The Week by the Numbers: October 13-19, 2013
By Matt Phifer
1.5 Percent – The Estimated Increase of Government Benefits in 2014
An AP Analysis has shown that the increase in government benefits could be one of the smallest in four decades. The AP estimated that the increase for social security beneficiaries, disabled veterans and federals retirees could only be 1.5 percent. The exact increase amount will not be revealed until the Labor Department releases its September inflation report.
16 Days – Duration of the Government Shutdown
Late on the night of October 13th, Congress voted to end the government shutdown and avoid a default, which could have put the nation’s credit rating and the world economy in danger. The total time of the government shutdown was 16 days. The Republican party failed in its attempt to halt the rollout of Obamacare and now finds itself with low approval ratings just a little over one year from the 2014 midterm elections. The resolution extends federal funding for government agencies through January 15th and delays enforcement of the debt limit until February 7th.
More than 250 Million Per Year – Rate at which the NSA Collects E-Mail Address Books
Government officials and previously top-secret documents released by Edward Snowden have revealed that the NSA collects hundreds of millions of e-mail address books and buddy lists from live chat services. Based on what the documents describe as a typical daily intake, the NSA collects more than 250 million e-mail address books per year. Analysis of the data allows the NSA to map relationships and search for hidden connections. The collection takes place overseas, but senior intelligence officials told the Washington Post that the program also sweeps in the contacts of some Americans.