HEADLINES

1. The Fix: What Trump can teach the GOP field

   The reality star isn't running for president. But his flirtation with the race is instructive for those who are running.
   » Read full article

2. Treasury to tap pensions to fund government

   The Obama administration will begin to tap federal retiree programs to help fund operations after the government lost its ability Monday to borrow more money from the public, adding urgency to efforts in Washington to fashion a compromise over the debt.
   » Read full article

3. The Plum Line: bin Laden info didn't come from CIA detainee, Panetta says

   CIA director Leon Panetta's letter undercuts the claim that harsh interrogation methods led to Osama bin Laden.
   » Read full article

4. Supreme Court won't revive 'extraordinary rendition' lawsuit

   An appeal had asked the court to examine two controversial aspects of the U.S. response to the 9/11 attacks, "the extraordinary rendition" program that sent the suspects to secret prisons and the "state secrets privilege."
   » Read full article

5. Ryan defends Medicare overhaul, argues that GOP plan would grow economy

   The architect of the GOP's controversial Medicare overhaul delivered a forceful defense of the plan here Monday, saying it would empower seniors and accusing President Obama of having a "shared-scarcity mentality" that promotes "bureaucratically rationed health care."
   » Read full article

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BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT SHOWDOWN

Sign up for daily e-mail updates on the federal budget showdown

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QUOTE OF THE DAY

Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner wrote in letter released last week to Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) that default would risk a "double-dip" recession:

"Default would not only increase borrowing costs for the federal government, but also for families, businesses and local governments — reducing investment and job creation throughout the economy."

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COMMENT OF THE DAY

bandcyuk, on Zachary A. Goldfarb's "Treasury to tap pension funds to fund government" story:

This is precisely how a Ponzi scheme works. There must always be new "investors" to pay off redemptions. In this case, the new "investors" are not voluntarily participating.

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Q&A DISCUSSIONS

Emory political science professor Alan Abramowitz was online at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the current state of the Republican party and GOP presidential field:

Q: It is sad to see what has happened to the Republican party, but won't it eventually just die out -- it seems it is a majority of over 50 whites, (not an increasing demo) while the Dems are younger and more diverse. I think the party will be very marginalized if they continue down this path of purity.

Alan Abramowitz:

I doubt if the Republican Party will die out any time soon. In our two-party system, the party out of power can count on the voters getting disenchanted with the governing (presidential) party sooner or later. I also expect the GOP eventually to adapt to a changing political environment including a rising minority vote, but that may take some time.

» View full Q&A session

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MULTIMEDIA

Video: Kerry: U.S. - Pakistan alliance at 'Critical moment'

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) says America's relationship with Pakistan is at a "critical moment" after the killing of Osama bin Laden. Kerry chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has been visiting Pakistan and Afghanistan.