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Boehner: ‘Plan B’ Failed Because House Members ‘Didn’t Want to Be Perceived As Having Raised Taxes’

Dec. 21, 2012 11:25am Madeleine Morgenstern

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) (R) speaks during a press conference with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) (L) at the U.S. Capitol December 21, 2012 in Washington, DC. House Republicans could not agree to support Boehner’s proposed ‘Plan B’ initiative yesterday and now must find a new way to reach agreement with U.S. President Barack Obama on a deficit reduction deal. (Getty Images)

House Speaker John Boehner on Friday blamed having to cancel the vote on his so-called fiscal cliff Plan B on House members who didn’t want to be seen as voting to raise taxes.

“We didn’t have the vote to pass it,” Boehner (R-Ohio) told reporters. “There was a perception that that vote last night was going to increase taxes. I disagree with that characterization of the bill but that was the perception out there.”

The Plan B proposal would have raised tax rates on incomes above $1 million. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) had indicated he would not bring the plan up for a vote, and President Barack Obama had vowed to veto it for not raising enough revenue.

“[Members] were dealing with the perception that some might accuse them of raising taxes,” Boehner said.

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Comments (37)

Marine25
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 7:48pm
So 30 or 40 tea partiers destroyed all, make no mistake, all of what limited leverage Repubicans had by cutting the speaker off at the knees, and they are the heroes here? The GOP has, understandably, been looking for a way to shut these Dick Armey-FreedomWorks nutbags down, and boy will they do it now. When the deal is reached, it will not be as favorable to Republicans as Obama’s last offer. The people will blame Republicans for going over he cliff, Republicans will have to approve Obama’s January offer as it will include a massive tax cut, Conservatives will scream that it was a bad deal, and Boehner and 180 of his congressman will blame tea-baggers in the House. And if those baggers lose in ’14, it won’t matter to the party because they are all from very red districts and they’ll be replaced by Republicans who want to actually work and debate and govern. Last night was not a good night the tea-party. Lafollette from Ohio called the baggers in the House “these chuckleheads”. Maybe that will be on the tea party tombstone.

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- December22
  Posted on December 22, 2012 at 6:56am
  The Speaker has been a lousy negotiator and it was due to him that we are at this point. The tea partiers are standing up for Constitutional and repsonisble government.
  
  Report this comment
righthanddrive
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 4:40pm
Some say that the GOP should have reduced taxes on everybody. One way to do this was to abolish the AMT and any Obamacare tax. A second way would be to abolish the AMT+Obamacare tax AND lower the effective rates for all taxpayers by 50% effective 1/2/13. The third way to do this would be to do the second alternative AND identify spending cuts that would cut the annual deficits to zero while specifying that any unplanned tax revenue would be earmarked for debt repayment by effective setting a formula to reduce the Debt ceiling. Now this would be sensible….

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macpappy
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 3:47pm
In the end, I’m ready for whatever comes. I have been preparing for 6 years, to withstand anything short of enemy invasion. Let the idiots do what they will, the system will fail without some major spending cuts. Major spending cuts will put the unions, government employees, and the useful idiots in the minorities, into the streets rioting. When it all comes down, I will duck my head, take care of my own and be ready to vote Constitutional Conservative values, when the smoke clears. If it clears.

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Jesef
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 3:37pm
Unfortunately, compromise is the only way to move forward (hate to use that phrase now) – that is reality, folks – many of you need to wake up, we lost the election and only control 1/3 of the Federal Government. If the parties turn into the unstoppable force (aka Democrats) and the immovable object (aka Republicans) we will be totally deadlocked. It is also reality that neither side can dictate the points of compromise. Democrats wants tax increases and Republicans want to lower taxes for everyone, which are mutually exclusive positions. Compromise means gaining as much ground as possible. Boehner tried to do that with the $1M/yr income limit, but the other side said no (and the immovable group on our side said no!). Obama and the Dems have offered $400K/yr. They should probably meet somewhere in the middle – like $500-700K/yr. Is raising taxes on just the rich wrong? Yes. But that’s the lesser evil of raising taxes on EVERYONE.

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- macpappy
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 3:53pm
  You see, you don’t get the very essence of what a Conservative is.
  You say: Unfortunately, compromise is the only way to move forward. “Move Forward”….be Progressive, ……not Conservative…(Save the status quo). We don’t want to move forward, if forward is away from our Constitutional values. Forward is not more taxes on the producers so the non producers can get free birth control pill, or free abortion.
  You think we should lay down? Hell, we should stand taller, and fight harder. Fire this idiot RINO and put a TEA party player in his place.
  
