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Subscribe to RSSHouse Republican leaders said Monday that they will ready legislation to extend the payroll tax cut without offsetting its cost through the end of 2012 as a backstop in case lawmakers' efforts to authorize a comprehensive extension of that and unemployment benefits fail.
House Speaker John Boehner (OH), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (VA) and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA) announced the alternative route amid signs that the formal conference committee in charge of crafting a compromise bill on the expiring unemployment insurance and tax cuts has stalled.
"Because the president and Senate Democratic leaders have not allowed their conferees to support a responsible bipartisan agreement, today House Republicans will introduce a backup plan that would simply extend the payroll tax holiday for the remainder of the year while the conference negotiations continue regarding offsets, unemployment insurance, and the ‘doc fix,'" the trio said in a statement. "If Democrats continue to refuse to negotiate in good faith, Republicans may schedule this measure for House consideration later this week pending a conversation with our members."
Congress extended the expiring benefits at the end of December, shortly before each had been scheduled to lapse after Dec. 31. That agreement wasn't reached, however, until House Republicans relented on their demand that the programs be extended for all of calendar year 2012, along with having their costs fully offset.
Republicans agreed to the short-term extension only in exchange for the formal "conference" process intended to resolve differences between House and Senate legislation. But that reversal only came after a number of Republicans accused their House colleagues of politically damaging intransigence.
But with just a few weeks left to go until the Feb. 28 deadline, the conference committee appears mired in stalemate, with disagreement falling along familiar fault lines. Democrats wish to impose new revenue-raising measures on the wealthiest Americans to finance the tax cuts and benefit extensions, while Republicans decry such efforts as tax hikes, and wish to find savings instead through budget cuts.
The GOP's maneuver on Monday is a bid to put Democrats on their heels, and push back against the narrative that President Obama has used to great effect, casting Republicans as having obstructed middle-class tax relief by playing politics. If Congress were to authorize the tax cut extension without offsets -- something for which Democrats have pushed -- Republicans would conceivably be able to deny responsibility for the failure of negotiations.
Pelosi herself has told reporters repeatedly that she does not believe the payroll tax cut should be paid for as it is an "emergency" program implemented during a down economy. Boehner admits in his statement that "this is not our first choice," which reflects the fact that many in the Republican conference, especially conservative members, believe that this tax cut, if it's done at all, should have its cost offset. The total cost of the 10-month extension is around $100 billion.
Because of that conservative opposition, the bill would likely need to rely on Democratic support to pass, putting Democrats in the tough position of being forced to vote for a tax cut they have been pushing Republicans to pass.
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It's like a shell game. The tax cut is 2% less coming out of my paycheck in social security taxes. Therefore 2% less goes into my account and I will draw less later. In what way does there need to be a cut elsewhere to cover this?
You have no personal account. All there is is an IOU from the government which at some point if still solvent you will receive in SS dollars whatever the formula decrees.
It's a "Shell Game" with conservatives... Obama's was paid for,, Now conservatives don't want it paid for
Conservatives are the ones spending without responsibility towards cutting deficit spending
Jim you and the truth don't get together much do you,
Obamass was not paid for, it is astright election year grab, Obama is stelaing money from our old people's SS to hand money out in an election year.
wallace,, Tell me then, just why are conservatives in Congress telling you they will refuse to fund it?
Jim - Please supply "recent" independent web sites so we can all access your sources.
I'll supply one from USA Today (dated 2/14/12) which says "In the problem avoidance department, the administration continues to pretend that Social Security needs no fixs because it doesn't add to the budget deficit. Really ? The administrations own numbers - see page 465 of the analytical perspectives released with the budget - show that the program is in the red and will drain the treasury of half a trillion dollars from 2011 to 2017. Even in Washington, that's serious money."
I am sure the readers would like a comparable source to track your assertion. Just trying to keep things honest here, and based on fact not hyperbole.
You know, arguments like this one which seem to eat up so much of are elected representatives time and effort would be avoided by making fundamental changes which would better our nation as a whole. We shouldn't be working to give some of the taxpayers money back, we should be allowing them to keep what they earned in the first place. This type of nonsense is equivalent to 20 theives who rob someone at gunpoint, and then get into a fist fight over how their going to spend the money. The answer is not in changing the percentages. This is only the symtom of the true problem. The true problem is that the US economy is in the toilet, and our Government spends far more than it takes in. Now they have to fight like wild dogs over every cent.
