Hi, all. Today’s report features:
• Presidents' meeting: President Obama and Polish President Komorowski speak to the press after meeting in the Oval Office to discuss economic issues, the new START treaty and other topics.
• Claims Resolution Act: The President signs the Claims Resolution Act of 2010, legislation that settles claims from black farmers and American Indians for unfairly denied Federal aid and unpaid royalties.
• Open for Questions: Questions and answers about Open Government initiatives and the first anniversary of the Open Government Directive.
• Support for middle-class tax cut agreement: Governors, mayors and members of Congress urge passage of the agreement.
• Health care news: Courts strike down constitutional challenges to the Affordable Care Act. The President hails Senate legislation to (a) prevent a significant pay cut for doctors from taking effect and (b) help ensure seniors on Medicare can continue to see the doctors they want; he also calls for a permanent solution to stabilize Medicare.
• PRESIDENTS’ MEETING •
White House, Dec. 8, 2010:
President Obama Meets with Polish President Komorowski
President Obama and President Bronislaw Komorowski of Poland speak to the press after meeting in the Oval Office to discuss their commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Polish alliance by expanding strategic and defense cooperation, supporting deeper economic links, and promoting democratic institutions in Europe and around the world. The two leaders resolved to continue to work together to ensure that transatlantic ties remain strong and relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 8, 2010:
Remarks by President Obama and President Komorowski of Poland after Bilateral Meeting
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good morning, everybody. I want to extend the warmest possible greetings to President Komorowski and his delegation. Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe. And so it is fitting that my first visitor from Central and Eastern Europe is, in fact, the Polish President.
Before I mention the substance of our meeting, let me just say something very quickly to the American news crews about something that's on everybody’s minds -- and that is the current debate about the tax agreement that we've come up with.
We announced this agreement, and over the last couple of days economists throughout the country have looked at what would be the results of getting this agreement through Congress. And I think it’s worth noting that the majority of economists have upwardly revised their forecasts for economic growth and noted that as a consequence of this agreement we could expect to see more job growth in 2011 and 2012 than they originally anticipated.
And I just think it’s very important for Congress to examine the agreement, look at the facts, have a thorough debate, but get this done. The American people are watching and they’re expecting action on our parts.
I don't think you need to translate that.
Now, having said that, I just want to say that I first spoke to President Komorowski in the wake of a tragedy that broke the hearts not only of the Polish people but caused the entire world to grieve. The loss of President Kaczynski, the First Lady, the entire planeload full of extraordinary Polish leaders caused extraordinary shock. But I have been so impressed with the steady hand and the leadership that President Komorowski has shown as he stepped in to guide the Polish people forward.
Something that the Polish people and the American people have long shared is not only a love of freedom but also a deep faith and resilience in the face of hardship. And President Komorowski exhibited all those traits as the leader of Poland during this difficult period.
So, given these strong bonds between our two peoples -- bonds that I feel very personally given that I'm from Chicago, which has the largest Polish population outside of Poland -- this has been a very productive meeting and we discussed a wide range of issues.
We started with the issue that is at the heart of our relationship, and that is our status as allies in NATO. And coming out of the Lisbon summit, we once again reaffirmed the centrality of Article 5 as the central tenet of the NATO Alliance. And I reiterated my determination and the American people’s determination to always stand by Poland in its defense and its security needs.
And that commitment is exemplified by the joint adoption at Lisbon by NATO of a NATO-wide missile defense capacity. It’s exemplified by the air force detachment that will be placed in Poland as part of our ongoing relationship in the training process. It is indicated by the SM-3s and the interceptors that are going to be located in Poland as part of our phased adoptive approach to missile defense. And most importantly, it’s affirmed by the fact that not only are we NATO allies but strong bilateral allies and that bond between our two countries is unbreakable.
I know that was a mouthful, I’m sorry. (Laughter.)
(Pause for translation.)
We also discussed the tremendous sacrifices that the Polish military are making as part of the ISAF alliance in Afghanistan, and reaffirmed what all of us agreed to in Lisbon, that next year will be a year in which transition begins so that we can start giving Afghans more responsibility for their security and, over time, make sure that our emphasis is more on training rather than direct combat in that nation.
I also thanked the President for the very strong support that the Polish government, as well as the governments throughout Eastern Europe and Central Europe have shown towards the New START treaty. As we embark on a debate of that treaty in the United States Senate, I indicated to him how important it was for U.S. senators to hear from those who are Russia’s neighbors that they feel it is very important to make sure that the New START treaty is ratified so that we can continue the verification process that is so important in reducing risks throughout that region.
And finally, because our relationship is not restricted to security, we discussed a range of economic issues, as well, including Polish leadership on energy independence issues in Central and Eastern Europe. And we also discussed Poland’s leadership as a key democracy and how it can help its neighbors to continue down a path of greater freedom and greater openness and transparency.