  Report this comment
michaelmoron
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 3:35pm
“Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an INVISIBLE GOVERNMENT owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people. To destroy this INVISIBLE GOVERNMENT, to befoul the unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the first task of the statesmanship of today.”
- Theodore Roosevelt

“This [Federal Reserve Act] establishes the most gigantic trust on earth. When the President Wilson signs this bill, the INVISIBLE GOVERNMENT of the monetary power will be legalized….the worst legislative crime of the ages is perpetrated by this banking and currency bill. From now on, depressions will be scientifically created.”
– Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr.

Invisible Government. Very interesting.

“The very word “‘secrecy’” is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings.”
“For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies on covet means for expanding its sphere of influence”
“a system which has conscripted vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly knit, highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific and political operations.”
– JFK

“The real truth of the matter is that a financial element in the large centers has owned the government since the days of Andrew Jackson.”
– FDR

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hauschild
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 2:24pm
“There was a perception that that vote last night was going to increase taxes. I disagree with that characterization of the bill but that was the perception out there.”

Then in the following paragraph …”The Plan B proposal would have raised tax rates on incomes above $1 million.”

How freaking stupid is Cry Baby?

God, I’m beginning to sincerely loathe this SOB – almost as much as our beloved Marxist POTUS.

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Cavallo
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:53pm
Any Rep that votes for a tax increase is unlikely to survive a primary battle.

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- Kolbie
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 3:49pm
  The alternative was by doing nothing (i.e. not voting on any plan) they have effectively raised the taxes of every person/family paying taxes rather than only those making over a set amount. It was (is) a “no-win” situation. In order to “compromise” both sides have to be willing to budge off of their initial point towards the other point. As I see it, the president has seen two attempts to come toward his point and every time he has said “not enough, I’ll veto that bill”.
  
  Report this comment
TommyGuns
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:20pm
His talking points are all wrong. He needs to let people know that aren’t paying any federal income tax that many of them will soon start because the President and Harry Reid will not come to the table with a plan to cut real spending, not the rate of growth of spending. Then let the people know who are in the lowest tax bracket, the 10% bracket, that their taxes are about to go up by 50% to the 15% bracket, again because the President and Harry Reid’s insistence that it’s their way or the highway. Everyone needs to hold hands and just leap off the cliff together. It will be painful for many when their taxes go up and benefits run out, but at least we’ll see real spending cuts, and the new Congress can start with a clean slate in January. As Nike so aptly puts it Mr. Speaker, Just Do It!

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michaelmoron
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:00pm
Please People. Learn about what is going on.

Unapportioned Tax is Unconstitutional !!!!

In 1871 a Corporaton was formed called the ‘United States’.
They have been operating the Country from the head offices of the Corp (D.C.)
since then.

A federal Income Tax began in America in 1913, due to the Contact (Federal Reserve Act) with the PRIVATE BANK.

We declared Bankruptcy in 1933 and had to surrender America’s assets as collateral to the PRIVATE bank.
In addition to GOLD, LAND and GOV”T BRANCHES, YOU WERE PLEDGED !!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlCs7u1ihws

The lien was transfered to the IMF and World Bank in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Treaty.
They created the UN the following year.
The UN (IMF & WB) is the creditor of the Bankrupt U.S. Corp.

In 1992, the IMF began Liqudation of “Toxic Assets”
http://rense.com/general86/nomis.htm

Now the Insolvent Corporation constantly has to borrow more money from the Federal Reserve PRIVATE BANK.

We exchange T-Bonds for Notes, with Interest Attached.
This is insanity !!!!

“If the nation can issue a dollar bond, it can also issue a dollar bill. The element that makes the bond good, makes the bill good, also. The difference, between the bond and the bill, is that the bond lets the money-broker collect twice the amount of the bond, and an additional 20%.”
- Thomas Edison

Here is a Video everyone should see, about what is going on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPWH5TlbloU

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- Walkabout
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:54pm
  I don’t trust Rense. & I don’t watch many You tube videos. Could you link other sites to support your arguments?
  
  Report this comment
- michaelmoron
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 3:26pm
  You should watch more youtube videos.
  