I'm posting this not to complain, but to make a very important note. The Presidential election is upon us, and let's face it, for many of us the economy is the biggest issue right now. I'd just like to point out that of all the criminals, and shady people running, there is one who you don't hear much about, and who has what I think is a great plan to bring jobs back into this nation. If you are like many here, and you need a good job, then I urge you to take a long hard look at Ron Paul. I know what many will say. "I've heard he's a crack pot from CNN, or Fox." I'm asking you on behalf of all Americans, and our children to do the research yourself. These news agencies don't do the man any justice, in fact if you start doing your own homework, you'll see that they are simply lying.
Ron Pauls entire platform is about re-booting our failing economy. Steve Forbes has come out and endorsed Paul's desire to move to a more sound currency, likely backed by gold. Mr. Forbes said "That would be a great move, and would invite foreign investors like never before. Our currency would be good as gold." Ron Pauls plan to end the income tax would send shockwaves throughout the world, creating a dramatic shift in world economies. Imagine every working person getting to keep an extra 20%-25% of their weekly paycheck. Most would find money to spend on new cars, appliances, clothes, food...ETC. The Wall Street Journal has just issued an endorsement of this move siting that ending the income tax is not only possible, but "would be the greatest job creating engine the world has ever seen."
Ending our policing of the world would help in evening up the pricing gap between US manufacturers and their foreign counterparts. Think about it, we pay extra taxes, as do our businesses (which they must then pass on to the consumers) to pay for protecting countries like France, Japan, Germany, and India. This in turn provides them an unfair advantage in the market place. It's time they pay to take care of themselves.
Closing down our foreign bases and bringing a majority of our armed forces home would be an immediate boost to our economy. All of those tens of thousands of soldiers would be spending their paychecks here instead of abroad.
Finally he has the plan to cut government waste, and balance the federal budget within 3 years. No other candidate has anything even remotely similar to this plan. The Banks around the world agree that if Ron Paul were elected president that the US would have it's AAA credit rating back within 6 months.
Ron Paul is also the only candidate that is addressing the failing entitlement systems. His cuts would be used in part to shore up Social Security, and Medicare so that the elderly are not suddenly left without care.
In short, if jobs and the well being of this nation are your primary concerns this election cycle, I emplore all of you to visit RonPaul2012.com and read about how Dr. Paul is looking out for your best interests. You have a clear choice to make right now, and again in November. Will you vote for the candidate who is kissing you in your ear, while trying to pad their own pockets, or will you vote for the candidate who is telling you the truth and trying to turn this nation around? He can't do it without all of us helping him.
We can sit here 2-3 years from now, and complain about these politicians and how they didn't keep their promises to us, or we can make the smart decisions now, and enjoy success in 2-3 years. That choice needs to be made right here, and right now.
Thank you, and god bless.
Yes, most would blow their extra money on cars, junk, etc. How about most invest so they can take advantage of the 15% capital gains tax?
IQ: I didn't "hear" that Ron Paul was a crack pot, I know he's one. And furthermore, he and his son are racists of the worst sort. There's no point in even wasting much ink on this clown he is NEVER going to get within a country mile of the White House. You Paul groupies can make all the noise you want, it ain't ever gonna happen.
Sure, being a Libertarian, he sounds great for the first few minutes. But when you delve beneath the surface and start looking at the details, you realize the man is deranged. Simple minded people seek simple answers. Life ain't simple and democracy sure as hell isn't. Ron Paul would roll back the clock on 100 years of social progress. He has this blind faith in pure capitalism according to him will cure all our nation's worked. This kind of relaxed mentality is just what caused the recent market crash. It didn't happen because of too much "Big Government" but rather, not enough.
I really don't want the dang payroll tax cut. I hate it. And when I literally see the SS trust fund value half of what it was I don't like it. Where the heck do they think the repayment of that fund is going to come from? Duh. General fund. And at what point are they ensuring me that they are planning to get that trust fund balance back up to where it was? Stupid idea and it is going to hurt a lot of people down the road when we realize that lowering the social security withholding taxes from workers is NOT an economic stimulation approach that has any logic or merit. I want my withholding back to the way it was and I am okay with an addtional 2% withheld guaranteeing me it's mine when I am old and in my golden years.
