Congress got back from trip Monday and made Bush tax cuts the first thing to talk about. Congress isn’t anticipated to do much thinking about in about four weeks, campaigning for mid-term elections will be the priority of most lawmakers. Democrats have made the recommendation that anybody making over $250,000 a year should be excluded in the tax cuts that are hoped to continue. Republicans think the Tax cuts by Bush should apply to every person within the country. That is why they will not vote for the Democrats plan. This seems like it is about to by a typical Congressional stalemate. However, House Minority Leader John Boehner included intrigue to the debate Sunday when he said he would vote for ending the tax breaks for the rich if that was his only choice for a tax break.
Boehner surprises with Tax cuts by Bush
At the end of the year, the Bush tax cuts should expire. These cuts were enacted in 2001 and 2003 and applied to all people. The Obama administration wants to extend the Bush tax cuts to everyone however America’s richest individuals. Many Republicans and Democrats think that it is a bad idea to increase tax during such a weak time in the economy. Tax cuts will end if the Republicans do a filibuster. They will do this if the tax credits aren’t extended to all. Republicans are getting accused of all sorts of things by the Democrats. One of these things is making middle class tax breaks accessible mostly to help the rich get some more tax breaks. Boehmer’s bargain amazed many. Many weren’t sure how to proceed with the change on the Bush tax cuts.
Democrats drifting toward Republican ideas
Boehner dropped his bomb even as a growing number of Democrats fearful of the mid-term election have said they may prefer to extend all the Bush tax cuts for an additional couple of years as the economy recovers. A temporary extension of tax cuts for the rich are suggested by at least 6 Democratic senators and Senate candidates, says the Washington Post. In the House, the number of incumbents taking that position is growing. There are so many different places with different costs of living that one more recommendation has been raised. This suggests that the $250,000 tax break threshold be $1 million per household.
Boehner focused on power over middle class
When Boehner made his comment on the Bush tax cuts issue, Democrats seemed to boast. There is a possibility the Republicans will start to control the house following mid-term elections. This is why Christian Science Monitor suggests that Boehner might be just trying to get the position as Speaker of the House. According to the Monitor , the speaker could be able to help get bills passed, unlike the opposition leader. Boehner is making a wise move with the suggesting of an agreement. He could take credit for a new tax break deal that could take place. Republicans might show how much better they think they’re than Democrats at getting results by simply passing a tax bill before mid-term elections come. Whether or not Boehner has the good of the middle class in mind with his strategy, the Monitor did not say.
Further reading
CNN
cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/12/tax.cuts/index.html?npt=NP1
Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/12/AR2010091204308_2.html?wpisrc=nl_headline and sid=ST2010091204277
Christian Science Monitor
csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2010/0913/Why-did-John-Boehner-change-his-mind-now-on-Bush-tax-cuts
