Bush balks at 2-year deal, Five-year tax cut demand baffles GOP leadership

[Rose Siding]

Capitol Hill Republicans were astonished yesterday by a White House decision to demand a five-year extension of tax cuts rather than accept a two-year compromise reached by House and Senate leaders that would probably clear Congress in a snap.

Several conservative Republicans said even the two-year extension would be a political win for President Bush, and many questioned a hard-line White House tactic that risked sinking a deal. The tax bill would extend an increase in the child tax credit, tax relief for married couples and the expanded 10 percent tax bracket.

Speculation centered on the upcoming party conventions, where President Bush might want to highlight a confrontation with the Democrats with a tough, partisan vote on a large tax cut in the Senate.
...
“Two years is great,” said Rep. Jennifer Dunn (R-Wash.), a Ways and Means Committee member. “You get an extension two years, you get an issue in two years.” Dunn said Republicans would welcome the chance to “fight the battle” over another extension after the next one would run out in 2006. “We don’t want it to run out,” she said.

“Personally, I’d like to see more than two years,” said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.). “I’d like to see permanency. Is that asking too much at this juncture? I’ve got a lot of people to consider.”

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist said, “I think every day the press reports that President Bush wants tax cuts and some jerks in the Senate don’t is a good day for Bush and a bad day for jerks in the Senate.”

http://www.hillnews.com/news/072204/bush.aspx

[AZCat]

1. Frist: "I've got a lot of people to consider."

Somehow, I don't think that includes me. Or you. Or anyone who doesn't give handsomely to Sen. Frist's reelection fund.

What a arrogant prat.

[bogey18]

21. My aching ass

someone please help me stick my finger down my throat.

[radfringe]

22. think he means

"...alot of 1-percenters and lobbies to consider...."

[tnhatesbush]

2. TAX CUTS TAX SMUTSSSS

all they do is try and holler tax cuts and I guess that is supposed to make people vote for Bush because everyone knows "those nasty Democrats" only want to raise taxes. what a joke...... let me tell you something, Frist is nothing but a joke here in TN and everyone knows it...... FRIST THE CAT KILLER......... I sure as heck wouldn't want him operating on me.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

3. But I want everything, mommy!!!!!!!!

[UpInArms]

4. I wish that

Grover Norquist would drown himself in his bathtub.

What a freakin' maroon!

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist said, “I think every day the press reports that President Bush wants tax cuts and some jerks in the Senate don’t is a good day for Bush and a bad day for jerks in the Senate.”

[2Design]

5. he doesn't have money for troops, social security, medicare, veterans

benefits, teachers, etc ....but he wants more tax cuts......

[truthisfreedom]

6. for the rich.

remember... he doesn't want tax cuts for the middle class.

[gratuitous]

7. "Permanent" tax cuts

Who do they think they're fooling? Tax rates are constantly reviewed, adjusted, raised and lowered. "Permanent" tax cuts are a chimera; no more attainable than a "finished" garden.

[schultzee]

19. Oh but the rePIGs are planning for the time when we are a one party

state a lot like old Russia, but with the party leadership comprised of rich and corporations.

[Charlie Brown]

8. This is obviously a campaign tactic

Ask for more than you're possibly going to get. Then, when you don't get it, label the opposing representatives as obstructionists and big government spenders, etc.

[steely]

9. True, and I can remember Asswipes dad's famous words...

"read my lips - no new taxes" and then Zoingo.

Bushco will say anything to climb on our backs.

[shockingelk]

10. Yup, Grover's comment was surprisingly on target

He looks like Ralph Nader, doesn't he?

[Sperk]

11. they know they're losing the senate and possibly the house in Nov.

and they won't have the votes to extend in two years....just my 2 cents

[schultzee]

20. How I hope you are right.

[struggle4progress]

12. Borrow and spend! Borrow and spend! Red ink! Red ink! Borrow and spend!

[fob]

13. You mean BS Republicans? Borrow and Spend.

BS Repubs - very good name

[struggle4progress]

17. Nice!

[koopie57]

14. as a middle income family

we can't afford anymore tax cuts.

[Tellurian]

15. The Bankrupting of America..

Fiscal irresponsibility trumped by a billion dollar war we can't afford. Who's suffering...the troops, then us...

[PeaceProgProsp]

16. When will we start talking about APORTIONING taxes fairly

rather than cutting taxes?

We have to pay for the government. We cut cut cut and what we're really doing is apportioning taxes in ways that are very inequitable, and, in fact, shift a huge tax burden on to our children.

I can't wait for the day common sense prevails in the tax debate rather than this BS Norquist promotes.

[drscm]

18. We are back at the beginning...

Pre-911 *Bush's only claim to fame was tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts. Since he has failed at everything he has done since, he is back to tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts...

[Zorra]

23. It's simple. Bu$h is certifiable. Why is this not obvious to Congress?

Bu$h is bonkers. He must be impeached, ASAP, or he will destroy the nation.

Even the republicans have to notice this. Come on, y'all, do what is best for our country, partisanship aside.

Bu$h is undeniably a few yards shy of a first down.

Get rid of him before he pushes the red button.

Please help.

(on edit: Pretty please?)

[ChrisK]

24. Just look at Texas...

Look what his tax cuts have done to that state to see where we as a nation will be in a few short years. The last thing we need right now is more tax cuts when we can't even help states keep bare minimum programs functioning and with the need for more Homeland protection and Iraqis tab getting higher and higher I can't see a need for the Government to "give back to the people" any more monies in the form of new tax breaks.

His folks in the senate really need to get a grip and tell there supporters if they really believe in him (Bush) to grin and bear the taxes as most non-rich Americans do(ALL the time),were warring in two different fronts and there asking for MORE tax cuts?!?...come on, that’s just greedy AND self-defeating.

Maybe there pushing for this because there almost sure he wouldn't see a second term...Man I wish it true.

[Frances]

25. When will the media hold Bush

accountable for Grover calling Dems jerks and Cheney telling Leahy to f* off and Repub Governor calling Dems girlie boys?

Kerry is having to answer for Whoopi Goldberg's jokes. So fair should be fair.