Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 13, 2009, 9:02AM

RNC Ends Coverage Of Abortion In Its Employee Health Plans
The Republican National Committee has told its insurance company to remove coverage of abortion from the RNC's standard health insurance policy for its employees, following a Politico story revealing the policy that has existed since 1991. "Money from our loyal donors should not be used for this purpose," RNC Chairman Michael Steele said in a statement. "I don't know why this policy existed in the past, but it will not exist under my administration. Consider this issue settled."

Obama's Day In Japan
President Obama arrived in Tokyo, Japan, at 4:15 p.m. ET local time (2:15 a.m. ET). He held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Hatoyama at 6:50 p.m. local time, an expanded meeting at 7:10 p.m. They held a joint press conference at 8:20 p.m., and dinner at 8:45 p.m.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 9, 2009, 9:00AM

Obama To Meet With Netanyahu
President Obama is meeting today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a meeting that comes amidst difficulties over Middle East peace talks and disputes over Israeli settlements. Netanyahu told reporters on Sunday: "We are ready to talk and the Palestinians aren't. It's as simple as that."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will spend the morning in his regular meetings and briefings. At 6:45 p.m. ET, he will sign the Veterans Employment Initiative Executive Order. At 7 p.m. ET, he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Cap-and-Trade

Voinovich Gets Emotional During Republican Climate Change Boycott

Brian Beutler | November 4, 2009, 4:32PM

The Republican boycott of Senate climate change legislation continues today. But yesterday, Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH), whose objections sparked the boycott, insisted, in a tense, almost tearful moment, that his concerns were sincere, and implored Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)--chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee--to humor him.

Voinovich himself sounds pretty earnest. But at the same time, It's hard to fault Boxer, who, after years worth of hearings on the issue, knows that all the additional EPA studies and GOP placating in the world won't win her a single minority vote in committee. So why not move ahead?

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 9:01AM

Hillary: U.S. Opposes Israeli Settlements
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is meeting today with several Arab foreign ministers, in an effort to restart peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. Clinton reiterated the administration's opposition to continued Israeli settlements: "Successive American administrations of both parties have opposed Israel's settlement policy. That is absolutely a fact, and the Obama administration's position on settlements is clear, unequivocal and it has not changed."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have his daily briefing at 10 a.m. Et. He will meet at 11:10 a.m. ET with the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board. He will meet at 2 p.m. ET with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. He will meet at 3 p.m. ET with senior advisers.

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 27, 2009, 9:02AM

Poll: Big Majority Of Americans Support Cap-And-Trade
A new CNN poll finds 60% of Americans supporting a cap-and-trade proposal to control carbon emissions, with only 37% against it. The pollster's analysis says that independents are environmentally conscious, but Democrats would still have to work to mobilize those concerns: "Independents may not be red or blue, but they appear to be green. Earlier polls indicate that Independents believe in global warming and believe that the government can take steps to curtail the problem. But the environment is not a big priority for Independents, as it is with Democrats."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart from Miami at 10 a.m. ET, arriving at 10:50 a.m. ET in Sarasota. At 12:10 p.m. ET, he will tour the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center in Arcadia, Florida, and will deliver remarks at 12:25 p.m. ET. He will depart from Sarasota at 2:05 p.m. ET, arriving at 3:50 p.m. ET in Norfolk, Virginia. He will deliver remarks at a 4:55 p.m. ET rally for Creigh Deeds. He will depart from Norfolk at 6:05 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 7:05 p.m. ET.

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Roundup

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 24, 2009, 1:00PM

Obama: Big Banks Must Help Small Businesses
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama talked about his administration's commitment to small businesses -- and called on large banks that have been helped by the bailout to do their part:

"But while credit may be more available for large businesses, too many small business owners are still struggling to get the credit they need," said Obama. "These are the very taxpayers who stood by America's banks in a crisis - and now it's time for our banks to stand by creditworthy small businesses, and make the loans they need to open their doors, grow their operations, and create new jobs. It's time for those banks to fulfill their responsibility to help ensure a wider recovery, a more secure system, and more broadly shared prosperity. And we're going to take every appropriate step to encourage them to meet those responsibilities."