This year we mark the 30th anniversary of Solidarity. And all those around the world remember how inspired we were by the brave Poles who sought their freedom, including a young -- or younger -- President Komorowski, who, himself, was imprisoned. And we continue to draw inspiration from the tremendous strides that Poland has made. We continue to deeply appreciate the strong friendship between our two countries.
And I’m so grateful to President Komorowski for having come here today because it is one more reaffirmation that our alliance is strong and will continue to be strong for decades to come.
PRESIDENT KOMOROWSKI:
(As translated.) Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express the absolute same perspective on what happened in Lisbon. This goes both for the full acceptance of the arrangements by NATO as to the future of Afghan operation. And first and above all, this is about the reaffirmation of the significance of Article 5 Washington treaty....
NATO now plays new roles, but it does not reject its old role, which continues as fundamental for its future. I allowed myself to illustrate this to President Obama in a very illustrative way, a very picturesque way. I simply said that if we are to go hunting very far away from our house, we have to be absolutely sure that our house, our women and our children are well guarded. And then you hunt better.
And I also wanted to say that this is needed to renew and reaffirm good Polish-American relations. And the fundament of these relations is both American and Polish love for freedom. And we want also to make sure that this reaffirmation is a visible sign that these relations, instead of some difficulties underway, are getting stronger and not weaker.
And thirdly, I wanted to say also that we talked about something that is very important for creating very good texture for the cooperation between the United States and Poland. Poland is economically successful. We are the only country that has kept positive GDP growth in Europe. We want to see the greatest interest and the activity of the American capital in Poland.
However, on the principles of healthy competition, because I am absolutely convinced that as in other areas of our life, in economy, it also stands true good competition is always good.
And the last thing but is also very important is the Polish attitude to the current issues, which are very important from the perspective of the security of our world. Poland supports and fully accepts the aspiration for the ratification of the New START because we believe that this is the investment in a better and safer future. And this is also the investment in the real control over the current situation.
If you live just next door with somebody for 1,000 years, it is not possible to reset all the past relations using just one push of the reset button. We are not able to fully reset and delete 1,000 years of uneasy history with Russians. But we do not want to be an obstacle; we want to be a help in the process of resetting the relations between the Western world with Russia. We want to invest in relations with Russia.
Two days ago in Poland we had a visit of President of the Russian Federation Medvedev. And it is our very open will, our greatest conviction and open heart with which we want to invest in better relations with Russia....
(Press Q & A follows; the President calls on Bill Plante.)
Q: Mr. President, now that you’ve negotiated with the Republicans, are you willing to negotiate with the Democrats who think they’ve -- that you’ve betrayed them on the tax package? And when you talked to the Republicans, did they give you any assurances that they would take up START and "don’t ask" in the lame duck?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, first of all, Bill, I think it is inaccurate to characterize Democrats writ large as feeling "betrayed." I think Democrats are looking at this bill, and you’ve already had a whole bunch of them who said this makes sense. And I think the more they look at it, the more of them are going to say this makes sense.
As I’ve indicated, you’ve just had economists over the last 24, 48 hours examine this and say this is going to boost the economy, it is going to grow the economy, it is going to increase the likelihood that we can drive down the unemployment rate. And it’s going to make sure that 2 million people who stand to lose unemployment insurance at the end of this month get it; that folks who count on college tax credits or child tax credits or the Earned Income Tax Credit, that they’re getting relief; and that tens of millions of Americans are not going to see their paychecks shrink come January 1st.
So this is the right thing to do. I expect everybody to examine it carefully. When they do, I think they’re going to feel confident that, in fact, this is the right course -- while understanding that for the next two years we’re going to have a big debate about taxes and we’re going to have a big debate about the budget and we’re going to have a big debate about deficits. And Republicans are going to have to explain to the American people over the next two years how making those tax cuts for the high end permanent squares with their stated desire to start reducing deficits and debt.
I don’t think that formula works. But they’ll have the opportunity to make the case. I’ll have the opportunity to make the case that we’ve got to have tax reform; that we’ve got to simplify the system; that we do have to cut spending where it makes sense. But we’re also going to have to make sure that we’ve got a tax code that is fair and that looks after the interest of middle-class Americans and continues to grow the economy.
With respect to START, I feel confident that when you’ve got previous secretaries of state, defense, basically the entire national security apparatus of previous Democratic and Republican administrations, our closest allies who are most impacted by relations with Russia, and as President Komorowski indicated, have a thousand years of uneasy relations with Russia, saying that the New START treaty is important, that we are going to be able to get it through the Senate.
That’s not linked to taxes. That’s something that on its own merits is close to get done -- needs to get done. And I have discussed it with Senate Republican leader McConnell. I am confident that we are going to be able to get the START treaty on the floor, debated and completed before we break for the holidays....
• CLAIMS RESOLUTION ACT •
White House, Dec. 8, 2010:
President Obama Signs Claims Resolution Act
The President signs the Claims Resolution Act of 2010, legislation that settles claims from black farmers and American Indians for unfairly denied Federal aid and unpaid royalties. The audience is made up of approximately 130 guests – including Administration officials, Members of Congress, key leaders and advocates from the African American and Native American communities, and congressional staff.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 8, 2010:
Remarks by the President at Bill Signing For The Claims Resolution Act
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you very much. Everybody, please have a seat. Have a seat. Welcome, everybody. We are thrilled to have you here. And I want to start by acknowledging a few people who have worked so hard to allow us to be here today on this wonderful occasion.