If the feds want to extend the unemployment insurance, fine. But stop playing with the balances in the social security trust fund! Put the money back into that account, watching it Decrease as dramatically as it has, makes me worry that this current administration is going out of its way to do whatever it takes to make today and future a living hell. Put the money back where it belongs. If they want to do a tax cut then reduce the federal withholding rate and cut the damn budget for dept of state and foreign aid. Cutting the social security tax is a dangerous game when everyone knows it has to be replaced. And it dang well better be. Why is any logical person out there supporting the social security tax reduction? Tell me how this has done a dang bit of good for anyone. Does anyone really think that $22 a week has made me feel better about my future. I want my social security money put back and the trust fund left untouched so it will grow as it should. Playing this little shell game is sick
The only real reason for this is that it makes them feel like they have larger penises because they sure as hell are never doing anything for the American people
The bottom line is that economists like Howard Gleckman and Bruce Bartlett agree that extending the “temporary” payroll tax holiday is not the best way to stimulate the economy because it is poorly targeted and won’t be paid for. http://bit.ly/uvIDMJ
According to this chart from Ezra Klein, the 2011 payroll tax cut only accounted for 0.2% of the 1% growth in GDP due to personal consumption. http://wapo.st/vJuYMH
If last year’s payroll tax cut only raised GDP by 0.2% in a year how can economists like Mark Zandi argue that extending the payroll tax holiday for another year will increase GDP by a whole 1%? http://bit.ly/wetadR
Would extending the payroll tax holiday for 2012 really will have differing effects on economic growth?
Yes,,,
American Families can put a tank of gas in the family car & food on the dinner table ------ It goes right back into the economy
Jim-372206
That isn’t true for all American families. The wealthy, who also receive the payroll tax cut, will just save the money which is the reason that I am not a fan of payroll tax holiday. http://eng.am/zVZZPI
Congress has better stimulus options available to them. One in particular is bringing back the Making Work Pay tax credit.
Because the MWP credit phased out between $75,000 and $95,000 of income it was better targeted to those at the bottom of the income scale who really need the extra money. http://bit.ly/rxxatY
GNOP is willing to cut unemployment insurance for the middle class but don't ask them to cut tax giveaways for the rich and big corporations , shows who's side they are on . Boener says the payroll tax cut should be offset . I don't hear him calling for the capital gains tax giveaway to be offset , not while the beneficiaries are the super wealthy . All for the rich . The middle class should just go away .
Simply put the Republicans have their backs against the wall so they are throwing bread crumbs to the masses in hopes that they will be able to hold onto their offices in November.
As some have pointed out since the 2% comes from what you are paying into Social Security it doesn't really have to be offset. It just means that it will take 2% longer to max out your benefits and yes I have already done that. After you pay so much in you cap out on how much will be paid out to you regardless of how much more you pay in. It's not like the government is going to write your family a check for all the money that you put into Social Security but didn't draw back out when you die. They keep it.
There is no need to offset this one and the Republicans in the House are throwing people a bone because we are getting rabidly angry with arguing over stupid things that anyone with an ounce of common sense can see is simply handled.
The unemployment extension, yes that is a problem. Many states unemployment accounts are empty and it is hard for these states to keep paying unemployment for 99 weeks. Still if you cut these people off from any money the economy will tank even worse than it already has.
Reduction in what doctors get paid for Medicare. Well having worked for a Medicare contractor in that past that gets to be a touchy subject with me. The program is flawed to the core and needs to trashed and started over.
Other things Republicans have dishonorably lied to American Families about involving the President's Affordable Health Care Act'
The reality—as the President has said all along—is that the Affordable Care Act gives Americans plenty of health insurance options. Here are just a few of the ways health care reform provides exactly the kind of choice Romney claims it denies:
State-based affordable insurance exchanges will allow you to shop and compare health plans, starting in 2014
The Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) makes you eligible for coverage even if you’ve been sick.
Consumer-run, non-profit health insurers (CO-OP insurance plans) are another option available in 2014.
The Insurance Finder on Healthcare.gov makes finding and comparing coverage optionseasier for consumers.
Young people under the age of 26 can choose to remain on their parents’ health insurance.
