An economist serving on a second-term president’s Council of Economic Advisers might expect to weigh in on fundamental issues, restructuring the tax system or making entitlement programs sustainable over the long term. Barack Obama once talked of addressing such issues, and Republican leaders like House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp are doing so.

But that’s not what University of Michigan economist and CEA member Betsey Stevenson finds herself doing. Instead, she is defending the use of misleading statistics in support of legislation addressing a minor problem.

Recommended Stories

Economy expanded at 3.4% rate in third quarter in sign of underlying strength

Israeli top election official orders Shin Bet to investigate allegations of foreign interference with Arab vote

From Faroes to Flanders: Washington’s case for engaging Europe’s pro-Western independence movements