Then came a new scandal, legislative earmarks, lawmakers writing special provisions to finance pet projects back home.

NPR: A Year of Ethics Lapses in Congress

The immediate cause of the sharp fall in bond prices seems to have been rooted in the byzantine world of Italian politics, and in particular, an acrimonious spat between Silvio Berlusconi, the prime minister, and Giulio Tremonti, the finance minister, over provisions in an emergency budget.

ECONOMIST: The euro zone on the edge: The road to Rome | The

Meanwhile, the Senate Finance Committee has included two revenue-raising provisions in its JOBS bill revamping tax breaks for exporters.

FORBES: Washington Blocks Patent Tax Breaks

He also said a compromise health care proposal coming before the Senate Finance Committee this week contains many of the provisions he is seeking in a final bill.

CNN: Obama: Economy probably won't produce enough jobs until 2010

The Finance Committee has also been taking evidence from stakeholders about provisions within the budget.

BBC: Draft Budget Debate