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Friday saw the opening meeting of what is sure to be a long difficult discussion between the White House and law makers to find a mutually agreeable way to avoid falling off of the coming so-called fiscal cliff.
Congressional leaders met with President Obama, striking a pose of conciliation and compromise, but the details of that compromise will most certainly be a difficult road to travel. Republican House Speaker John Boehner and the Senate Minority Leader Republican Mitch McConnell did not discuss any details, but they did say they are ready to discuss new revenues (raising taxes) after their meeting with the President.
Boehner announced that he is willing to come to a deal, and he sent a message to his fellow Republicans that they should be ready to consider compromising.
“To show our seriousness, we’ve put revenue on the table as long as it’s accompanied by significant spending cuts,” Boehner said. “While we’re going to continue to have revenue on the table, it’s incumbent for my colleagues to show the American people that we’re serious about cutting spending and solving our fiscal dilemma.”
McConnell’s warning to his fellow Republican senators was even stronger concerning the forcing of spending cuts.
“We’re prepared to put revenue on the table provided that we fix the real problem,” McConnell said, “even though most of my members without exception believe that we’re in the dilemma we’re in not because we tax too little but because we spend too much.”
