By on November 28th, 2012GOP divide over Obama tax plan goes public
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner will meet with congressional leaders
Republican Rep. Tom Cole says the House should pass President Obama’s tax plan
Obama is making his case directly to the American people this week
Republicans complain Obama refuses to provide a detailed deficit plan
Washington (CNN) — An angry warning by President Barack Obama delivered well over a year ago foreshadowed his campaign-style approach on Wednesday aimed at pressuring Republicans to compromise and reach a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff.
In remarks at the White House, Obama urged Americans to call, e-mail and tweet their members of Congress to urge immediate passage of his proposal to extend tax cuts for most Americans while allowing rates on the wealthiest 2% to increase to 1990s levels.
“Let’s begin our work with where we agree,” the president said, noting the Senate has passed the measure and that both parties agree on holding down rates for the majority of taxpayers. “If we can get a few House Republicans to agree as well, I’ll sign this bill as soon as the House sends it my way.”
To applause from the White House audience that included those described by organizers as middle-class Americans, the president held up a pen to demonstrate his willingness to sign the law as soon as it reaches his desk.
Meanwhile, a rift among House Republicans on whether to give Obama what the wants became public Wednesday, with two conservatives saying the tax proposal would likely pass if [read more]