Obama says holding bipartisan talks on infrastructure plan

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Reuters

CAMP DAVID, MD.

President Barack Obama said on Thursday he is in discussions with congressional leaders on an infrastructure funding bill and is open to looking at "all potential revenue sources" for the plan.

"I'm practical, and in order for us to get a transportation bill done, I've got to get cooperation from a Republican-controlled Congress," Obama told reporters at a news conference at the Camp David presidential retreat.

"We want to hear their ideas. We want to find out what's possible," he said, noting he was looking for a long-term solution to federal funding shortfalls for highways, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

Obama and lawmakers face a May 31 deadline to renew federal Highway Trust Fund spending authority for infrastructure projects. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Eric Beech)

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/14/usa-transportation-obama-idUSL1N0Y53J220150514

[Dont call me Shirley]

1. Tax the rich and mega-corporations.

[valerief]

2. Didn't he ask for this years ago and got the big middle finger from Congress? nt

[DRoseDARs]

4. Maybe if he compromises and gives them chained CPI?

He's practical, you see.

[DRoseDARs]

3. Jesus Christ, not the Bipartisan Fairy again...

[babylonsister]

5. What is your solution? nt

[BeyondGeography]

6. R-controlled Senate and House

And Obama STILL insists on talking to Republicans about spending measures.

[bemildred]

9. "Gestures of concern" is what this is called.

It means they are nervous and ready to make unimportant concessions to get us off their backs so they can get back to being rich and important.

[jtuck004]

7. "I've got to get cooperation from a Republican-controlled Congress" < ? So back then, to bank$ters:

"But President Barack Obama wasn’t in a mood to hear them out. He stopped the conversation and offered a blunt reminder of the public’s reaction to such explanations. “Be careful how you make those statements, gentlemen. The public isn’t buying that.”
“My administration,” the president added, “is the only thing between you and the pitchforks.”
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0409/20871.html#ixzz3aAoFvnto"

Said if you don't take the deal I will turn to the country, not "well, we have to make sure it's okey-dokey with Congress".

But now, infrastructure, things that would make up for the losses to 50 million Americans over the past 10 years or so, you gotta ask Congress?

If you thought those pitchforks, the people, were that powerful back then, did you lose faith in them or have you been awed by the power of this Congress you appeal to?

Want to be practical? Just ask Democrats. You are welcome back any time, I'm pretty sure.

[davidpdx]

8. I agree

Let the pitchforks loose. I get dibs on stabbing Boner though.