U.S. Representative John Fleming, M.D. (LA) reacted strongly to an interview aired Thursday by House Speaker John Boehner with ABC News’ Diane Sawyer.
Boehner said, that a “comprehensive approach” to immigration reform would be a top priority for the 113th Congress, but apparently had not discussed it with other House Republicans.
Fleming released the following statement:
“I’m concerned that Speaker Boehner is getting ahead of House Republicans when he commits to getting a ‘comprehensive approach’ to immigration taken care of ‘once and for all.’ There’s been zero discussion of this issue within the conference, and I’m urging the Speaker to talk with House Republicans before making pledges on the national news. The first thing we need is for President Obama to finally enforce current immigration law and strengthen our borders. To take up any other agenda is bad policy for the American people and bad politics for Republicans. The Speaker needs to pull back on this issue and stop negotiating in public.
“I also am puzzled by the Speaker’s willingness to put new tax revenue on the table when the expiring Bush tax rates come before Congress. Let’s be clear, raising taxes during a very slow recovery is likely to lead to another recession, and it will do absolutely nothing to balance the budget. Washington does not tax too little, it spends way too much. I am concerned that the Speaker’s comments, while vague, are inferred by many as a willingness by Republicans to raise taxes; that would be a big mistake.
“The American people expect Washington to work hard at solving the problems that are mounting against our great country. It’s not a time for Republicans to resort to the politics of expediency, but to stay with the fundamental values that Americans expect. We need to stand strong on conservative principles, and work for solutions that let the free market stimulate true economic growth.”
Dr. John Fleming is a physician and small business owner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana. He is Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
About Cheryl Carpenter Klimek
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No negotiations! No taxes of any kind. We’ve got enough thrown in our face and Boehner needs to be replaced with someone with boldness to not agree in any way to new taxes or anything else that would make the American people pay or be stripped of their necessities.
Make Paul Ryan Speaker.
john boehner has no back bone and no balls against obama need to get rid of him now. very bad leader for the house period. he is so weak to kiss obama ass period. no balls.
John Boehner needs to go!!!! We need a strong person in this position!!!!! Someone that will stand up to obama, and defend our country!!!!!!!!!!!!! No taxes!!!!!!!!!!!
How long has Boehner been in there? 20 years? Why aren’t the people asking congress to take a pay cut? Is it because they are doing a great job being the nation’s stewards or is it their great 10% approval rating by the public? Has anyone here ever been a proponent of merit pay? Why do most of our elected offices including the presidency have term limits while our great intelligent, prosperous and productive officials in DC (I’m being facetious) get a free pass? The principle of rotation has proven to be effective in keeping government healthier and less corrupt. My definition of political insanity is electing the same officials over and over again while expecting different results.