Boehner calls for Obama response on 'cliff' offer

By Andrew Taylor

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Dec. 5 2012 9:19 a.m. MST

Summary

The top Republican negotiator in talks with President Barack Obama on avoiding economy-jarring tax increases and spending cuts says it's time for the White House to respond to Monday's GOP offer.

WASHINGTON — The top Republican negotiator in talks with President Barack Obama on avoiding economy-jarring tax increases and spending cuts says it's time for the White House to respond to Monday's GOP offer.

House Speaker John Boehner says that "we can't negotiate with ourselves." The GOP plan mixes $800 billion in higher tax revenue with cuts to Medicare and a stingier cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits.

The White House has dismissed the GOP plan since it fails to raise the top two tax brackets for upper-income earners — a core campaign promise of Obama's and a central demand in the current talks. So far, Republicans say that is a step they're unwilling to take.

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tabuno

Clearfield, UT

If I was President Obama, my response would be to request that the Republic Party provide more specifics on where the entitlement reform savings they propose are actually going to come from and also what proposed spending cutbacks they have in mind More..

12:05 p.m. Dec. 5, 2012
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Fred44

Salt Lake City, Utah

Why does Mr Boehner have to call a press conference to say he wants talk to the President. If he were serious about negotiating maybe he should call him, or at least send a text. I am sure he has the phone number.

12:12 p.m. Dec. 5, 2012
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