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Subscribe to RSSSenate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday that Republicans will not support more revenue-raising measures in future fights over the nation's deficit, saying that President Barack Obama should lead on addressing spending cuts alone.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell talks about the GOP's desired policy changes in negotiations with President Barack Obama over the debt ceiling.
"That's over," McConnell said on NBC's Meet the Press when asked about possible new streams of revenue through taxes or tax code reforms.
"We've resolved this issue," McConnell said. "We don't have this problem because we tax too little, we have it because we spend way, way too much. So we've settled the tax issue and now we have to address the single biggest threat to America's future, and that's our excessive spending."
McConnell helped broker an eleventh-hour deal to avert the fiscal cliff last week, a bill that included the expiration of Bush-era tax rates for some of the wealthiest Americans. On Sunday, McConnell defended that deal, opposed by many House Republicans despite an overwhelming bipartisan deal in the Senate.
"Look, this was not a tax increase," he said of the fiscal cliff agreement. "It was not the kind of complete deal we'd like because we want to cut spending but we did stabilize taxes. The tax issue's behind us."
McConnell did not answer repeated questions about whether or not he would use the threat of a government shutdown to force Democrats' hand on spending cuts.
"I know what your question is," he told host David Gregory. "What I'm telling you is I have not given up on the president stepping up to the plate and tackling the biggest issue confronting the country.
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In case you wondered, I didn't read it somewhere, I lived during the Eisenhower years! Peace and prosperity!
a Republican who would stand up to the military, those were the days
"So we've settled the tax issue and now we have to address the single biggest threat to America's future, and that's our excessive spending."
If thats the case McTurtle, why on earth did you spend so much. The facts are the republican congress and the Bush presidentcy was horible with spending. Now you want to not pay the bills that come due. Don't blame the president, those three fingers are aimed right at you.
Typical leftist response....Bush did it, so Obama can too. Bulls%%t. Bush wasn't much of a president, but I'd take him and Jimmy Carter over the clown in the White House now.
you don't want to cut military, you want to cut government, from the top idiot to the bottom. pelosi, reid, obama, clinton. rice, though she is going, boot-em all.
How is a spending cuts only approach a balanced or rational economic plan? Yes whether by polls, election results, man on the street interviews or other means the clear message is that the average American wants spending and the deficit tackled. But the same data also shows overwhelmingly that the conservative spending cuts only or spending cuts first approaches are not what most Americans think will actually solve anything. Most Americans favor economic plans that call for both reforms and spending cuts in different programs, including a look at ALL programs not just conservative labelled entitlement programs, and plans for generating revenue. Spending cuts only approaches are what lead to no funding for head start and similar education programs or programs to help people trying to return to work or young people trying to become math and science teachers and thus doing more to erase our competitive edge in those areas, thus contributing to a cycle of economic decline. You can't continue to grow an economy by spending more than you take in but you also can't grow an economy by not generating revenue and if you cut funding for necessary programs that are helping people who do contribute to the economy and make employers and business people take the chance to hire more workers then that takes away from growth not encourages growth. The conservatives still don't understand that concept of balance.
Very well said....Bravo!
its very simple derick, we or i should say they, spend 1 trillion per year more than we bring in. please explain how that can continue??? how much tax do you want to pay? i for one am willing to pay more taxes, however obama must control his spending. he should be finished paying off all his contributors by now.
Turtle head,and all GOPers,and Dems need to make the harden choices right now.
What part of spending 40% or more than we take in sounds REMOTELY sustainable to you people?????
By 2030, the ENTIRE federal budget will will be consumed by just these items unless drastic changes are made:
Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and the interest on our debt.
Which means we will have to borrow the money for everything else!
Why did GW take out all those loans for tax cuts in 2001 and 2003 (during two wars), borrow money for those two wars, and borrow for medicare Part D? We will be paying off his loans for MANY years!
Herron,
WE Also had homeland security,giant expenditure.
True, Herron. And what exactly did the Dems do to change any of that? Because Bush did it, does that mean the Dems and Obama have to do it, too?
Bush was a lot of things, but one thing he was NOT was a fiscal conservative. He and the GOP Congress he had for 6 years spent way too much. Funny thing is, though, that the spending went UP even more when the Dems got Congress, and then went up again when Obama and the Dems got power.
And what about Bush relates to today's problems?
Seems that the Dems didn't mind all the spending, pork projects, and tax breaks, either. The GOP certainly didn't write the tax code all by themselves. I know you are saying that the GOP is being hypocritical now by asking for debt reduction, but aren't the Dems doing the exact same thing? Obama's cuts in SS taxes certainly hasn't put SS on better ground, now has it?
I guess you will continue to just cry "Bush did it" whenever anyone mentions anything to do with finances. Good move there--it really works toward solving our financial problems. But I am sure it must make you feel better to know that your Democratic leaders are not doing a thing to solve any problems, merely because "Bush did it"!