Our Attorney General, Eric Holder -- you can give him a round of applause. Two outstanding members of my Cabinet who couldn't have worked harder to make today happen -- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. (Applause.) And four outstanding leaders who made it their business to see this thing through -- Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana; Senator Jeff Bingaman, Democrat of New Mexico; Representative Jim Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina; and Representative Tom Cole, Republican of Oklahoma. Please give them a big round of applause. (Applause.)
And one last person who doesn’t get a lot of notice but put a huge amount of time and actually crossed the T’s and dotted the I’s to help this thing along -- my good friend from law school -- even though he now looks younger than me because I've gotten the gray hair and he hasn’t -- (laughter) -- and what’s the official title? Is it deputy or -- it’s associate -- Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli. (Applause.)
Obviously, despite the extraordinary leadership on the stage, this also would not have gotten done without the activists, the tribal leaders, and the outstanding members of Congress –- both Democrat and Republican –- who have come together and done so much over the years to make this a reality.
Here in America, we believe that all of us are equal and that each of us deserves the chance to pursue our own version of happiness. It’s what led us to become a nation. It’s at the heart of who we are as a people. And our history is defined by the struggle to fulfill this ideal -- to build a more perfect union, to ensure that all of us, regardless of our race or religion, our color or our creed, are afforded the same rights as Americans, and the fair and equal treatment under the law.
I think all of us understand that we haven’t always lived up to those ideals. When we’ve fallen short, it’s been up to ordinary citizens to stand up to inequality and unfairness wherever they find it. That’s how we’ve made progress. That’s how we’ve moved forward. And that’s why we are here today -- to sign a bill into law that closes a long and unfortunate chapter in our history.
First, for many years African American farmers claimed they were discriminated against when they applied for federal farm loans -- making it more difficult for them to stay in business and maintain their farms. In 1999, a process was established to settle these claims. But the settlement was implemented poorly and tens of thousands of African American families who filed paperwork after the deadline were denied their chance to make their case.
And that’s why, as senator, I introduced legislation to provide these farmers the right to have their claims heard. That’s why I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans have come together to lay this case to rest. And that’s why I’m proud that Secretary Vilsack and everybody at the Department of Agriculture are continuing to address claims of past discrimination by other farmers throughout our country.
The second case we’re addressing today has to do with the responsibilities that the government has to Native Americans. It began when Elouise Cobell -- who’s here today -- charged the Interior Department with failing to account for tens of billions of dollars that they were supposed to collect on behalf of more than 300,000 of her fellow Native Americans.
Elouise’s argument was simple: The government, as a trustee of Indian funds, should be able to account for how it handles that money. And now, after 14 years of litigation, it’s finally time to address the way that Native Americans were treated by their government. It’s finally time to make things right.
The bipartisan agreement finalized this month will result in payments to those affected by this case. It creates a scholarship fund to help make higher education a reality for more Native Americans. It helps put more land in the hands of tribes to manage for their members. And it also includes money to settle lawsuits over water rights, giving seven tribes in Arizona, Montana and New Mexico permanent access to secure water supplies year-round.
After years of delay, this bill will provide a small measure of justice to Native Americans whose funds were held in trust by a government charged with looking out for them. And it represents a major step forward in my administration’s efforts to fulfill our responsibilities and strengthen our government-to-government relationship with the tribal nations.
In the end, the work that is represented on this stage and among these members of Congress, this isn’t simply a matter of making amends. It’s about reaffirming our values on which this nation was founded -– principles of fairness and equality and opportunity. It’s about helping families who suffered through no fault of their own get back on their feet. It’s about restoring a sense of trust between the American people and the government that plays such an important role in their lives.
As long as I have the privilege of serving as your President I will continue to do everything I can to restore that trust. And that’s why I am so extraordinarily proud to sign this bill today.
I want to thank once again all those members of Congress. We got a lot of members here -- the Congressional Black Caucus, who I know worked the Pigford issue tirelessly. We’ve got, as I said, Democrats and Republicans who were supportive of this issue for so long. This is one of those issues where you don't always get political credit, but it’s just the right thing to do. And I couldn’t be prouder of you.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
(The bill is signed.) (Applause.)
The White House Blog, Dec. 8, 2010:
President Obama Signs the Claims Resolution Act of 2010
Posted by Jesse Lee
It was a long time coming, but today the President signed the Claims Resolution Act of 2010. Secretary Vilsack recently addressed the Pigford II Settlement and Secretary Salazar addressed the Cobell Settlement, the two main parts of the legislation. The President released the following statement afterwards:
Statement by the President on H.R. 4783
Today I have signed into law H.R. 4783, the "Claims Resolution Act of 2010." This Act, among other things, provides funding and statutory authorities for the settlement agreements reached in the Cobell lawsuit, brought by Native Americans; the Pigford II lawsuit, brought by African American farmers; and four separate water rights suits, brought by Native American tribes. While I am pleased that this Act reflects important progress, much work remains to be done to address other claims of past discrimination made by women and Hispanic farmers against the Department of Agriculture as well as to address needs of tribal communities.