Mitt Romney is spreading false rumors about health care reform—it’s part of his say-anything-to-get-elected strategy. Truth is, Romney’s the candidate who says he would take away consumer protections in the health care law, so the 129 million people with pre-existing conditions—including 17 million children—would risk being denied the option to change their current insurance company.
But he should know better than most that the Affordable Care Act is really chock full of choice. After all, Romney’s own health care law in Massachusetts provided exactly the same kind of insurance exchange options as the President’s reform.
Jim you and the truth don't even have a strangers in the night affair.
Stop your presenting your opinions as fact,
My insurance has jumped 30% since the inept lying quasi socialist in the white house crammed the insurance farce down our throat..
I se you neglected to mention that he cut 468 billion out of medicare to finance his vote buying hand out programs.
wallace,,,, Those are the FACTS
Tell me amigo, did you ever figure out that the President is an American citizen, or are you still listening to conservative facts?
Wallace, Under the long miserable 8 Bush years, my health insurance doubled, TWICE! And at the same time, health-care insurance companies made so much they could pay their CEO's millions of dollars per year per year.
Obama's was paid for,, Now conservatives don't want it paid for
Conservatives are the ones spending without responsibility towards cutting deficit spending
Obama's was not paid for liar,
Of course the Republicans are preparing to pass the extension of tax cuts.
Every poll you see tells them that if they don't pass it they're very likely to find themselves in the (gasp!) unemployment lines themselves.
Of course, most of them have become far too rich to need any kind of assistance, but if they get voted out they no longer get to ride on the gravy train provided by their lobbyist benefactors and the corporations who own them.
What Congress for gets we get to vote in Nov, and a lot of their good for nothing doing nothing, will be done with, they will be gone. lets hope every Repub is done with
From the looks of conservative votes for Tea Party candidates, I'd say it's definitely over for them.. The others just have to come to their senses
Republicans have lied to American Families about everything from taxes & jobs to their own family health care options & religion,, to national security, the military & foreign policy
"Let Them Fail Economics" does NOT take America forward!
Jim you leftys are truly and completely with out familiar with the truth..
Tell you what let's do lefty, you name a lie a that the republicans have told, then I'll name on The inept liar in the white house has told and let's see who runs out first.
You people will vote for Obama if he announces tomorrow, that he is a practicing pedophile,as long as he keeps the freebies coming.
I have seen your posts on here almost daily and you continue to announce your opinions as facts.
Here is a fact for you handouters, soon we dump Obama then a lot of you people living off of the taxpayers are going to have a very difficult life.
wallace,,,, Those are the FACTS, deal with it
Tell me amigo, did you ever figure out that the President is an American citizen, or are you still listening to conservative facts?
Want some more FACTS?
Conservative candidates are lying to American Families about Obama having a War Against Religion ----- When Christians Lie to Christians about their own FAITH it's your conservative Presidential Candidates who show they don't respect religious values
Contraception is important for women's health
Scientists and medical experts agree that contraception is important for women's health. The fundamental belief behind this decision is that women should have access to this care, without having to worry about cost.
Churches are exempt from the new rules
Churches and other houses of worship will be exempt. Other religious organizations that employ women regardless of their faith, like hospitals and universities, can qualify for an additional year to transition to the new rules.
Individual religious beliefs will be protected
Just as no woman will be forced to buy or use contraception, these rules do not affect the "conscience clause," meaning no doctor will be forced to prescribe contraception.
More than 75% of Catholic women are actually behind this
There's widespread support for covering birth control at no cost: 71% of Americans, and 77% of Catholic women, support it. And 98% of American Catholic women who have had sex have reported using contraception.
This will reduce employer costs
The National Business Group on Health found that it could cost an employer 15-17 percent more not to provide contraception coverage.
The President stands with the faith-based community
These new rules are consistent with the President's commitment to religious liberty. The President is proud of his administration's partnerships and strong support of faith-based organizations.
For more information on these, you can click here.
So there you have it.
These attacks from Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and other Republican figures are an attempt to divide faith-based groups for political gain. What they can't do is change the truth behind the administration's work to protect women's health and its dedication and partnership with Catholic and other faith-based communities.
Only a completely narrow minded politically ignorant person who can't understand a balance sheet should give a hoot in hell about social issues right now. The Titanic is sinking and you people are worried about the dinner menu.