Johanns Denounces 'Shameful' Health Care Deals
In this weekend's Republican address, Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) went after the Democrats on health care:

"We're about to significantly alter one-sixth of our economy -- now is not the time to shut Americans out," said Johanns. "Reports of this deal-making are shameful. Why do Michigan, Rhode Island, Oregon and Nevada get special deals on Medicaid costs? Why do New Yorkers with Cadillac plans get a pass on paying the tax? It is shameful. So now, as a select few deliberate over legislation that will mean higher premiums across the board; higher taxes for hard-working families; and cuts to Medicare for senior citizens; I ask: will this improve your life?"

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Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 19, 2009, 9:01AM

Obama Administration To Issue New Policy In Favor Of State Medical Marijuana Laws
The Obama administration is set to release new guidelines today on medical marijuana, which will not pursue marijuana smokers or their suppliers whose activities are consistent with state laws on medicinal marijuana. The government will still pursue those who are exceeding state limits, or are using the practice of medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activities.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet at 10:30 a.m. ET with the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge winners. He will meet with senior advisers at 3:15 p.m. ET, and with Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) at 4 p.m. ET.

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Climate Change

Business Leaders Plan D.C. Visit to Press Swift Action on Climate Change

Brian Beutler | October 5, 2009, 9:03AM

Executives from some of the nation's most powerful corporations will visit Washington, D.C. this week to press Congress to act swiftly on far-reaching climate change legislation.

The groups, working under the umbrella of the campaign We Can Lead, will meet Wednesday and Thursday for training sessions, briefings, and advocacy on the Hill in support of the House's Waxman-Markey climate change bill and similar legislation.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 3, 2009, 1:10PM

Obama: Small Businesses Need Health Care Reform
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama pitched the Democratic health care proposals as being good for small businesses:

"Altogether, they create roughly half of all new jobs. And right now, they are paying up to 18 percent more for the very same insurance plans as larger businesses because they have higher administrative costs and less bargaining power," said Obama. "Many have been forced to cut benefits or drop coverage. Some have shed jobs or shut their doors entirely. And recent studies show that if we fail to act now, employers will pay six percent more to insure their employees next year - and more than twice as much over the next decade."

GOP Address Blasts Obama And Pelosi's "Job-Killing Agenda"
In this weekend's Republican address, Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) called upon PResident Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi to "put aside their job-killing agenda" and work with the GOP:

"All told, our economy has lost roughly 3 million private-sector jobs since President Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trillion-dollar 'stimulus' plan became law," said Miller, later adding: "It didn't have to be this way."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | October 1, 2009, 8:57AM

WaPo: Obama May Have To Seek GOP Support On Afghanistan
The Washington Post says that the emerging Democratic opposition to a heavily increased troop presence in Afghanistan could put President Obama in an awkward situation: "The emerging Democratic position could compel Obama, whose domestic agenda is facing stiff Republican criticism in Congress, to rely on those same opposition lawmakers for support if he decides to send more combat troops to Afghanistan."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at a 1:50 p.m. ET fundraiser for the Democratic Governors Association. He will meet at 3:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and at 4 p.m. ET with Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner. He will depart form the White House at 6:35 p.m. ET, headed to Copenhagen, Denmark, to lobby for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Chicago.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 30, 2009, 8:58AM

New DNC Ad: Tell Republicans To "Stop The Lies" On Health Reform
The Democratic National Committee has a new ad on health care, attacking Republican leaders for "trying to scare seniors about health reform." The ad will air on national cable and in Washington, D.C.