I am also pleased that the Act includes authorities proposed by my Administration concerning Unemployment Compensation program integrity, to expand the ability of the Federal Government to recover from individual income tax overpayments certain Unemployment Compensation debts that are due to an individual's failure to report earnings. My Administration has been working to protect taxpayer funds through improved recovery of improper Federal payments, and the additional authorities in this Act will assist in that effort. In order to ensure that the intent and effect of these program integrity provisions are realized, my Administration is working with the Congress to correct an inadvertent technical drafting error in section 801(a)(3)(C), so that the provision can be implemented as intended.
BARACK OBAMA
• OPEN FOR QUESTIONS •
White House, Dec. 8, 2010:
Open for Questions: First Anniversary of the Open Government Directive
Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra and Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Cass Sunstein take your questions about Open Government initiatives and the first anniversary of the Open Government Directive.
The White House Blog, Dec. 8, 2010:
What You Missed: Tuesday Talk on the Anniversary of the Open Government Directive
Posted by Kori Schulman
On December 8th, 2009, the White House issued an unprecedented Open Government Directive requiring federal agencies to take steps to achieve key milestones in transparency, participation, and collaboration.... Visit whitehouse.gov/open to learn more about the Open Government Initiative.
• SUPPORT FOR MIDDLE-CLASS TAX CUT AGREEMENT •
The White House Blog, Dec. 8, 2010
The Framework for a Tax Agreement Is a Good Deal for Working Families
Posted by Jason Furman, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, and Gene Sperling, Counselor to the Secretary of Treasury
Some recent articles have incorrectly suggested that the tax framework did not do well by middle-income families, hard-pressed workers and their children. We wanted to clear up the record. The tax framework the President agreed to includes provisions he fought for and secured that are very positive policies for jobs and growth, for the middle class and for our nation’s most hard-pressed working families. The President fought for an increase in the child tax credit of up to nearly $1,500 for a low-income family with two children and will work to make it a permanent part of our tax code. Middle-class families will keep their tax cuts and get an additional tax cut worth hundreds of dollars more than what they get this year. And the economy will get additional jobs, with several outside economists estimating more than 1.5 million because of the items the President pushed for in this agreement. There are provisions that benefit that wealthy that the President would have preferred to exclude, but we should not miss the forest for the trees.
What the framework means for working families
Remember where the Republicans were when we started this process. Their tax proposals included no extension of tax credits like Making Work Pay, the expanded refundability of the child credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or our new expanded – and partially refundable – tax credit for college. Several of these tax credits were not contained in the progressive and fiscally responsible House-passed tax bill supported by the President.
Let’s start with what the payroll tax cut means for working families. Any single person with kids who earns over $20,000 will do better under this framework than they would have if we had fully extended Making Work Pay with full refundability. So will any couple making over $40,000.
What is true is that if you look only at what we secured on the payroll tax cut, a single parent of two children working full-time at the minimum wage, making $16,000 a year, would get a payroll tax cut worth $320 – $80 less than what they got from Making Work Pay this year.
But that misses one of the most important wins for progressives in this negotiation. The President secured the full increase in the Child Tax Credit for working poor families that Democrats had fought so hard for in the Recovery Act – even though this type of refundability is strongly opposed by Republicans. That means that the same family making $16,000 would get an additional tax cut of nearly $1,500 – multiples more than the difference between Making Work Pay and the payroll tax cut.
On top of the refundable Child Tax Credit , the President successfully negotiated to ensure that every penny of the gains in the EITC that were passed in 2009 are secured for two more years. As is the President’s American Opportunity Tax Credit for college. Extending all of these provisions for two years puts the President in the position to succeed in making them permanent along with the rest of the middle-class tax cuts.
The President also secured a thirteen month extension of unemployment insurance. For the families that need it, this means $300 per week – dwarfing the $80 per year that family making $16,000 lost relative to Making Work Pay. Overall, more than two-thirds of the benefit from extending unemployment insurance flow to families making less than $100,000 per year.
Finally, and most importantly, there is nothing more important for the middle class and working poor than to accelerate the pace of job growth in our country. Nothing. Independent experts estimate that the provisions the President added to the agreement will create more than 1.5 million jobs over the next year – a benefit of this overall agreement that should not be ignored.
What the framework means for the middle class
The middle class faced a stark reality: on January 1 of next year, a typical family with two children making $50,000 was set to lose nearly $3,000 in tax benefits. This would have been devastating to middle class families and also to the economy – the Congressional Budget Office projected that this scenario could have reduced economic growth by 1.7 percentage points in 2011. Even if the tax cuts had been eventually extended, creating that degree of uncertainty in our economy at a time when unemployment is so high, would have been taking far too much risk with our economy and job situation.