  Here is some literature on these subjects.
  “The District of Columbia Organic Act of 1871 created a private corporation (hereinafter “Corp. U.S.”, Trademark name, “United States Government”) owned and operated by the actual government for the purpose of carrying out the business needs of the government under martial law.”
  
  “As 1913 began, Corp. U.S. had no funds to carry out the necessary business needs of the government so they went to said families and asked if they could borrow some money. The families said no (Corp. U.S. had already demonstrated that they would not repay their debts in full). The families had foreseen this situation and had the year before finalized the creation of a private corporation of the name “Federal Reserve Bank”.
  
  “In 1933, Corp. U.S. is bankrupt, they force a banking holiday to exchange money backed Federal Reserve Notes with “legal tender” Federal Reserve Notes the Trading with the Enemies Act is adjusted to recognize the people of the United States as enemies of Corp. U.S.”
  
  http://teamlaw.net/HistoryOutline.htm
  
  I have a ton more.
  here is another site that substantiates these claims:
  http://www.barefootsworld.net/usfraud.html
  
  Here is a youtube clip:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=ek_3X2ONCx0&NR=1
  
  What specifically, do you question?
  The Gov’t a Corp?
  Check this:
  http://www.manta.com/c/mm4qj5k/senate-united-states
  
  Report this comment
SilentReader
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:46pm
Boehner should be put out of business. He’s lacking in judgement. Obviously. The guy needs to be run out of Congress. He’s part of the problem.

Unless the Republican Party wises up soon my guess is that they are going to be the non-existent party.

Let the Obamanistas and Clintonistas do what they want to do. And that is run us over the fiscal cliff. Then let them take the responsibility for doing it. Isn’t that what the Left wanted when they voted the most corrupt and irresponsible and traitorous so-called POTUS back into office?

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- love the kids
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:09pm
  It didn’t fail, you did. Here’s a suggestion, when you do cave on taxes, at least have one of the conditions be that all health care waivers be “Null and Void”, See what Obummer does then.
  
  Report this comment
RaydocX
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:23pm
what a sad spin, Mr Speaker… your members DID NOT WANT TO RAISE TAXES.

in leadership training i was once told i should not enter a meeting i was to run unless i knew what the votes would be on the issues to be presented. that’s clearly not always possible, but this performance leaves you seeming weak… er weaker. stop trying to protect your position, speak in plain facts, and impress your fellow members with the what if’s… what if the entire Congress is Dem after the mid-terms. put a bill in place that raises taxes ONLY commensurate to same time and same level spending AND which rescinds the tax rate if there is not demostrated measurable progress by plain statistics in employment, dollar value, inflation, energy costs in 18 months…

It’s not hard, it represents compromise but responsibility for both parties… if the Dems are right the tax rates stay. if they’re wrong we change tack. if they refuse THEY weren’t interested in compromise in the first place.

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- ConstitunalAmerican
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 8:56pm
  Speaker Boehner lacks leadership skills and verbal creativeness to “speak” to all people. I’ve listened to him mumble at the podium in an almost complete monatone voice that would put anyone to sleep or dismiss him. Wake up Speaker Boehner and put some enthusiasm in your speech, really talk to the people, get up and speak to and for the people. You are a shadow cast to the side of the President.
  Who had the perception that taxes were going to go up by the Repubs? That was said by you or another Repub for those making a million plus. So that’s not a perception. Start explaining what you want to do, why, and how it will work to keep us from going off the cliff as compared to Dems. You walked away because you wanted to get the heck out of there and go home. Now, “We the People” have to deal with the consequences.
  
  Report this comment
kaydeebeau
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:19pm
Well gee whiz – it doesn’t matter what the Repubs do they will be blamed for all the ills so the Repubs may as well stand up for principle while being blamed.

If O threatens a veto – make him veto it – whatever it is……

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- red_white_blue2
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:46pm
  I don’t get why Boehner is upset that there are members that are sticking to their guns (no pun intended) in not supporting the increase of taxes by taking it on the chin as to where the millionaire line in the sand increase begins. Make him veto it…let it be on him. We will be blamed regardless as either supporting crappy legislation or having been uncompromising–so whatever!
  
  Report this comment
- kaydeebeau
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 4:35pm
  exactly!! I don’t understand why this is such a difficult concept. And as Rush said today – why not propose an across the board tax cut (hey stupid libs – the Bush tax rates were a tax cut from the previous – messiah – Clinton tax rates- now they are the standard rates – but I realize you are too stupid to grasp this – Obama is hoping for an increase on everyone – he really hates you – for all those who things he cares so much)
  
  O wants to go over the cliff – he thnks we all achieved what we have by hook and by crook – though that is projection for the demonrat position – reference the story re: the ambassadort o Finland)
  
  IDIOTS – I only wish I could find a way for you to suffer your choices without my having to suffer too.
  
