Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) lists ten things that he would like to see included in any major piece of healthcare reform legislation. Led by House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio), Republicans are expected to unveil a healthcare plan of their own by the end of this week. (:53)
House Minority Leader John Boenher (R-Ohio) was asked if he had heard from any supporters of the public option. Boehner jokes that he has received “some” calls from supporters. Two weeks ago, Boehner claimed he had not spoken with anybody outside of Congress who supported the public plan. (0:07)
Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Thursday that he would support the recent announcement by the White House to provide senior citizens with a check for $250 if the move was payed for with Recovery Act funds.
“The stimulus bill is not working,” said Boehner during a press briefing. “If we’re going provide this benefit to our seniors, why don’t we take it from stimulus funds that clearly aren’t getting the job done?”
The White House suggested the $250 early Wednesday to counter the lack of a cost of living increase in funds received by Social Security recipients.
Boehner was joined Thursday by Senate Minoirty Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who disparaged the direction the health care debate has taken.
McConnell called upon his Democratic colleagues to slow down the health care reform process, pointing to the length of time it took the Senate to tackle other crucial issues.
“Some would argue that [health care reform] is a bigger issue than No Child Left Behind. We spent seven weeks on that,” McConnell said. “Some would argue that this is a bigger issue than Energy, we spent eight weeks on that.”
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) took issue with President Barack Obama’s decision to travel to Copenhagen to rally support for bringing the Olympics to Chicago.
“While the President is in Copenhagen tomorrow, the American people are going to wake up and find out that hundreds and thousands of more Americans have lost their jobs,” said Boehner.
Justin Duckham-Talk Radio News Service
Republicans have attacked the public option with phrases like “death panels” and “government takeover,” but House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) invoked a new term Thursday: “garlic milkshake.”
“I’m still trying to find the first American to talk to who is in favor of the public option,” Boehner said during a press conference. “This is about as unpopular as a garlic milkshake.”
“I haven’t tried it,” Boehner added.
The Minority Leader criticized a number of other items ranked high on Congressional Democrats’ agenda, including cap-and-trade legislation, which Boehner claimed would be a key contributors to job loss.
Boehner also touched upon the recent proposal from Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) to remove Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) from his chairmanship position with the House Ways and Means Committee.
“It’s improper for Chairman Rangel to remain in his position with all of the influence that he has while the serious allegations remain hanging,” Boehner said. “Given the severity of these charges, Democrat leaders should ask Chairman Rangel to step aside.”
The Ohio Republican took issue with President Barack Obama’s decision to travel to Copenhagen to rally support for bringing the Olympics to Chicago as well.
“While the President is in Copenhagen tomorrow, the American people are going to wake up and find out that hundreds and thousands of more Americans have lost their jobs,” said Boehner.
The Minority Leader reiterated his desire to have General Stanley McChrystal, who commands U.S. forces in Afghanistan, testify before Congress.
Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) Thursday afternoon described the decision by the House to decline federal funding for the scandal ridden community organizing group ACORN as a significant victory for taxpayers.
“Today’s overwhelming bipartisan vote to stop taxpayer funding to Acorn was a big victory… this is only the beginning,” said Boehner.
ACORN came under scrutiny recently when a video surfaced depicting ACORN staffers aiding individuals posing as sex workers.
Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said during a press conference Wednesday that they look forward to welcoming back President Barack Obama to the Capitol tonight and hope that he’s been paying attention to public opinion. Leader Boehner concluded that after listening to his constituents during the August recess, “the American people want the current [health care] system to work better, but they don’t want big government to run it.”
McConnell also asked for a bi-partisan agreement on the final legislation, but voiced his opposition to any health care bill that raises taxes or takes from medicare.
McConnell also addressed the need for Insurance reform, which he said most Republican members are in agreement towards, with respect to pre-existing conditions, interstate competition and portability.
Leader Boehner stated that the aim of the President’s joint address may be to, “double down and put lipstick on this pig”.
Rep. Dr. Charles Boustany (R-La.) has been selected for tonight’s republican response. Boustany has worked for twenty years as a cardiac surgeon.
House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) argues that the congressional Democrats’ agenda is moving through Congress too quickly. He admits that he has not read every piece of legislation that came to the floor, but that he has always understood what he voted for. Boehner adds that when he was House Majority Leader, he allowed bills 24 hours before being voted on. (0:58)
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) says that poll numbers indicate that Americans dislike the health care reform legislation advanced by the Democrats. He says that he has encountered many Americans who are outraged, and will complain to their elected representatives. (0:29)
House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) says that President Barack Obama and the Democratic leadership in Congress lack experience in the private sector, and that this lack of knowledge influences Democratic legislation. Boehner argues that the health care reform legislation proposed by congressional Democrats reflects this inexperience. (0:32)