This election is 100% based on financial issues. You can either choose to recognize and be a part of that or sit on the sidelines caring about the most insignificant things that should be immediately moved back to the states to decide for themselves. The financial wheels are falling off the federal government, the US dollar and Europe giving this administration and the next ZERO TIME for this crap. This one size fits all crap for social issues involving 300 million people in insane.
We have 45 million on food stamps, 15 million confirmed unemployed, 40 million making half the income they were 3 years ago, expanded 1 war to 3 with no end in sight. The military contractors are running the Pentagon and our foreign policy while the Federal Reserve plays Santa Clause to every foreign bank on the planet that screwed themselves with greed in the derivatives market. The FED is being allowed to print as much money as they please domestically, loan it to themselves at 0% interest then buy up all our defaulting homes, business's and stocks at 25 cents on the dollar. Still caring about social issues? Then I will post several more paragraphs of the financial problems NOT being addressed.
This is for all practical purposes a coups d'éta by the global corporations who are stripping the US like a car to be sold for junk. All Obama has done for the last 3 years is run coverup operations for all these financial terrorists. He fought the Ron Paul sponsored "audit the FED" bill swearing up and down there was nothing to find. Despite finding $16 TRILLION was shoved out the backdoor between 2009 and 2010 Obama had "no comment". That's right.... while we were handing Goldman Sachs part of the $600 billion TARP money they had already been given $5 TRILLION from the FED.
Verify the $16 trillion given away at Senator Sanders website:
http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/news/?id=9e2a4ea8-6e73-4be2-a753-62060dcbb3c3
@ Adams101
Any time I speak to someone whose angry about how the government is handling things
I always respond "You aren't nearly angry enough!"
It always amazes me how incredibly myopic most people are. These "social issues" are the same pieces of bait that the GOP and DNC both keep stringing their mush-headed base along with.
GOP dangles the carrot of a renaissance of government mandated Christian Sharia-law...just don't question their financial dealings.
DNC dangles the carrot of open-door policy to government support and immigration...just don't question their financial dealings.
I loved the book "What's the Matter with Kansas" not just because of how it discussed the backwards way that singularly-focused "conservative" voters agreed to let the foxes be in charge of the hen house (economically speaking) in exchange for acknowledging superstitions and religious platitudes lacking in factual support...but to how it speaks to a bigger problem of how blind most of the general voting-population is when it comes to the problems that plague the nation and how all of these other matters are merely used as a ploy to distract from the actual problems at hand.
I like Ron Paul's stance when it comes to ending philosophical wars (i.e. on Terror(tm) and Drugs(tm)) and cracking open the rotten-oyster that is the financial and banking industry; but I think that his lessez faire attitude on corporate governance and markets is a recipe for disaster matched only by the crash of 1929 and completely ignores why the US created things like the FDA, EPA, SEC, FTC and Sherman Anti-Trust Act...plus Paul is a little iffy when it comes to actually supporting the separation of church and state
Wallace,,, Figure it out sport
Republicans have lied to American Families about everything from taxes & jobs to their own family health care options & religion,, to national security, the military & foreign policy
"Let Them Fail Economics" does NOT take America forward!
@ Jim-372206
While I agree with that. Obama has made it a point not to pursue investigations on anyone involved in the torture and extreme rendition allegations under the Bush Administration...nor the blatant constitutional violations of privacy and due process.
Obama has also been very clear about not subjecting the Fed to a comprehensive audit or pursuing charges of fraud and acting on conflicts of interest within the rating agencies that enabled the recent financial melt-down to begin with. At least we're going after the CEO of Fannie and Freddie...that's a start
Also, where the hell is the FTC when it comes to the blatant monopoly abuses in numerous industries such as US Telcos? Verizon, AT&T, Comcast, Timewarner Cable, etc....WTF?! They're all dirty and playing games with consumers to drive up prices. Want to create jobs and lower costs at the same time? Break those oligopolies apart!
This is why The GOP gave you this, unemployment will be alot tougher, see I do not need job, good luck looking.
You have a big problem in Nov, white independents are not going to feel guilty about voting out a less than.
republicans are wack
Why is "the right" usually in the wrong?
Low IQ & Conservative Beliefs,,, Keep in mind racism isn't just about race, it's about separatism & culure, hating anything that is different from their beliefs
http://news.yahoo.com/low-iq-conservative-beliefs-linked-prejudice-180403506.html
Drug and alcohol test congress. Them SOB's got to be on something.
