are upset about EEOC complaints against a handful of firms for allegedly coercive wellness plans. The BRT recently wrote HHS, Treasury & DOL for some relief, because they've already put plans in place. And the wellness plan complaints aren’t the only risk for legal action. Travelers thinks firms also face suits from independent contractors under the employer mandate, demanding coverage if they work more than 30 hours, not to mention penalties for not reporting on variable workforce accurately. Read more
STOCKS END SLIGHTLY LOWER AHEAD OF PAYROLLS REPORT: Read more