Saying Barack Obama didn’t get the message Americans sent on election day, U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kansas) took issue on Tuesday with the president’s threat to veto a bipartisan tax extender plan.
A tentative agreement that had the support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) collapsed when the Obama administration claimed it was too concentrated on benefits for corporations and offered little to low- and middle-class families.
“House Republicans and Senate Democrats working together to get things done and to deliver real results for the challenges we face,” Jenkins said. “In this environment, in divided government, we nearly had a plan to give some stability to our tax code. Then the president spoke, saying it’s my way or the highway, issuing a veto threat to our agreement. So, unfortunately, this week, we will pass a band aid so folks at home won’t be hit with unexpected taxes come April.”
Jenkins, a certified public accountant who previously practiced in the tax area, said the resulting legislation will be the “bare minimum” this Congress can accomplish. But she has hope the 114th Congress can accomplish more.
“The American people spoke and elected America’s new Congress because they are sick of gridlock in Washington, Jenkins said. “The president clearly didn’t get this message. In the next Congress, let’s hope the American people get what they deserve – a government that is efficient and effective. A government that works. I know that we stand ready to lead, and we hope the president will work with us.”