Dec 08, 2010
Obama predicts approval of tax cut deal,
President Obama said today it's wrong to suggest that Democrats should feel betrayed by the George W. Bush tax cut deal, and he predicted that the House and Senate would both sign off on it with heavy Democratic support.
Lawmakers should "examine the agreement, look at the facts, have a thorough debate, but get this done," Obama told reporters, citing other aspects of the proposal: An extension of unemployment benefits and a series of middle-class tax cuts to help with tuition, child care, and hiring more workers.
Obama also expressed confidence that the Senate will ratify the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia before it leaves for the Christmas holidays.
As some Democrats complain that Obama caved to Republicans in agreeing to a temporary extension of Bush tax cuts for wealthy, the White House said that Vice President Joe Biden would meet with House Democrats today to discuss the proposal.
Obama rejected a reporter's suggestion that Democrats feel "betrayed" by the two-year extension of tax cuts for individuals who make more than $200,000 a year, and couples who make more than $250,000. "I think it is inaccurate to characterize Democrats, writ large, as quote-unquote betrayed," Obama said.
In promoting the agreement, Obama cited the projections of economists who say the agreement will lead to job growth in 2011 and 2012.
The protests from congressional Democrats also include a proposed lowering of the estate tax, which they say benefits only rich people.
"So far, the response has not been very good," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, calling the estate tax proposal "a bridge too far."
The president took questions after meeting with Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski in the Oval Office, whom Obama thanked for backing the START arms cut deal with Russia. Komorowski said the arms cut deal would create a more secure world.
In predicting ratification, Obama cited support from a Republican ex-Secretaries of State, a group including Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and Henry Kissinger. Obama also noted he has discussed START with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., though he did not detail that conversation.
(Posted by David Jackson) |
