House Speaker Discusses Economy and Congressional Agenda

WASHINGTON, DC
Friday, November 9, 2012

House Speaker John Boehner Friday said a report by the Congressional Budget Office proves that ending the Bush-era tax cuts would hurt the economy. In his second news conference since the election, Speaker Boehner said he hoped that 2013 would be the year for tax code and entitlement reforms. On immigration, he said “the President has to lead” and that it is “time to get the job done.”

He reiterated that he had spoken with the President and that they both know that averting the "fiscal cliff" is crucial to the health of America's economy. He said repeatedly that this is the President's "opportunity to lead."

Speaker Boehner said that he still hoped to lower tax rates and "clean up the tax code" by making it simpler and eliminating special interest loopholes and deductions.

At Wednesday's briefing, the Speaker expressed a willingness to make a deal with President Obama on reducing the nation’s debt and avoiding automatic budget cuts and tax increases known as the “fiscal cliff.” He also said that Republicans will consider a deal that includes higher taxes “under the right conditions.” This includes tax reform and closing loopholes.

Updated: Friday at 2:13pm (ET)