Obama Coming To Hatfield To Make 'Fiscal Cliff' Push
Posted:
Updated:
PHILADELPHIA -
President Barack Obama brings his fight against the "fiscal cliff" to Montgomery County on Friday.
With just about a month to go, and based on what we're hearing now from both the White House and Republicans in Congress, an agreement may be getting less and less likely.
The president will visit a small business in Hatfield. He wants to use it as an example of the types of companies he says will be hurt if lawmakers don't stop the series of tax increases and spending cuts from going into effect Jan. 1.
Call it an opening bid, or a bombshell. Either way, the president's plan to stave off the fiscal cliff – the broad-based tax hikes and spending cuts at the end of the year – appears to have shocked Republicans in Congress.
The GOP says it calls for: $1.6 trillion in new tax hikes over the next decade, most of which would hit wealthy earners; another dose of stimulus spending; and the spending cuts that both sides say are necessary to reduce the deficit, the president would largely tackle those later, perhaps next year.
Republican congressional leaders are accusing Democrats of moving the nation closer to the fiscal cliff by refusing to outline possible spending cuts.
After a meeting with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner on Thursday, House Speaker John Boehner said there has been no substantive progress and no specific plan from the White House.
"I'm disappointed in where we are and disappointed in what's happened over last couple of weeks," Boehner said. "I'm here seriously trying to resolve it, and I would hope the White House would get serious as well."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, said, "We're insisting on keeping tax rates where they are, first and foremost, to protect jobs and because we don't think government needs the money in the first place."
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said, "The President has made clear from the start that he understands that he will not get every item in this proposal or in his budget proposal, that compromise requires tough choices from all sides."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Democrats are still waiting for a serious offer from Republicans.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:10 GMT
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:23 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:23:12 GMT
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street.
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:20 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:20:21 GMT
Doctor Michelle Liggio was a very popular Pensauken doctor. Tonight she's a murder victim. Police say her husband shot her inside her office before turning the gun on himself.
Doctor Michelle Liggio was a very popular Pensauken doctor. Tonight she's a murder victim. Police say her husband shot her inside her office before turning the gun on himself.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:56 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:56:59 GMT
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:55 PM EDT2013-06-19 00:55:15 GMT
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Bensalem police have arrested the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in. They previously released a series of suspect photos to help in the search.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:58:16 GMT
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Under a "doomsday" budget now being enacted, schools and students in the city of Philadelphia are facing devastating losses. Philadelphia is trying to convince the state not to let it happen.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:07 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:07:39 GMT
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
Published reports are saying this is a murder/suicide. The victim is 47 year old family practice doctor Michelle Liggio, and the alleged gunman is her estranged husband 58 year old Christopher.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:57:09 GMT
A former teacher in central Pennsylvania is charged with allowing a student to perform body piercings in class. The teacher at Northern York County High School resigned after the incident last April.
A former teacher in central Pennsylvania is charged with allowing a student to perform body piercings in class. The teacher at Northern York County High School resigned after the incident last April.