The President not only got an extension of all of the tax cuts, his payroll tax cut will mean a larger tax cut and more jobs for middle-class families. A couple making $50,000 will see a continuation of all of their tax cuts plus a $1,000 payroll tax cut – which is $200 more than they got from Making Work Pay. A couple making $80,000 would get an $800 larger tax cut than they got from Making Work Pay.
What the framework means overall
Critics have said the overall agreement is too regressive. It is certainly more regressive and gives much more to high-income households than the President would have liked or than most economists think was economically effective. That is why the President insisted that these Republican provisions be extended for only two years, and why he intends to make the case vigorously that our country cannot afford to extend these tax cuts beyond 2012.
But make no mistake: the President did not compromise when it came to working families, the middle class and jobs. Working families get a continuation of major tax cuts, the middle-class see their taxes go down from 2010, and substantial numbers of new jobs will be created.
Office of Public Engagement, Dec. 8, 2010
The President Just Saved You $2,500 in Tuition Costs!
Posted by Kalpen Modi, an Associate Director of the Office of Public Engagement
Fact.
The media narrative over the last 2 days has refused to focus on a key component of the President’s tax deal that affects young people – the $2500 American Opportunity Tax Credit for people pursuing a college education. Make no mistake – without the President’s tough negotiations on tax breaks for the wealthy, Republicans would have successfully gotten rid of one of President Obama’s key fulfilled promises to young people: a $2,500 credit for each year of college.
Political pundits and talk show hosts who have reported on the tax deal (which includes extending tax breaks for all Americans) have overlooked the President's fierce advocacy on this issue of college affordability and have even suggested that he has made a deal that ignores young people. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Perhaps the folks on TV have forgotten what it’s like to struggle to pay ever-rising tuition bills. Perhaps some members of Congress seem to have overlooked the struggle that millions of young Americans face to access college. But the President has not forgotten. He has not forgotten about what it was like taking out student loans and paying them off as a community organizer and public interest lawyer, he hasn’t forgotten about the need to invest in our country’s future, and he hasn’t forgotten about the promise he made to you - for tax relief as part of a larger comprehensive strategy to reduce the cost of college and increase access to higher education. And that’s why he fought so hard to extend a $2,500 credit that benefits over 8 million students – and can double or triple the tax incentives available for juniors and seniors in college.
The President agrees that it’s unfair that the wealthy will not pay their fair share of taxes for another two years. But what would have happened if the President had ignored you and allowed all of this political infighting & stalemating to continue? Simple. Everyone’s taxes would have gone up, college students would have had to pay as much as $1,700 more per year to go to school, and many of you, no doubt, would have been forced to drop out of school. Would that have been fair? No.
This was a brutally tough decision, but the President has your back. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
To learn more about the deal check out our fact sheet.
And to sign up for the White House Youth distribution list, email youth@who.eop.gov.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 7-8, 2010:
Senator Akaka Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii)...:
"On Saturday, I strongly supported two proposals to permanently extend the tax breaks for middle-class families, extend unemployment insurance, and provide relief to small businesses and workers. I was highly disappointed that my Senate Republican colleagues chose to unanimously oppose both proposals in order to force the extension of the irresponsible Bush-era giveaways to the wealthy ...."
St. Louis Mayor Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
(Mayor Slay):
Not everyone got what exactly they wanted from this week’s agreement between President Obama and Congressional leaders, but I believe that most of us got enough. That is the definition of a good compromise.... I strongly applaud the president for making the deal.
Senator Kerry Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), senior member of the Finance Committee, tonight released a statement on the proposal by President Obama to provide tax cuts for every American:
"It's no secret that I've opposed the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy.... They didn't create jobs and they dug an enormous deficit hole that was dumped on President Obama. President Obama knows that. He opposed the Bush policy every step of the way and as a Senator, Joe Biden was right here with me fighting against them. But don't forget for a second that when it came down to the votes in the Senate, the President was dealt a very tough hand. All 42 Senate Republicans voted in lockstep to hold the middle class tax cuts and unemployment insurance hostage, and our Democratic caucus wasn't unified.... and the math is clear our bargaining position was going to be even harder come January with all these new Republican Senators. So I think the President had a hard decision to make. He obviously decided that the best possible compromise was to get unemployment benefits, middle class tax cuts, and the Recovery Act provisions extended in exchange for these upper income tax extensions that he opposes, and he decided that in two years the fight over tax breaks for the wealthy will be rejoined. This wasn't an easy call for him. It's a lot easier to deal in hypotheticals than it is to deal with the Senate as it is. We don't have 60 Senators who oppose the Bush tax policies the way I do, and the way Barack Obama and Joe Biden do, so how do you wrestle with that? Are you willing to say no to unemployment insurance if this is the only way to get it? That's what our caucus wrestled with today. Yes, it's a very steep price to pay for something the Senate should've done months ago as a matter of decency and common sense, but how do you cut off 52,000 people in Massachusetts who need those unemployment benefits? Are you really willing to walk away from these middle class benefits which we can't get otherwise when you know the tax cuts for the upper end are going to be extended come January anyways? The truth is, the President got a lot of things here we've been fighting for that we haven't yet been able to win any other way."