THIS is why we are doomed. Nothing can be said, or any points made, without the past being brought up. Bush, Bush, Bush. It's a crutch...lose it already, and take SOME ownership at least. It's 2013. smh
I guess you will continue to just cry "Bush did it" whenever anyone mentions anything to do with finances.
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Your guess would be correct since that's where the tremendously devastating downhill spiral on the economy started? You can't separate the effect from the cause or the cause from the effect. Like New York Telephone and/or the Internet Super Highway, "It's all connected."
The country is better off today than it was on Bush's last day of office. How about that! That's a tremendous feat considering how much President Obama has accomplished despite the financial hell hole he had to lift this country from while overcoming the gravediggers (Republicans) who kept throwing mounds of dirt on top of his efforts. America is above ground again and getting stronger each day. That's a good thing.
President Obama: Time Magazine and America's Man of the year.
So degrading Bush solves anything NOW in what specific way? Bush, as I have stated many times, was NOT a financial conservative. He SPENT WAY TOO MUCH. But the funny thing is, when Democrats took Congress for Bush's last 2 years, they spent EVEN MORE! And Obama and the Dems spent even more! So explain how any of that helps the problems NOW.
The national debt was about $5 trillion when Bush was elected. At the end of his second term, that debt was about $10 trillion. It DOUBLED under Bush. When Obama leaves in 2016, the debt is projected to be about $20 trillion. Obama will have DOUBLED the debt also. So will the NEXT President get to double the debt merely because Bush and Obama did it, too, or are we finally going to have some real changes made to help all Americans?
Bingo, Mike...
No matter how you spin it or cry or lie about it,it really is Bush's FAULT we are in this mess.
Look at it this way, if a married couple spends thousands of dollars on the credit cards over an eight year marriage, then divorce....both husband and wife are responsible for the credit card bills...both benefited from the purchases and both agreed to them. Both husband and wife are equal in the blame of how the bills came about...they can point fingers and blame each other...both played a role. Both need to repay the bills together....or divide up the bills and pay a portion from each of the parties involved. Neither husband or wife after divorced will probably be able to pay the bills off suddenly, or within a few months. Both will need increase in revenue, and curtail their spending while paying the combined bills off.
Just like with the American economy...and republicans and democrats. Since Bush's presidency...both republicans and democrats agreed to a lot of spending and putting the bills on American's credit card. We can still blame Bush, and the republicans because they were part of the problem, and part of the super spending America did over the last 10 years. We all have to start paying the bill, both republicans and democrats....and do it with joint agreement...not with just one side stating the terms. One side is not any better than the other...both republican's spending without cause of repayment, and democrats agreeing to it are to blame, and both parties need to work together, with spending cuts for both parties feeling some of the pain.
The secret prayer of all Republicans and Wall Streeters....
"If we could just privatize Social Security (which has no impact or bearing on our national debt and is secure thru 2038)... just think how much money we could screw these middle class idiots out of who don't have a clue how to invest it"
About a 2.5 Trillion dollar surplus,I can see wall street frothing at the mouth.
I find it very offensive and disgusting to hear this man speak. Who does he think he is to talk in absolutes? Where does he get off deciding when an issue is "over"? As an American tax payer the "issue" is NOT over by any means. Now we have to erase a lot of the tax loop holes and adjust the tax code to be more fair to everyone. His title should clue him in as to what his opinion is "Minority Leader" this means you LOST your election, you LOST the White House and you LOST the congress simply by virtue of the state legislators gerrymandering the voting precincts. The Democrats received more votes than Republicans for the house so in effect the American people have rejected the Republican philosophy and has chosen to go the Democrat route, so Mr McConnell get off your high horse and do as we the people tell you, WE ARE YOUR BOSS!!!
Kayless, I totally agree. We Kentuckians must vote this strange, old relic out of office. He made it is personal goal of making President Obama a one term president---and failed miserably--thank God. I say Run, Miss Ashley, Run!!!!!!!!Miss Ashley Judd, humanitarian, Harvard Graduate, beautiful, inelligent, decent human being, Kentucky Wildcat fan---how about Senator Ashley Judd? I will vote for her if she runs.
Painfull cuts needed,,right this way,,lmao
If this was not a "tax increase," as McConnell stated, then we still have tax INCREASES to add to the mix of spending cuts because these things BOTH need to be part of deficit reduction. Until Republicans can utter the words, "tax increases need to be part of the solution," then this won't be a deficit reduction the American public will be willing to take on.
The Republicans say is 'no new taxes'. What I see is 'no new taxes' for the people who are lining their pockets. If they can afford to buy the politicians they can afford to pay new taxes.
I guess I didn't realize that this was a forum for Democratic opinion! Republicans are scum and whores but do you really think the Democrats are any better? Self-serving American idiots who consider themselves American royalty and enrich themselves off the hard work of taxpayers. This will survive! By 2016 we will have endured 16 straight years of 2 of the absolute worst Presidents in American history. We need another Kennedy or Reagan to inspire us and what we get are Larry, Moe and Curley! Sad
The extremists on both sides are the problem, and right now, with the tea stains in the House, there are more extremists with the GOP.