"Tell Republicans: Stop the lies on health reform," the announcer says.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will tour a laboratory at the National Institutes of Health at 10:25 a.m. ET, with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. Obama will make a major announcement regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act at 11 a.m. ET. He will sign the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act in the Oval Office at 1:30 p.m. ET, honoring the legendary golfer. At 3 p.m. ET, he will meet with his national security team on Afghanistan.

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Afghanistan

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 21, 2009, 8:59AM

McChrystal Asks For More Troops, Warns Against Failure In Afghanistan
The Washington Post reports that Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top American and NATO commander in Afghanistan, has urgently asked for more troops, warning against potential failure in the country. McChyrstal wrote in a confidential memo: "Failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum in the near-term (next 12 months) -- while Afghan security capacity matures -- risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will depart the White House at 9:25 a.m. ET, arriving at 10:55 a.m. ET in Albany, New York. At 11:30 a.m. ET, he and Dr. Jill Biden will tour Hudson Valley Community College, and he will deliver remarks on the economy at 11:50 a.m. ET. He will depart from Albany at 1:05 p.m. ET, and will tape an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman at 3:55 p.m. ET, at CBS Studios in New York.

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Climate Change

Mark Kirk: I Voted For Cap And Trade In The House, Would Vote No In The Senate (And Crowd Cheers)

Eric Kleefeld | September 15, 2009, 2:44PM

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL), who is running for President Obama's former Senate seat in 2010, just pulled off an amazing trick at a Republican event over the weekend: He said that he voted for the climate bill in the House, but would vote against it in the Senate -- and got the crowd to switch from booing to cheering him.

"Let me say briefly about cap and trade. I voted for it because it was in the narrow interest of my Congressional district. But as your representative," Kirk said, then getting interrupted by booing. "As your representative, representing the entire state of Illinois, I would vote no on that bill coming up."

The amazing thing is how quickly the crowd switched from booing to cheering, even as Kirk flip-flopped right in front of them. This would explain Kirk's upcoming policy: "Abortions for some, miniature American flags for others."

Check it out at the 3:10 mark:

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 17, 2009, 9:01AM

Public Option May Be Dropped
The Obama administration appears to be getting closer to dropping the public option as a proposal, shifting to a co-op plan with a better chance of passing. "The president is going to continue to try to persuade everyone of the great value of having a true public plan," an unnamed Democrat close to the White House told the New York Times. "But at the end of the day, I believe he recognizes that there are other, arguably less effective, ways to achieve greater coverage, more choice, better quality and lower cost in our system."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at the VFW National Convention in Phoenix, at 2 p.m. ET. He and the First Lady will depart from Phoenix at 3:20 p.m. ET, and arrive back at the White House at 7:35 p.m. ET.

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Cap-and-Trade

Boehner Lends His Brightly Colored Anti-Cap-and-Trade Chart To Senate Cap-and-Trade Opponents

Brian Beutler | July 13, 2009, 11:21AM

Last month, I noted that House Minority Leader John Boehner had gone to battle against the Waxman-Markey bill with a bright blue board, designed without any logic other than to imply that cap-and-trade legislation is complicated.

That battle ultimately failed--the bill passed by a slim margin--but Republicans haven't given up on the weapon. Via Grist, I see that Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO) is taking up Boehner's arms as the fight moves to the Senate.

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Cap-and-Trade

Brown: I Won't Filibuster Climate Change Legislation

Brian Beutler | July 10, 2009, 6:06PM

Despite opposing cloture on a previous cap and trade bill, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) says that--whether he supports the underlying bill or not--he won't support a filibuster of climate change legislation this Congress.

"I'm not going to be part of a filibuster on climate change," Brown told me today. Brown voted against ending debate on the Lieberman-Warner bill in 2007, but he says he did that because the bill had no real chance of making it to the floor, and opposing cloture was his way of expressing his objection to aspects of that legislation.

"I was not blocking the bill from having a hearing on the floor, because it wasn't gonna get to that," Brown said. "I wanted to show that I don't support this bill unless you take care of American manufacturing."