Republican OKC Mayor Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Statement from Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett regarding President Obama’s Tax Plan
"I applaud President Obama’s compromise with Republicans to maintain our current tax rates as well as ensure that millions of Americans facing tough economic times are able to continue to receive their unemployment benefits. This compromise is good for the economy. At the end of the day, the voters sent a loud and clear message that we have to address the national debt and the best way to do that is to have economic policies in place that enable the private sector to create jobs."
Governor Doyle Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
MADISON – Governor Doyle today made the following statement:
"President Obama should be commended for making a difficult but responsible decision. The Republicans threatened middle class tax increases in order to secure tax cuts for the wealthiest. Rather than engage in political posturing over tax policy, President Obama has made the practical and sensible decision to protect middle class Americans from a tax increase."
Cincinnati Mayor Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Mayor Mark Mallory issues the following statement on President Obama’s bipartisan tax cuts package.
"President Obama made a tough call in developing a bipartisan package to extend the tax cuts and unemployment benefits and I’m glad that he did it. In the end, the compromise was really about helping working families and those who are looking for work across the country. Unemployment is still almost 10% in Cincinnati and the President refused to abandon those individuals just to make a political point. Working families in Cincinnati should applaud the President’s leadership in helping to move the economy forward."
Governor Parkinson Backs Middle Class Tax Framework
TOPEKA, KS - Governor Mark Parkinson is praising President Obama’s work to reach a tax-package compromise with Congress that will extend unemployment insurance, tax cuts for working families and other business incentives.
.... "This tax package will provide critical assistance to more than 38,000 unemployed Kansans and needed relief for middle class families.... If there’s anything I have learned during my time as governor, it’s that working across party lines to find solutions is the only way we can move forward.... I commend President Obama...."
Congressman Edwards Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
From the Office of Congressman Chet Edwards, Chairman, House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee (and senior member of both the House Budget and Appropriations Committees)
.... "I will most likely support the bipartisan tax agreement, because this is not the time, given our sluggish economy, to be raising taxes....
However, this bill must be combined with Congress passing early next year a long-term deficit reduction plan...."
Columbus, OH Mayor Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
.... "I share President Obama’s disappointment that Congressional Republicans have insisted on tax cuts for those who don’t need them in exchange for doing what is right: delivering needed benefits for the unemployed and well-deserved relief for middle-class taxpayers," Mayor (Michael B.) Coleman said. "However, President Obama has made a tough decision in the best interests of the country. This package will help to stimulate our economy as we continue to work our way through this recession while extending a hand up to those in need. I commend President Obama for his resolute leadership on behalf of the American people, and I urge all members of Congress to support this deal."
Governor Granholm Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today reiterated her support for a compromise reached by President Obama and members of Congress to extend unemployment insurance, tax cuts for working families, and other business incentives.
"The President has taken a pragmatic approach that will provide Michigan’s working families the relief they need during these difficult economic times," Granholm said. "Without an extension of unemployment benefits, more than 181,000 Michigan residents would exhaust their benefits by the end of April."....
Philadelphia Mayor Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Statement Delivered by Mayor (Michael A.) Nutter on December 8, 2010
Two nights ago, President Obama took a bold step forward in moving America toward economic recovery. He should be commended for bringing home a victory for ALL Americans.
President Obama chose not to play chess with people’s lives. Governing is not a game, it’s about getting stuff done.
There are around 73,000 people currently unemployed in Philadelphia who are very relieved that the President reached this deal with the Republicans in Congress.
This agreement will enable families to keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table as unemployed individuals continue the difficult search for work in this tough economy....
People in Philadelphia want to work, they are trying to work, and we in city government are working 24/7 to attract businesses and create jobs. In recent months our efforts have borne fruit with announcements that major corporations like Teva Pharmaceuticals and the Mark Group will be making major investments in new operations in the city.
We also created a program over the summer – Way to Work Philly – that put 13,000 adults and young people to work, only to have Congressional Republicans pull the funding....
Without this deal every American’s taxes would have gone up, including those hardest hit by this recession with the loss of their livelihoods. Well, the point of government is to help people, not hurt them to score political points. That’s not responsible governing, and our President takes his responsibility to the American people seriously.
We elected President Obama to get things done, and that’s what he’s done.
Congressman McMahon Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
From the office of Congressman Michael E. McMahon (NY-13), Member: House Transportation & Infrastructure, Foreign Affairs Committees
.... These common sense extensions and tax cuts are combined with help for those who have suffered the most from this economic downtown and the long term unemployed.... With these two extensions, the President has focused once again on caring for our middle-class families and small businesses....
I also want to note that, in my opinion, a strong leader is one who knows when to compromise. The President has shown that he will do whatever it takes to put the people of this Country and their needs first, as opposed to those who would block any and all action by stomping their feet like petulant children. The President has demonstrated that strong leadership and successful public policy is a compromise between the political parties.
