by Jake Espinoza
“The people of this country work hard to meet their responsibilities. The question tonight is whether we’ll meet ours. The question is whether, in the face of an ongoing national crisis, we can stop the political circus and actually do something to help the economy,” said President Barack Obama last night during a speech urging lawmakers to support a $447 billion jobs program.
The 9 percent unemployment rate is a huge problem for Obama if he hopes to be reelected, and his approval rating has plummeted in the weeks since the “Debt Deal”.
A big part of the American Jobs Act involves lowering taxes. The deal would also extend unemployment insurance for another year and afford additional spending aimed at allowing states to rehire teachers. If approved, the plan would be funded in majority by additional cuts in government spending and tax hikes for the wealthy.
“Everything in (the jobs program) is the kind of proposal that’s been supported by both Democrats and Republicans, including many who sit here tonight,” he said.
In contrast to the Debt Deal, Democrats are in majority united in support of the jobs program.
Senator Ron Wyden (D) said, “As we heard from the President tonight, there is no silver bullet for economic recovery… I believe that this bill is a step toward those goals and I look forward to working with the President and my Congressional colleagues to improve on it.”
Fellow Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (D) agreed, “Tonight the President put the focus where it should have been all along: Jobs. Congress must act quickly and boldly. American families are counting on us.”
The jobs program has not received the same welcome from the Republican Party.
“This proposal lays out nearly $450 billion in federal spending, yet it does not set out a long-term deficit reduction plan. Instead of proposing new spending, the President should be focused on mechanisms that will encourage the small business community to create jobs,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo (R).
With the Democrats in control of the Senate and Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, there will definitely be a battle coming up in the White House.
Donald Trump once said that the only deal Barack Obama has ever made was when he bought his house in Chicago… Now is his chance to prove Trump wrong, and get the deal passed while the doors to the Oval Office are closed.
We will keep you updated as the negotiating gets going.
We encourage you all to contact your elected representatives and make sure your voice is heard.
#OutHereWhiteHouse