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January 2, 2013 CONNECT WITH SMARTBRIEF Share | Sign up | Archive | Advertise National Pulse  Biden shines as lawmakers finally cut a deal    Biden/Reuters Tempers flared as lawmakers sought to thrash out a fiscal compromise, with party leaders screaming obscenities at one another in the corridors of power -- but the House did finally approve the Senate's fiscal plan, with 85 Republicans, including Speaker John Boehner, joining Democrats to push through the deal. That was partly thanks to Vice President Joe Biden's ability to swoop in and win over Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell -- a move seen as almost presidential by some observers. "No doubt about it, this could be very helpful to him if he decides to run in 2016," says former top Democratic aide Jim Manley. National Journal (1/2) , Politico (Washington, D.C.) (1/2) , The Hill (1/2)      12 things the fiscal deal achieved -- and 3 things it overlooked National Journal (1/1)      Agenda Items  House GOP delays vote on Sandy relief bill    Reuters House Republicans suddenly nixed a planned vote on key legislation providing emergency relief for northeastern states impacted by Hurricane Sandy, drawing sharp criticism from the region's representatives. Some speculated that GOP leaders wanted to avoid passing a major spending bill so soon after securing a fiscal deal. "I understand the tactics, but there is a real human need here that is being ignored," said Rep. Rob Andrews, D-N.J. Politico (Washington, D.C.) (1/1) , The Hill/On the Money blog (1/2)      Ill. governor fast-tracks major pension-system overhaul The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/1)      Obama administration is still using renditions, secret arrests The Washington Post (1/1)      Data Points  Trade and the China challenge    Face the Facts USA Although the past 20 years has seen a dramatic rise in trade between the U.S. and other countries, the U.S. continues to import far more than it exports. No gap is greater than the one between the U.S. and China. Our trade deficit with China was $295 billion in 2011. That's nearly triple what it was 10 years ago -- and represents about 40% of the entire U.S. trade deficit. No other country even comes close. The second biggest annual trade deficit is with Mexico -- and it's $64 billion. Face the Facts USA      The Conversation  Author Paul Waldman: This deal will only make the GOP more resolute Prospect.org (1/2)      Columnist Ezra Klein: Now it's time to debate the debt ceiling The Washington Post (1/2)      Ambassador Ryan Crocker: Chuck Hagel is the right man to run the DoD The Wall Street Journal (1/1)      Daily Chuckle  Best of 2012: The face is familiar and contagious!    Maroney/Reuters U.S. gymnast McKayla Maroney was not happy winning a silver medal in London, and she let her expression show it. The 16-year-old athlete now enjoys her celebrity status as fans ask to pose for pictures with her wearing her "not impressed" face. And the famous expression is reaching some high places. The Huffington Post (11/19) , The Washington Post (11/15)      SmartQuote  Justice in the life and conduct of the state is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens." --Plato, Greek philosopher        SmartBrief delivers need-to-know news in over 100 targeted email newsletters to over 3 million readers. All our industry briefings are FREE and open to everyone—sign up today! Accounting Advertising Automotive Aviation & Aerospace Biotechnology Business Chemicals Construction & Real Estate Consumer Packaged Goods Distribution Education Energy Finance Food Service Health Care Insurance Legal Manufacturing Media & Entertainment Nonprofit Retail Technology Telecommunications Travel & Hospitality   Subscriber Tools SIGNUP   SEND FEEDBACK   E-MAIL THIS BRIEF Today's Brief - Permalink  | Print friendly format  | Web version  | Privacy policy Advertise Sr. National Account Director:   Jim Pataki 212-450-1682   SmartBrief Community: Most Clicked Facebook LinkedIn Get this RSS Feed Search Archive About Download a SmartBrief Mobile app today     Recent SmartBrief on Business & Politics Issues: Monday, December 31, 2012 Friday, December 28, 2012 Thursday, December 27, 2012 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 Monday, December 24, 2012     Lead Editor: Jim Berard     Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004     © 1999-2013 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information