Senator Lincoln Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
.... "This bipartisan agreement gives Arkansas’s middle-income families and small businesses the certainty they need that their taxes will not go up on January 1," Lincoln said. ".... I urge my colleagues to support these bipartisan tax cuts."
Senator Conrad Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
.... "I think the President did what is necessary, and I personally agree with his decision. The one place I am disappointed is on the estate tax, where I believe this agreement goes too far. But the President did what he had to do. I applaud him for working with Republicans to achieve a bipartisan agreement," Senator Conrad said.
.... "We must now work to put in place a long-term deficit reduction plan that restores confidence in America's fiscal future."
Congressman Bishop Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Statement of Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. on the Tax Cut Compromise
I applaud the bipartisan agreement on much-needed tax relief for all Americans....
Every worker in Georgia’s Second Congressional District will benefit from having 2% less taken from his or her paycheck each and every week for a year. This will keep money in the pockets of every working American and stimulate the economy....
Detroit Mayor Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Statement from Mayor Dave Bing on President Obama's Framework Agreement:
"President Obama’s announcement of a deal that ensures that working families and those looking for work will receive the support they need as our economy continues to recover is good news for Detroit. We cannot afford to turn our backs on the unemployed and the middle class in the kind of difficult times we’re facing. This agreement also sets the stage to help businesses in our city and across the country make the necessary investments to jumpstart our economy. It is an example of the kind of difficult but necessary choice we have to make to move forward."
Governor Crist Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
"I have a unique appreciation for leaders who are willing to put aside partisan politics in order to focus on what is best for the people. I commend President Obama for working to secure an agreement that will give our economy the support it needs to continue on the path to recovery. I call on Congress to act quickly and prevent a tax increase for Floridians and all Americans."
Congressman Schauer Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Today U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer (D-MI) issued the following statement in support of a bipartisan plan to extend unemployment benefits and tax cuts for Michigan families.
"With our economy still struggling, now is not the time to raise taxes or pull the rug out from workers who’ve lost a job through no fault of their own....While I have concerns about proposed changes to the estate tax in this plan that I would like to see addressed, this proposal is an important step towards a bipartisan compromise that will help get our economy back on track."
Governor Douglas Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Jim Douglas this morning spoke with the White House regarding the tax compromise reached by President Obama and Congressional Republicans. He issued the following statement in support of the compromise:
"Vermonters and all Americans are looking for Washington to produce results. If we are to address our country’s challenges, Republicans and Democrats can no longer take an all-or-nothing approach to governing.
"The compromise reached between President Obama and Republicans is a reasonable approach to helping the American people during this difficult time, while ensuring that tax increases do not burden the recovery. I hope leaders in Washington can build on this collaboration to address the most critical issue facing our nation’s long-term economic health, the national debt."
Charlotte Mayor Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx announced his support of the bipartisan measure to extend unemployment benefits and Bush era tax cuts to promote job creation and economic growth:
"President Obama and a bipartisan coalition of federal lawmakers have come together to extend unemployment benefits and tax cuts, both of which will give our economy additional time to heal. Working families would not experience a federal income tax increase for two years with this proposal. Without it, their taxes will be increased effective January 1," Foxx said....
Governor Rendell Applauds President Obama’s Efforts to Defend Middle Class
Governor Edward G. Rendell is praising President Obama’s work to reach a tax-package compromise with Congress that will have an immediate impact on more than 83,000 Pennsylvanians scheduled lose their unemployment benefits this month.
On the Dec. 7 "Hardball with Chris Matthews" show on MSNBC, Governor Rendell said:
"The president did a good job. He only extended the millionaire’s tax cut for two years. After that, we can peel it back to Reagan-Clinton levels. What some people are missing is that we got five very important things in return:
• Extending the earned income tax credit for the poorest Americans;
• Extending the college credit;
• Adding 13 more months of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans desperately in need;
• Adding a 2-percent payroll cut for average working people making less than $100,000 — if you make $50,000, you’re getting a $1,000 cut; and
• Helping small businesses by allowing them to write off investments in their business.
"These important items will get this economy humming and those are the things we needed. The president didn't just concede; he got a lot back in return for the American people.
"I hate the fact we gave a tax cut to the very rich. When President Clinton raised the tax in 1993, they said it’s going to be a job killer by hurting the job creators. But the opposite happened; we created 23.5 million new jobs. That’s the important thing, so the Republicans are full of bull. But they had the cards here and the president had no choice. He created a very good bargain for working-class and middle-class Americans."
Senator Webb Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Washington, DC—Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) today issued the following statement regarding the Framework Agreement on Middle Class Tax Cuts and Unemployment Insurance:
"I commend President Obama for his leadership in forging this agreement....
"No one will agree with every provision in the proposed agreement. The simple reality is that the American people, and particularly those who are out of work, cannot afford to wait while politics-as-usual blocks an effective, bipartisan plan to stimulate the economy and restore growth."
