President Obama’s remarks this morning on his “fiscal cliff” negotiations with House Republicans signals optimism that a deal may be close. Both sides have made concessions but continue to push for additional concession from the other. Near the end of his remarks this morning, the President said,
“I remain optimistic, because if you look at what the speaker has proposed, he’s conceded that income tax rates should go up . . . I’ve said I’m willing to make some cuts. What separates us is probably a few hundred billion dollars. The idea that we would put our economy at risk because you can’t bridge that cap doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
And a little later,
At some point there’s got to be I think a recognition on the part of my Republican friends that, you know, take the deal.
Read the entire transcript in the Washington Post.
Paul Suplizio, President of the WOTC Coalition, took in the Presidents remarks today. We have his observations, published here with permission.
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From: Paul Suplizio
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 10:14 AM
Subject: President Tells Republicans, “Take The Deal”
December 19, 2012
12:41 PM EDT
President Obama took questions on the fiscal cliff at his press conference today.
He said he’s reaching out to Republicans and understands their difficulty, but he’s met them half-way, “So, take the deal!”
These comments came after the White House issued a statement saying the President would veto Plan B, and The Speaker’s office replied, “Statements from the White House are increasingly irrational.”
A vote on Plan B is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) in the House; to pass a bill before Christmas, a deal needs to come Thursday night or Friday.
If there’s no deal, expect Congress returning and negotiations continuing after Christmas.
To clarify the situation: if Republicans take the President’s latest offer, WOTC and tax extenders would be renewed for 2012 and 2013.
PAUL E. SUPLIZIO
President, WOTC Coalition