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Health Care

The Mark-Up, 07-09-2009

Brian Beutler | July 9, 2009, 6:00PM

TPMDC's update on the biggest legislative initiatives on the Hill:

• Health Care: The marathon mark-up of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee's health care reform bill continued. Meanwhile, with the idea of capping the health insurance tax exclusion now on ice, a Finance Committee staffer unveiled some of the other funding schemes the panel is considering.
• Climate Change: Looks like the Senate action on climate change legislation has been pushed back to September.
• Nominations: The Senate Judiciary Committee released the witness list for Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing. The hearing will begin on Monday, stretching on for days. And the GOP has invited a few doozies to testify.

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 9, 2009, 9:02AM

Obama Calls For Climate Deal This Year
At the G8 Summit, President Obama called for the member countries to make continued progress on climate change, before a new round of U.N. treaty talks this December. Press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that Obama said "there was still time in which they could close the gap on that disagreement in time for that important (meeting)."

Obama's Day In Italy
President Obama is in Rome today. At 3:30 a.m. ET (9:30 a.m. local time), he met with Brazilian President Lula da Silva. At 4 a.m. ET, he attended a meeting of leaders of the G-8, plus China, India, Mexico, South Africa and Egypt, with a working lunch at 6:30 a.m. ET. At 8:30 a.m. ET, he attended a meeting with representatives of the Junior 8, and he attended a world trade discussion at 9 a.m. ET. At 10:15 a.m. ET, he will attend a Major Economies Forum discussion on the environment, and will make a statement to the press at 12:30 p.m. ET. AT 2:30 p.m. ET, he will attend a G-8 working dinner, hosted by Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

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Health Care

The Mark-Up, 07-08-2009

Brian Beutler | July 8, 2009, 6:33PM

TPMDC's update on the biggest legislative initiatives on the Hill:

• Health Care: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid met with Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee today to reassure them that they wouldn't be closed out of the health care reform debate--after reportedly telling committee chairman Max Baucus to stop chasing Republican votes. The upshot? The Finance Committee's still not ready to set a mark-up date for it's yet to be unveiled bill. And the early, aspirational, August deadline for completing legislation in the Senate is fast approaching...
• Appropriations: The White House is threatening to veto the Intelligence appropriations bill, working its way through the House, if it contains a provision that would strip the President of the power to determined who in Congress could be briefed on classified information, and give it to the congressional intelligence chairs. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supports the provision.
• Climate Change: A few weeks ago, Rep. Colin Peterson (D-MN) extracted concessions from climate change leaders in the House and made the Waxman-Markey bill friendlier to agricultural interests. Now, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) wants to see much the same thing happen when the Senate takes up the issue in the coming weeks.
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  Topics: Climate Change, Harry Reid, Health Care, House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi

Climate Change

Americans United Launches National Ad Campaign For Energy Bill

Eric Kleefeld | July 6, 2009, 5:32PM

The pro-Obama group Americans United For Change is going nationwide with a new ad campaign, praising members of Congress who voted for the energy bill. The ad campaign brings a patriotic fervor to the pro-bill side, boasting of the "uniquely American" solution that will create energy jobs here instead of other countries.

Here's the version running in the district of Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN):

The ad is a localized version of a spot they premiered last week for the D.C. media market -- which is basically a testing ground for response from the media -- with the names of individual Congressmen inserted in to be praised for voting in favor of the bill.

The list of Democratic House members for this ad campaign: John Boccieri (OH); Mary Jo Kilroy (OH); Steve Driehaus (OH); Mark Schauer (MI); Betsy Markey (CO); Baron Hill (IN); Ben Chandler (KY); Frank Kratovil (MD); Dan Maffei (NY); Mike Doyle (PA); Tom Perriello (VA); Rick Boucher(VA); Paul Hodes (NH), who is also running for the Senate; and Carol Shea-Porter (NH). There will also be a generic version in the Detroit media market, and on national cable for CNN and MSNBC. This list has some overlap with the NRCC's new ad campaign against the bill.

