Obama: No 'Fiscal Cliff' Deal Without Tax Hike

 

Share

0

House Republican leaders argued in a letter to Obama on Monday that agreeing to $800 billion in higher revenues was a significant concession for their party, which had always resisted tax increases of any kind.

"The President now has an obligation to respond with a proposal that does the same and can pass both chambers of Congress," he said. "We're ready and eager to talk with the president about such a proposal."

'Fiscal Cliff': John Boehner Makes Counteroffer Watch Video

Washington, D.C., Gridlocked as Fiscal Cliff Approaches Watch Video

What Exactly Did Obama Promise Voters on Tax Hikes Watch Video

Boehner was at the White House Monday for the annual holiday reception, but did not pose with Obama for a photo, as he has in the past. The two reportedly last spoke by phone Saturday in what aides described as a "curt" call. They last met in person Nov. 16, but have no planned future meetings.

Both men met separately today with a bipartisan group of the nation's governors to discuss the "fiscal cliff" and how to minimize any fallout from the deficit debate on state economies.

"We don't want middle class taxes to go up but we are not backing one plan over the other," said Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, who chairs the National Governor's Association, after a White House meeting.