Congress could simplify these child care benefits by harmonizing the maximum allowable expenses for both benefits, or eliminating one of the benefits altogether.

FORBES: Simplifying Child Care Tax Benefits

In both negotiations, it appears that there was a visceral unwillingness on the part of some in the U.S. government to seek maximum benefits for the United States from the negotiations.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | Submitted Testimony Of Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. Before A Hearing Of The US House Of Representatives Subcommittee On Commerce, Consumer Protection And Competitiveness On: The FS-X Agreement

Congress could set the same maximum allowable expenses for both benefits and limit parents to using only one.

FORBES: Simplifying Child Care Tax Benefits

Unemployment benefits last for a maximum of 99 weeks at the moment, and that is due to fall to six months from next year.

ECONOMIST: Food stamps

Germany, for example, cut the maximum duration of unemployment benefits to 52 weeks a decade ago.

FORBES: The Republicans' Holiday Gift To President Obama

Each year when the Social Security Administration announces the Cost Of Living Adjustment to benefits for the coming year, with similar ballyhoo they announce the maximum benefit amount available for the coming year.

FORBES: How Is The Maximum Social Security Benefit Calculated?