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Posted by: Brian Patrick
Good morning,
Since day one, House Republicans have said we are focused on cutting spending and growing the economy. As we continue to work on getting the nation’s fiscal house in order by cutting spending, Republicans are also focused on working to remove barriers to economic growth so that businesses can grow and create jobs. This dual track approach will ensure that Washington begins to live within its means and foster an environment where businesses small and large have the confidence and ability to grow and hire new workers.
As reported in today’s New York Times, House Leadership will announce that we will hold a “Forum on Job Creation” next week to continue our conversation with American businesses, large and small, soliciting their suggestions so that we can work together to take aggressive steps to bolster the business sector. We are committed to taking every step possible to remove government-imposed impediments to economic growth so that people can get back to work. And, unlike Democrats who believe that bigger government and more deficit spending creates jobs, our approach stops the government overreach into the business community and will allow American businesses do what they do best, innovate.
Today In History: In 1940, Chuck Norris was born. 32 Years later, he used his powers to spawn a similar force. 5 Years after that, boom went the dynamite – Norris style.
Birthdays: Chuck Norris, Jim Valvano, Sharon Stone, Rick Rubin, Rod Woodson, Edie Brickell, John Murray, Brad Dayspring, and Carrie Underwood,
Here is what’s in today’s ledger ...
A Focus On Jobs: Leader Cantor, House GOP Take Steps To Spur Hiring, Will Hold Jobs Forum With Business Leaders Next Week. House Republicans are taking new steps to emphasize their efforts to spur hiring, including a jobs forum with business leaders to be held in the Capitol next week. “We have been about cutting and growing since Day 1,” Representative Eric Cantor, the Virginia Republican and majority leader, said. “This is the growth end.” ... Republicans have also invited executives of both small and large businesses to come to the Capitol and to participate via teleconference next Wednesday in a session on how Congress can improve the hiring climate. Mr. Cantor said the idea was to solicit suggestions on removing what Republicans see as governmental barriers to job creation and taking aggressive steps to bolster the business sector. “We are not interested in giving any speeches but really want to see what the impediments are here, what we can do,” Mr. Cantor said in an interview. “We are not interested in beating our chests. We are trying to get results.” ... Among those invited to take part in the jobs forum are executives from a machine tool company, a specialty coffee-roasting company, a coal producer, a cement company, the banking industry and a high-tech firm. Mr. Cantor said they were the type of job-creating businesses Republicans were trying to assist. “We are trying to get solutions that make sense and that can get bipartisan support,” he said. The New York Times
State Of Play: Senate Dems Realize They Must Shift Toward The GOP’s Position
Senate Votes Backfire On Majority Leader Reid. Senate Democrats suffered a wave of defections Wednesday as their proposal to cut just over $6 billion from federal spending this year went down to defeat. The Democratic bill attracted two fewer votes than the rival GOP measure that would cut spending by another $57 billion this year. The 11 defections will give Republican leaders ammunition in subsequent talks, as they were able to keep their caucus more unified. ... Reid had hoped for a game-changer with votes that showed senators closer to the Democratic plan than the one backed by Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), but the plan backfired. After the votes, Reid did not respond when asked if he was surprised that the Republican bill secured more votes than the Democratic measure. The Hill
Schumer: Dems Must Move Toward The GOP's Position. Top Senate Democrats visited with Obama on Wednesday afternoon to plot strategy. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., a participant, declined to comment afterward, other than to say he recognizes his party will have to move in the GOP's direction. The Associated Press
Sen. Durbin Agrees ... After Democratic leaders huddled with President Obama on Wednesday, Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin suggested his party might have to give some ground to Republicans. Noting that several Democrats voted against their party’s substitute because they favor deeper cuts, Durbin said: “So we know the sweet spot is somewhere between” the House and Senate positions. CQ
- Dems Vote Down Real Savings: H.R. 1 Saves $862 Billion Over 10 Years ... Graphic
Questions Begin To Arise – Is Senator Reid In Control? Just as we saw on the Senate votes on taxes during the lame-duck session, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) led his party over the cliff on spending cuts. On the Senate Democrats' paltry package, Reid could round up only 42 votes. (He has 53 Democrats). ... Reid has demonstrated that he doesn't have a majority -- not by a long shot -- for his do-not-much-of-anything approach to spending. So as soon as Biden gets back from his travels, he can oversee those budget negotiations. The Washington Post
Leadership: Dem Leader Questions The Administration’s Ability To Lead
House Dem Leader Questions The President’s Selection Of VP Biden As The Administration’s Chief Negotiator. Cuellar also questioned the appointment of Vice President Joe Biden to spearhead the bipartisan negotiations in search of a deal. Biden met with party leaders on Thursday, but left the country a few days later to meet with leaders in Russia and Finland. “If he’s the chief negotiator — at least that’s what I thought he was gonna be — and then he takes off in the middle of this debate, then where does that leave us?” Cuellar asked. The Hill
Meanwhile, Senator Durbin, Having No Plan Of His Own, Continues To Make Excuses For President Obama’s Failure To Lead. After meeting with Mr. Obama, Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin of Illinois said some Democrats "are expecting a little too much'' from the president. "They want him to deliver us from this terrible dilemma.'' The Wall Street Journal
W.H. Struggles To Lead On Spending Politico
Off The Beaten Path
Big Ten Brawl: “Devoted Fan” Blasts Goldy Gopher In Face – The Minnesota Star Tribune
“Watchgator” Replaces Guard Dog ... Who Knew That Wouldn’t Work – The Associated Press
You’re Welcome – Bear Attack Survival Guide
The Schedule
Today the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 7:00 p.m.
- One Minute Speeches
- H.R. 830 - The FHA Refinance Program Termination Act (Sponsored by Rep. Robert Dold / Financial Services Committee)
- Special Order Speeches