Climate Change

Americans United Ad: Climate Bill Creates Jobs "Not In India Or China, But Right Here"

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 11:08AM

Americans United for Change has this new TV ad in the D.C. media market -- essentially aimed at the political and journalistic classes -- praising the energy bill that was passed in the House and now faces a tough fight in the Senate:

The ad gives a patriotic fervor to the bill, focusing on the development of clean-energy jobs in this country. "Last month, Congress met President Obama's challenge to create millions of clean energy jobs," the announcer says, "not in India or China, but right here, in America."

VA-05

NRCC Ad Attacks Energy Bill -- And Obama

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2009, 9:19AM

The National Republican Congressional Committee has launched this new TV ad going after freshman Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA) for his vote on the climate bill -- and attacking President's Obama's statement during the 2008 campaign that electricity rates would "skyrocket" under a cap-and-trade system.

This is the first attack ad from the Republican Party during this cycle that uses President Obama in a negative manner:

"That's right -- 'skyrocket,'" the announcer says. "It'll destroy jobs and cost middle-class families $1,800 a year, every time you turn on a switch. On Tom Perriello's voting with Obama and with Nancy Pelosi over and over."

The following other Democratic members of Congress are on the target list for radio ads, phone calls and Web ads: Rick Boucher (VA); Vic Snyder (AR); Ike Skelton (MO); Baron Hill (IN); Harry Teague (NM); Bruce Braey (IA); Bart Gordon (TN); Betsy Markey (CO); John Boccieri (OH); Zack Space (OH); Alan Grayson (FL); Debbie Halvorson (IL); and Mary Jo Kilroy (OH).

Late Update: DCCC spokesman Ryan Rudominer gives us this response: "Instead of offering solutions, the Republican Party of No is trying to block progress on creating clean energy jobs, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and getting America running on clean energy. It's no wonder the American people don't trust Republicans when all they offer are false attacks on President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and Congressional Democrats."

Cap-and-Trade

The Mark-Up, 06-29-2009

Brian Beutler | June 29, 2009, 6:06PM

TPMDC's update on the biggest legislative initiatives on the Hill:

• Climate Change: The House did its part on Friday, passing the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. And they did it in a way that could, in theory, hold a great amount of sway with fence-sitting Democrats in the Senate. (Republicans are a different story--eight GOPers voted for the bill, but the rest sided with House Minority Leader John Boehner who called it a "pile of shit.") But success (and a successful bill) will depend in large part on factors like the Senate schedule, and White House involvement, which remain big unknowns.
• Health Care: The House of Representatives will begin the mark-up process on a health reform bill, drafted by three different committees of jurisdiction: Energy and Commerce, Education and Labor, and Ways and Means. Thus far, the roll out in that chamber has been pretty seamless, especially by comparison to the action in the Senate. But figuring out how to keep things moving smoothly while three committees make changes to it independently turns out to be a bit tricky. We should know more about that process soon.

Congress is not in session this week.

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Topics: Cap-and-Trade, Climate Change, House of Representatives, Senate

Barack Obama

With Climate Change Vote, House Tries To Prod Senate Into Action--Will It Work?

Brian Beutler | June 29, 2009, 3:23PM

The White House and Democratic leaders in Congress were in top political form on Friday, ushering the Waxman-Markey bill to passage by the narrowest of margins. In so doing, they picked off Democratic fence sitters strategically, to use what leverage they have to pressure Senate moderates into voting for passage as well.

For instance, a number of Democratic reps from states like Indiana, Missouri, and others voted for passage, which could make it harder for skeptical senators like Claire McCaskill and Evan Bayh to filibuster, or vote against it.

They also tailored the bill in such a way that it will be more palatable to Democratic senators from manufacturing states--like Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania and Sherrod Brown in Ohio--than past climate change bills have been.

