Jonathan Salant, Bloomberg News, Money & Politics Reporter
Topic: Recent developments in the presidential campaign, including the latest fundraising numbers, polls, and advertising.
David Lesch, Author, “Syria: The Fall of the House of Assad” and Trinity University Professor of Middle East History
Topic: Guest, who is one of very few in the West who have met Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, will discuss his latest book about Assad’s deteriorating regime and what could be next for Syria and the region.
Gary Engel, Government Accountability Office, Financial Mgt. & Assurance Team Manager
Topic: Due to the 2011 Debt Ceiling Fight in Congress, the Treasury Department had to take several “extraordinary actions” in 2011 & 2012 to prevent going over the Ceiling. Not only did increased borrowing costs total an estimated $1.3B, but investments to specific funds, some tied to federal retirement, were temporarily suspended. Guest will discuss the Treasury’s actions, the costs and the recommendations the GAO made to Congress about decisions tied to raising the debt ceiling.