The GOP will be extinct in its current form bye 2020
Let's cut military spending by 50%. We'd still be spending more on it than any other country on the planet!
the GOP hasn't been fiscal responsible in 30 years why are they blaming it all on Obama
"What I'm telling you is I have not given up on the president stepping up to the plate and tackling the biggest issue confronting the country.
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Yeah, because God knows the Repubs have no intention of ever doing that! McConnell is a joke and will hopefully be defeated in 2014. It's unlikely, but it would be great for the Country if it happened.
Screw you Mr. Magoo. Come on Ashley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ex (2) Term President Dick Cheney said and I quote... (And I do mean President Cheney)
The same jack-off who told us all that the Iraq war would pay for itself with oil revenues to which now has cost us Trillion dollars to which we have not paid down (1) dime to date.
"DEFICITS DON'T MATTER..... DON'T WORRY ABOUT THEM"
Was there a qualification I missed when he said it???? Like ...unless a Ni99er Democrat is President !!!
Think again Turtle...
I'll bet if they put it up to their "constitutes", we could figure out what needed to be cut! If I ran my house like that, I'd be out on the streets. Get rid of all the lobbyists, ie. tobacco, oil and the like and bring it back to the people. They should not be giving themselves raises for doing nothing.
Should be a lot of exciting threads for all of us ,,,lmao
Something we need to all understand. The US will never pay down its debt. It cannot and, as money is defined, must not. Debt is how money is created. Our economy works because the government overspends, prints money to pay for it, adding money to our money supply, which we use to buy lots of cheap imports, which enriches those nations. That is how money flows. The US government creates it and it eventually all winds up in China and other great manufacturing economies. If we cut off the source of the money, the river will dry up. And we're at the top of the river. Our economy will quickly turn into a dry cracked river bed.
Now if we really want to fix this problem, we need to cause the river to flow the other way. That's the way the river used to flow. But since 1975, it's flowed away from us rather than towards us.
52.8%, that would be those of us that told the republican/teabag/libitarian,supporters that, WE THE PEOPLE HAVE HAD ENOUGH! We have had enough of special interest lobbyest,we have had enough of corporate WELFARE, We have had enough of getting what we paid into all our working lives called ENTITLEMENTS, We are sick and tired of the 2% not paying their fair share,We are sick of moron's telling us that there is no such thing as GLOBAL WARMING,and we are really sick of the price of everyday commodaties,going up while our elected IDIOT'S haggle over insainity! Now here is what WE THE PEOPLE DEMAND! CUT ALL FUNDING FOR THE WAR ON DRUGS, CLOSE ALL MILITARY BASES NOT ON AMERICAN SOIL, CUT ALL FUNDING TO FORIEGN COUNTRIES, CUT ALL SUBSIDIES TO CORPORATATIONS MAKING A PROFFIT,RAISE THE TAX ON THE WEALTHY TO 1952 STANDARDS, RETROACTIVE, REINSTATE THE GLASS/STEIGLE ACT,RETROACTIVE TO 1992! Do all these things and we have NO DEBT. Oh, one more thing CUT all of congresses pay and put them on social security and medicare,no more FREE RIDES for you MOOCHERS!
So am I to understand the GOP does not want to clean up the tax code? Get rid of pork deductions and credits.
There is bipartisan support for such an approach with the corporate tax code. Even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is supportive.
The individual tax code is a different story. The big deductions/credits in that code are charitable deductions, mortgage interest deduction, state and local income tax deduction, property tax deduction, earned income tax credit, and he child tax credit. Which of these would you like to eliminate??? Be ready for a battle on getting rid of or limiting any of them, but not with taxpayers. It will be the charitable organizations, the housing industry, etc. who will line the halls of Congress with they lobbyists to prevent tax code changes that will reduce charitable donations, decrease the number of home sales, etc.
I think the answer that all Americans should rally around and would fix all this BS posturing, and obstructing is..............TERM LIMITS. Only 2 terms for a president, Senators and Congressman should be the same. NO MORE life time jobs!
You are always free to vote to change your representatives in Washington DC when they come up for re-election. Actual term limits would take an amendent to our Constitution.
Billions of dollars tax incentive for Exxon to drill, if 100 a dollar a barrel oil is not enough incentive and if your profits have been in the multi billions for years there may be a place to cut. 20% of medicare cost is fraud, billions of dollars in waste all over government. 730 Military bases in 130 different countries, we can't maintain the empire or police the world when we are over 16 trillion in debt...We are Greece, we are Spain we are just bigger, the healthiest horse in the glue factory. Talk about desperate, talk of minting a trillion dollar plaitnun coin and letting the fed keep it to cover a years worth of debt...We are in some deep doo doo when the commom sense spending reductions take back seat again to smoke and mirror's...