Posted on 12/09/2011 3:02:09 PM PST by Libloather
Pelosi: GOP tax bill ‘doesn't have a shot’
By Mike Lillis - 12/09/11 01:01 PM ET
Republican "extremism" is the only thing stopping Congress from finalizing an extension of the payroll tax cut and getting out of town for the holidays, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi charged Friday.
The California Democrat hammered the tax package from House Republicans, warning that the addition of "poison pill" riders — particularly language expediting approval of the Keystone XL oil sands pipeline — means the bill is dead on arrival.
"Their proposal doesn't have a shot," Pelosi said during a brief press event in the Capitol. "What we're doing here is pointless because it isn't going to pass the Senate."
Pelosi said she hadn't seen the final language of the Republican bill, which was posted roughly an hour before her press conference. But the inclusion of the Keystone language — designed to attract the support of wary conservatives — indicates the GOP "isn't serious" about enacting the legislation, Pelosi charged.
Noting that many Republicans initially opposed an extension of the payroll tax holiday, Pelosi applauded GOP leaders for finally getting behind that provision.
"But," Pelosi added, "[they] put so many poison pills on it that it couldn't possibly survive."
"We don't have time for sending messages. We have to create work for the American people," she said.
"It's not about what the American people are thinking; they support a payroll tax cut, whether they're Democrats or Republicans or Independents," she added. "It's about the extremism of the Republicans in the House of Representatives that remains the obstacle to this tax cut."
House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) joined the criticism Friday, saying the "unrelated and controversial" additions in the Republicans' final proposal will likely sink the bill.
"Democrats remain willing to work with Republicans to extend these critical measures before Congress adjourns for the year," Hoyer said in a statement, "but I do not believe that the plan Republican leaders proposed this morning would be the best path forward to do so."
President Obama on Wednesday suggested he would veto any bill that expedites a decision on the Keystone project — a decision the State Department has postponed until after next year's elections.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, raised eyebrows Friday when he said he'd be open to including the Keystone language in order to secure an extension of the payroll tax holiday, which will otherwise expire Jan. 1. Cleaver suggested Obama might do the same.
“I think [Obama] is serious, but at the end, it may be here’s an opportunity to get a deal and get what I want and go home," Cleaver said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program.
Pelosi rejected that assessment Friday, saying she takes the president at his word.
"I don't think it poses a problem [for Democrats]," Pelosi said. "The president has said he will veto the bill, he will veto the bill."
Did that ever come up during her 'historic' yet secret Commiecare™ scheme? I don't recall.
Pelosi has begun her campaign to get that huge, industrial strength gavel back.
My, my, Nancy gets a bit testy when she’s not in charge and doesn’t get her way.
These people insult republicans on a daily basis. And the republicans stand there and take it. I can’t for the life of me figure out why someone hasn’t knocked the crap out of one of the dems. I guess it just proves it’s all a game.
Another Rat Party member that ought to be in handcuffs!
I thought the old hag was on a “witch “ hunt on Newt Gingrich
You asked if she was in charge of something...Yes, she is the house leadsrship of the Marxist AntiAmerican Socialist, AntiCapitalist, Maoist, Leninist, Gay Rights, KKK loving Party - aka Democrats.
So increasing the unemployment benefits will create work for the American people. And Allowing the pipeline and maybe 200,000 jobs over it's lifetime is an obstacle to creating work for the American people.
The congress cannot "create" jobs unless it's government jobs. The government is stopping the private sector from "creating" jobs by refusing to allow the pipeline and numerous other oil drilling or producing projects.
The government "created" the mess we are in and they are doing it on purpose.
nancy who???? This dried-up cretin should be behind bars in Leavenworth.
Newt takes them on. IMO that’s one of the things we’re looking for. He doesn’t just take bs.
These House Democrats have delusions of relevance.
The California Democrat hammered the tax package from House Republicans, warning that the addition of "poison pill" riders -- particularly language expediting approval of the Keystone XL oil sands pipeline -- means the bill is dead on arrival.
Getting past time for a comprehensice report on Nanzi’s financial dealings since coming to Congress, and how she became a rich woman.
Right, he wouldn't even sit next to someone like Pelosi...oh wait...
Are you Kidding? Not a dime has been cut since the Republicans have had the majority. Do you really think Crybaby Boehner is in charge?
Yes he did sit next to nancy on a couch! Have you not seen the oft posted photo?! Good grief.
Separately, yes - Newt does not tolerate the conversation being driven by and viewed from the liberal pov. He first challenges the premise and points out the flaw then addresses the issue with an accurate response.
Good ol’ Steny! /s
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
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