But much will also depend on the timeline.

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Climate Change

Bachmann Raising Money Off "Liberty Or Tyranny" Speech Against Cap-And-Trade

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2009, 12:43PM

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) is now raising campaign cash off her floor speech this past Friday, Greg Sargent reports, in which she boldly called the climate-change bill a government takeover of "every aspect" of people's lives by a tyrannical government.

"When I spoke on the floor during the debate, I laid the question out in its most bare-boned terms: this is about liberty versus tyranny," Bachmann writes.

She later adds: "Please help me show that conservatives will not simply stand by while they destroy jobs, delete liberty, and decimate our economy."

Delete liberty? Remember, patriotic Americans, there's still time to go to the Dock at the bottom of your screen, and grab that liberty file back out of the Trash!

Full e-mail after the jump.

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Barack Obama

Obama Mocks GOPers Who Say Cap And Trade Will Cost $3,000 Per Household

Brian Beutler | June 29, 2009, 11:32AM

Over the weekend, after the Waxman-Markey climate change bill passed the House by a predictably slim margin, President Obama sat down with some climate and energy reporters to discuss the state of play of energy reform.

Addressing the political risk some Democrats took by voting for the bill, Obama mocked the GOP for perpetuating a myth that should be familiar to readers of TPMDC. "So are there going to be nay-sayers?" Obama asked. "Absolutely."

Are there going to be short-term instances where you can get political gain by scaring the bejesus out of people and telling them that their electricity rates are going to go up a thousand percent and this is going to be a tax of $3,000 -- even though the studies that they cite the authors of say that these guys are just lying about these costs? Yes. Those political talking points will, in some cases, have some short-term impact.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2009, 8:59AM

Obama Opposes Trade Penalties In Climate Bill
President Obama has come out against a provision of the climate-change bill that passed the House on Friday, which would impose tariffs on other countries that don't accept limits on pollution. "At a time when the economy worldwide is still deep in recession and we've seen a significant drop in global trade," Obama told reporters, "I think we have to be very careful about sending any protectionist signals out there."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet one-on-one with President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia, at 2:15 p.m. ET, with an expanded meeting at 2:45 p.m. ET. At 4:25 p.m. ET, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will host a reception for LGBT Pride Month. At 7:15 p.m. ET, Obama will attend a reception for National Finance Committee members.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | June 27, 2009, 12:59PM

Obama Praises Energy Bill, Calls For Senate Passage
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama praised the House of Representatives for passing the energy bill last night, calling it an important component of economic growth and technological development. And he urge the Senate to follow suit quickly:

"Now my call to every Senator, as well as to every American, is this: We cannot be afraid of the future. And we must not be prisoners of the past," said Obama. "Don't believe the misinformation out there that suggests there is somehow a contradiction between investing in clean energy and economic growth. It's just not true."

Boehner Blasts "Go-It-Alone" Democrats
House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) delivered the Republican address this weekend, going after the Democrats on the issues of spending, health care and energy:

"Republicans are offering common-sense solutions that will make a real difference in creating jobs, making health care more affordable, and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment, and reducing energy costs," said Boehner. "We hope our Democrat colleagues will abandon their failed go-it-alone approach and work with us to make these reforms a reality."

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Climate Change

Bachmann On Climate-Change Bill: "We Choose Liberty, Or We Choose Tyranny"

Eric Kleefeld | June 26, 2009, 6:02PM

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) took to the House floor this evening, in order to make what may be the strongest Republican argument there is against the climate-change bill -- that it represents a full-scale takeover of "every aspect" of people's lives by a tyrannical government:

Bachmann recited various statistics about how awful the bill would be. "But what is worse than this is the fact that now because of this underlying bill, the federal government will virtually have control over every aspect of lives for the American people," she said. "It is time to stand up and say: We get to choose. We choose liberty, or we choose tyranny -- it's one of the two."