How odd - not an article on this site about the *ME_d-i-a-m_a_tt-ers debacle - TRY FOX FOR THE ARTICLE
Fox's site does not accept non-members blogs or posts them about on hour later!
It looks like the Democrats are going to win this one and seems the Republicains are going down without a fight. This is grade school math and Boehner as the messager that can not explain grade school math needs to be fired. (Kill the messager) Let Cantor be up next and if he can not get this very simple math message out then send him packing as well. OBama needs to own his spending and I would give up my remaining $920.00 to the Republician or Democrat that steps up and tells OBama to stick it where the sun does not shine. Every household and company have had to make cuts to survive why should the government be an exception?
RICK SENT TO ROAM ; is as clueless as the jeanie M O R O N I. he is leaning
hard on the color of his skin to win the white house. sooner or later , he will
wake up , and stop trying to act like the reincanated REAGAN. he'll accept the
fact that trickled down economics died with that generational time. if only we
could have people in the republican conservative party to go out on a limb, and
think for themselves. tell the 1% , '' it makes sense to support your country in
trying times ''. and it makes sense to do away with all those gazillionaires
loop-holes that legally keeps them from paying their share of taxes. ONE DAY
AMERICA, WE WILL SEE THE REPUBLICANS BEGAN TO FOLLOW PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN
AGAIN. THE DEMOCRATS WERE WON OVER BY HIM, AND LOOK AT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOW
!!!!!!!!!!
People!! People!! People!!
Stall!! Stall!! Stall!! NO!! NO!! NO!!
You can't tax the rich they make jobs "Where are the Jobs"
The rich are not investing in America!!!
This is the Republican Party being run by the Tea Party!!!
House Speaker John Boehner (OH), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (VA) and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA) announced the alternative route amid signs that the formal conference committee in charge of crafting a compromise bill on the expiring unemployment insurance and tax cuts has stalled.
America!!
There are men in this country big enough to own the government of the United States, and they are going to own it.
A group of willful men, representing no opinion but their own, have rendered the great government of the United States helpless and contemptible.
Of the People!!, By the People!!, and For the People!!
At present it's By the Republican Party!! For the Republican Party!!and For the Rich!!!
The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and, the special interests and Republicans / Tea Party. An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy.
America lives in the heart of every man everywhere who wishes to find a region where he will be free to work out his destiny as he chooses.
America was established not to create wealth but to realize a vision, to realize an ideal - to discover and maintain liberty among men.
By 'radical,' I understand one who goes too far; by 'conservative,' one who does not go far enough; by 'reactionary,' one who won't go at all.
I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with LIBERTY.
The problem with your "rich man keeping me down" theory is you only have yourself to blame. The rich and powerful have never in our history elected one single official to public office. They are less than 1% of the voters. They rely completely on the ignorance and greed of the lower middle class voting majority to install their crooked politicians.
Yep, the deficit whores make up about 60% of the population. We have 47% that pay zero federal income taxes and use the most entitlements/services. Then we have all the federal employees, federal retirees, military, military retirees, defense contractors, other federal contractors, union pensioners that were bailed out, corporations that were bailed out, retirees of bailed out corporations, banks that were bailed out etc etc etc.
That makes up about 60% of the voting population. How do you ever pass responsible legislation when 60% of the country is dependent on and addicted to deficit spending? Anyone irresponsible and crooked enough to build and maintain a $1.7 trillion dollar deficit will also give the rich anything they ask for. You can't run a deficit government with lobby's and special interest groups then expect honest politicians that won't screw you. You voted them into office so they would give you more than you put in......... so they do it for the rich too!
The more people the federal government gets on their dependency bandwagon the more deficit voters they acquire. You can just imagine if that ridiculous healthcare law goes through that will had another 10% of the country through employment and another 25% through dependency.
At that point you can kiss what little is left of the Republic goodbye. Welcome to pure socialism by "mob rule".
Dems didn't win, the GOP just made their first move towards rational behavior. But more important for them, they took this off the table for negotiating purposes.
Later this year, they will take up the Bush tax cuts and raising the debt limit again.
Taking this off the table levels the playing field for the GOP.
What this proves is that the GOP doesn't care about deficit spending.