Labour MPs have failed to block controversial plans to cap working-age benefit rises at 1% as the proposals passed through the House of Commons.

BBC: Planned 1% benefits rises cap backed by MPs

House Republicans have discussed pushing a Medicaid per-person spending cap next year as a possible compromise to the Medicaid block grant proposal in the House-passed budget, according to Rep. Mike Burgess (R-TX), but Democratic lobbyists say it is doubtful Congress could work out a deal in part because per-person caps would create bureaucratic nightmares.

FORBES: Why Block-Granting Medicaid Will Result in Better Health Care for the Poor

He has not publicly called for the elimination of any government agencies (although he reportedly suggested dispensing with Housing and Urban Development at a fund-raising event), but he does want to both cut and cap federal spending, and turn expensive federal programmes such as Medicaid and food stamps into block grants administered by the states.

ECONOMIST: Republicans are for states�� rights��when it suits them

But Republicans still have the power to block climate legislation in the Senate, especially with some Democrats from coal and industrial states also ambivalent about cap-and-trade.

WSJ: Coming Next: The Act II Blueprint

Ford's MyKey system has been engendering teen resentment since the release of the 2010 Focus, allowing parents to limit max speeds and cap radio volume, but parental control doesn't stop there -- the 2011 MyKey can selectively block radio stations.

ENGADGET: Ford MyKey adds radio censorship to further control teen driving habits