Consumer Reports Morning Update[SIZE=-1]Good morning, here are the top stories our editors are keeping an eye on today. Check back with ConsumerReports.org throughout the day for updates and analysis on these topics and many more.
Economic Stimulus Bill:
The Senate has begun its debate on the economic stimulus package which passed the House last week. (Los Angeles Times)
What's actually in this bill? The chairmen of the Senate Appropriations and Finance committees released a summary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (U.S. News)
Sen. Judd Gregg, a Republican from New Hampshire, will be the president's choice to lead the Commerce Department. (CNN)
While government is trying to work out its plan to turn around the economy, Americans are spending less and saving more. On Monday, the Commerce Department reported consumer spending fell for a record sixth straight month in December, dropping 1 percent amid worries about surging layoffs. (Associated Press)
What should consumers do during a recession: Spend or save? It's a question that Consumer Reports has asked in recessions past, and now we're asking your opinion. (CR Money Blog)
Health Care:
Senate Democrats are standing behind Health and Human Services nominee Tom Daschle, despite the former Senate majority leader's recently disclosed tax troubles. But some Senate Republicans may not be so supportive. (CQ Politics)
In this recession, many are finding themselves without jobs and without health insurance. Access to health care for them is something of a lottery. (Washington Post)
Salmonella Outbreak:
The president said he is going to order a "complete review" of the Food and Drug Administration after tainted peanut products sparked an outbreak of salmonella. (USA Today)
The Consumers Union said the president's move is "good news." (CR Blog)
That peanut butter recalls has a lot of people worried about their food. The FDA's database of recalled products has logged some 20 million visits. (MSNBC)
Digital TV Transition:
The House is expected to approve a bill that will delay the mandatory transition date to digital broadcasts to June 12. A similar measure failed on a procedural vote in the House last week. (CR Electronics Blog)
USA Today puts its support behind delaying the transition. As the paper put it in an editorial:*When government fouls up, TV viewers shouldn't suffer. (USA Today)
Not sure if you're ready for DTV? Check out the Consumer Reports guide to the DTV Transition. (ConsumerReports.org)
[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Subscribe now![/SIZE]
Subscribe to [SIZE=-1]ConsumerReports.org[/SIZE] for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products. [SIZE=-1]Update your feed preferences[/SIZE]