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resme
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:17pm
Replace the crybaby….

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Walkabout
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:16pm
The home Depot cofounder is right IMO. We need to get this off the table. Raise the taxes. It will cause the economy to slow.

But do we have any other choice?

Given the MSM engaged in half truths, selective reporting & what not. People do not understand that that if you tax the the rich (above $250K or $1 Million) at 95% you will not reduce the deficit by much at all.

Between the Low Information Voters & the MSM, this is where we are.

Give Obama what he wants. Then use Alinsky rules. Fix the target (in the media) Ridicule the target & Vote the target out of office (& all the Democrat Party).

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AmericanStrega
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:16pm
I am sick and tired of ALL people in congress. They don’t give a rip about the People of America or our country. All they care about is their power. I will NEVER vote for another republican and have never voted for a Democrat, so NONE of them are going to ever get another vote from me (as if my vote really matters, so I guess my rant is useless. But at the very least I’ve said my peace) Let the chips fall where they may.

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Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:14pm
Well, Bonehead, doing SOMETHING is better than doing NOTHING!!

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- kaydeebeau
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:21pm
  Really ??? Moving quickly is not the wisest course if you do not know where you are going
  
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Nevermind
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:12pm
Reagan rasied taxes and he seemed to do just fine. The house should not be allowed to leave for the holidays until this is solved and if not then no vacations.

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- resme
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:17pm
  Reagan also never got the cuts “promised”.
  
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- kaydeebeau
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:23pm
  revenue isn’t the problem genious – spending is and as usual (as in everycase where dems get the tax increase concession in exchange for real spending cuts) the spending cuts NEVER happen
  
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- Walkabout
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:57pm
  Nevermind
  
  The House can do whatever it please. The Senate left before the vote, so it didn’t matter what the House did. If they had passed the bill it would have sat until after the Christmas recess.
  
  Reagan made a deal with Tip Oneil. The deal was raised taxes for budget cuts. Tip O’Neill like a good Democrat soldier reneged on the deal.
  
  Report this comment
Tri-ox
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:10pm
Let it burn! The CLIFF is a disaster of obama’s making. Republicans need to do the right thing and stop negotiating with obama, AND go public – speak the truth – tell America that obama is the problem.

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- kaydeebeau
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:27pm
  Yep – except at least 1/2 the people won’t listen or won’t hear.
  
  Part of me says give the Pres everything he wants and lets speed over the cliff to teach everyone a painful lesson – and the other part says there are too many ignorant people who are on the dole who won’t be harmed so they won’t feel any pain at all – Romney was right about the 47% – what should be simple in theory isn’t quite so simple in practice.
  
  Until those in Washington understand and act like the problem is spending we are doomed and until We the People rise up and say enough – we are doomed
  
  Report this comment
- BODYBAG
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:46pm
  @TRI-OX
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:10pm
  Let it burn! The CLIFF is a disaster of obama’s making. Republicans need to do the right thing and stop negotiating with obama, AND go public – speak the truth – tell America that obama is the problem.
  ———————————–
  Agreed. Close up shop and go home. Let it CRATER. Then let Barry own it.
  Its what he’s always wanted anyway. Let the economy tank again.
  PAIN is the best teacher for the majority of people anymore.
  Let them feel it in FULL TECHNICOLOR.
  When people are broke, the welfare checks stop, and there is rioting over food
  THEN they’ll turn on Barry like a bastard stepchild.
  
  Report this comment
- mrunner
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:02pm
  Yep! Now is the time. The Obama Zombies are oblivious of the true crisis their savior and the senate have created. Until we all feel the pain- the Obama Zombies will not wake up and see the crisis. The Koolaid has gone to their heads. Hoping it is not too late to avoid a true Obama Apocalypse. Over the cliff we go!
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on December 21, 2012 at 1:59pm
  “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, polarize it … ” -Rules for Radicals
  
  Someone, probably a troll, has a problem with applying this to the anointed one. My post was removed.
  
  Report this comment
Maxim Crux
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:08pm
Plan C….fire Boener!

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Logic77
Posted on December 21, 2012 at 12:00pm
That may be true for some, but not all.

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