Internal Minutes Of Obama's Meeting With House Republicans

Below, some notes that House Republicans took in their private meeting with the President; these have have been turned into a thumbnail sketch which is circulating on the Hill. Rather than summarizing the summary, here's the whole thing:

Rep. Sue Myrick did the opening prayer.

 

The President gave a summary of the economic situation.  Said, "I would love to not have to spend this money."

 

The President admitted that all of the spending can't be done in two or three years.

 

When the meeting began to run long, the President said that he would add more time for Q and A, and that his friends in the Senate could wait.

 

Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp pushed for tax cuts to move the money more quickly. The President said that if there are new ideas that we haven't seen that he would like to talk about them. He stressed that there is simply a philosophical difference between Republicans and Democrats on giving tax cuts to people who don't pay taxes (refundability).  The President said he would not compromise on that issue.

 

Rep. Pete Roskam told the President that he won by rising above "Republicans" and Democrats" but that House Democrats are not living up to the Obama standard.  They have written a bill that spends more on re-sodding the Mall than small business tax relief.

 

Rep. Kevin Brady got applause for asking the President to commit to no tax increases to pay for all this spending. He said should make congress cut spending first. The President replied that he is inheriting a huge deficit and doubled national debt.

Hensarling passionate appeal to focus on the national debt.  President agreed, but these are extraordinary circumstances so we have to pass this bill. 

Pence - the bill may be product of negotiation, but not a single Republican has been involved.  Door is always open to him. 

Obama - if there's a better way to do tax cuts for a small business he'll look at it. 

Obama - Spending is what it is, don't focus on one small part because we should not be playing politics with the bill

Obama - there are parts of the bill he thinks could be improved, but that will have to happen after tomorrow.

Take away - We expect the vast majority of House Republicans to oppose the package tomorrow, but we are optimistic that after the bill passes the House there may be a real opportunity for a bipartisan package.