As reported in the Washington Post this morning by Dan Froomkin, President Bush has said for the first time he would consider raising the cap on income subject to payroll taxes. The president has previously stated firm opposition to raising the tax rate but has remained silent on the cap on social security payroll taxes, currently set at $90,000. The president's announcement opens the door to the possibility of dramatically increasing Social Security revenues. Estimates by Social Security actuaries show by lifting the cap completely, it may be possible to close the entire funding gap in the program over the next 75 years.

In the latest effort of the agency to suppress scientific findings unfavorable to the drug industry, the New York Times reports that top officials at FDA have forbidden Dr. David Graham (of Vioxx fame) from presenting a study on the risks of Celebrex and Bextra before a federal drug advisory committee next week. Sen. Charles Grassley has sent a letter to Lester Crawford, soon-to-be director of the FDA, asking for an explanation of the agency decision.

In an effort led by Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), nine senators are seeking a resolution that would block an Agriculture rule allowing the re-importation of beef from Canada in light of a new case of mad cow disease discovered last month in Alberta. The USDA has decided to delay re-importation for older cattle, but has not withdrawn the rule or delayed re-importation for younger cattle. Click here to contact your representatives. Read OMB Watch analysis on mad cow disease.