Congressman Peters Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
Representative Gary Peters today issued the following statement....:
"The tax-cut deal announced yesterday by the President is consistent with what I have said a final tax package should do, which is protect middle class families from a tax increase, extend unemployment benefits to those who are out of work, and provide incentives for businesses to create jobs. It also is a hopeful sign that it will be possible for Democrats and Republicans to work together to find bipartisan solutions...."
Mayor Villaraigosa Backs Middle Class Tax Cut Framework
LOS ANGELES – Mayor Villaraigosa issued the following statement ....:
"I would like to commend President Obama for his unwavering commitment to working families and those hardest hit by the recession and his refusal to sign onto any tax cut agreement that didn’t extend employment insurance or give additional tax cuts to small businesses.
The President’s decision to build this bi-partisan compromise will give relief for another thirteen months to the hundreds of thousands of unemployed Angelenos and will be another crucial step forward on our City's road to economic recovery."
• HEALTH CARE NEWS •
White House Blog, Dec. 8, 2010:
Health Reform Wins Another Round in Court
Posted by Stephanie Cutter, Assistant to the President for Special Projects
After the Affordable Care Act became law, opponents of reform lined up at courthouses nationwide to file lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of health reform. These kinds of challenges often happen after major legislation is enacted. In fact, legal challenges to the Social Security Act, the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act were all filed – and all failed.
Now, lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act are losing in federal court. Today, a federal judge in New Jersey who was appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush granted the Justice Department’s motion to dismiss a case challenging the constitutionality of the health reform law. You can read media coverage of the decision here.
The case dismissed in New Jersey can now be added to a longer list of cases challenging the Affordable Care Act that have been dismissed by the courts....
And the decision in New Jersey comes after two previous victories for health reform in the Western District of Virginia and Eastern District of Michigan where judges ruled on the merits of the arguments brought by the opponents of reform....
The Affordable Care Act falls well within Congress’s power to regulate under the Commerce Clause, the Necessary and Proper Clause, and the General Welfare Clause. In order to make health care affordable and available for all, the law regulates how to pay for medical services – services that account for more than 17.5% of the national economy. This law came into being precisely because of the interconnectedness of our health care costs, and we need every American to act responsibly to strengthen our health care system. When people seek medical care without health insurance and don’t pay for it, it adds more than $1,000 per year to the premiums of American families who act responsibly by having coverage. To lower the cost of health care for everyone, we have to stop making those who act responsibly pick up the health care tab for those who don’t – and that means we need everyone to be a part of the health insurance marketplace. Just as you can’t wait to get car insurance until you get into a car accident or rely on others to pay for the damages, you can’t wait until you get sick to get health insurance, or rely on the fact that emergency rooms won’t turn you away even if you can’t pay.
To fix the problem of uncompensated care and the shifting of costs to those who have insurance, the Affordable Care Act requires people who can afford it to carry minimum health coverage beginning in 2014. For the 83% of Americans who have coverage today, this means they are already taking responsibility for their health care, and will need to do very little. Many of the 17% of Americans living without health insurance either can’t afford it or have been denied coverage because of a preexisting condition. The Affordable Care Act provides tax credits to people who need help paying for insurance and hardship waivers to individuals or families who can’t afford it at all. And the Act expands Medicaid coverage for many lower income Americans. Those who can afford it, but refuse to buy it, will face a penalty.
The Affordable Care Act also bans insurance companies from discriminating against people with preexisting conditions. However, unless every American is required to have insurance, it would be cost prohibitive to cover people with preexisting conditions. Here’s why: If insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to anyone who applies for insurance – especially those who have health problems and are potentially more expensive to cover – then there is nothing stopping someone from waiting until they’re sick or injured to apply for coverage since insurance companies can’t say no. That would lead to double digit premiums increases – up to 20% – for everyone with insurance, and would significantly increase the cost health care spending nationwide. We don’t let people wait until after they’ve been in a car accident to apply for auto insurance and get reimbursed, and we don’t want to do that with healthcare. If we’re going to outlaw discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, the only way to keep people from gaming the system and raising costs on everyone else is to ensure that everyone takes responsibility for their own health insurance. If a court strikes down the individual responsibility provision, then protection for people with preexisting conditions will fall with it.
In the weeks ahead, there will be additional court cases examining this matter and the health reform law. No one knows how each case will be decided, but in the end, we are confident that health reform will prevail.
Office of the Press Secretary, Dec. 8, 2010:
Statement by the President on Medicare Payments to Doctors
"I am pleased Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate have agreed on legislation that will prevent a significant pay cut for doctors from taking effect and help ensure seniors on Medicare can continue to see the doctor they know and trust. I encourage Congress to act quickly on this proposal. This agreement is an important step forward to stabilize Medicare, but our work is far from finished. For too long, we have confronted this reoccurring problem with temporary fixes and stop-gap measures. It’s time for a permanent solution that seniors and their doctors can depend on and I look forward to working with Congress to address this matter once and for all in the coming year."