Mitch McConnell Says Senate GOP Is Committed To Block Tax Increase For The Rich

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Senate GOP Committed To Block Tax Increase For The Rich

First Posted: 09-13-10 01:44 PM | Updated: 09-13-10 03:14 PM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/13/senate-poised-for-highsta_n_714766.html



House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) seemed to give Democrats an opening on Sunday when he said he would support President Obama's plan for extending Bush tax cuts only to the middle class if that was his only choice.

But his counterpart in the Senate is apparently willing to make sure Boehner doesn't face such a choice. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) announced on Monday that he has the commitments from everyone in his caucus to oppose any tax package that doesn't include an extension for the rich as well.

As it happens, the Kentucky Republican didn't even need all those commitments. Earlier in the day, Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) joined three other right-leaning Senate Democrats in announcing his opposition to any form of tax increases, giving Republicans more than enough votes to sustain a filibuster.

The dual announcements compelled a sober-minded acknowledgment from Democratic Senate aides that they lack the votes -- at this point in time -- for the party to pass only an extension of cuts for those making under $250,000 a year.

"I don't believe the Republicans are interested in dealing with this," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's spokesman Jim Manley. "I think they're more interested in the politics of it."

Adding salt to the wound, there currently exists no avenue for Democrats to pass only a limited extension through reconciliation, the 50-vote budgetary maneuver used to pass the Bush tax cuts in the first place. The budget resolution from last year, a top aide relayed, did not contain a reconciliation instruction for tax policy, only health care and education. As for this year, Congress hasn't passed a budget.

But a tough political landscape doesn't necessarily portend a policy compromise. Shortly after McConnell announced that he had the assurances of his Republican colleagues, Reid himself put out a blistering response, hinting that he is willing to call the GOP's bluff with respect to the tax cuts debate.

[valerief]

1. Because the rich have "earned" it. nt

[Canuckistanian]

2. Jeeze, don't these guys coordinate their messages?

The Boner said that compromise was possible.

On a side note, every time I see a pic of McConnell, I expect his head retract into his shirt collar.

[Andy823]

3. I say call their bluff and make them vote!

Every damn one of them, republican or democrat, that votes "AGAINST" tax cuts for those making "UNDER" $250,000 should be voted out of office, so call their bluff and let the cards fall where they will! Even some republicans may think twice before putting their neck out there and voting NO on this bill!

Make them vote Harry, make them vote!

[dennis4868]

4. The headline should be....

McConnell will block a tax cut for the middle class....

[Swamp Rat]

5. LOLOL!!! So, the GOP is going to bunt with bases loaded, and 3 balls - 2 strikes.

HAHA! Idiots!! :D

[Duke Newcombe]

6. Damn, SwampRat. I love you. That is all. n/t