Washington (CNN) - Shortly after multiple networks projected that Republicans would retain control of the House, Speaker John Boehner took to the stage with a message that looked ahead to the battle over the fiscal cliff - the GOP isn't budging on taxes.
"With this vote, the American people have also made clear that there is no mandate for raising tax rates," Boehner told supporters at the Ronald Reagan building in Washington.
CNN reported Tuesday night that it was mathematically impossible for the GOP to win back control of the Senate, while President Barack Obama won re-election to a second term.
Congress returns next week for the lame duck session. It faces major decisions about how it will head off the series of automatic spending cuts that are set to go into effect at the beginning of next year, and the Bush era tax cuts that are due to expire at the end of December.
"Great job, Boehnie!"
The GOP must now accept the fact that they have failed in their bid to make this president One-term. They must now come crawling and be ready to work with him. Failure to do this will result in a historical Presidential veto. It's Obama time NOW!!
Wish 'pubs would leave. Or carve out the treasonous southern states as a reservation for them. If they left, the moral level, educational level, and intelligence level of this nation would skyrocket.
Great. Just great. So they're going to force us to go over that cliff that they pushed us to the edge of.
Great to know that Boehner and his ilk are so worried about the American people. Even greater to know that the American people PUT THEM ALL BACK.
Boehner should be ashamed of himself. (Again, for the umpteenth time.) The real point is that there is no mandate for Republican obstructionism that will further sabotage our economy.
If Boehner and the republicans in congress continue obstructionism now, they will be toast in the 2014 midterms
Boehner doesn't get it. No matter how many times he cries for the American people, we expect him to serve the will of the American people.
Yes John, the American people want the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share. The notion that you and your special interest cronies feel the need to provide obscene and historically record low taxes breaks to the 1% at the expense of the middle class is disgusting.
Grow up and do your job. Welfare for the wealthiest needs to end. It has always been a bad idea, and no matter how many times you tell us its a great idea, doesn't make it true.
Now start serving the American people.
What policy issues has Boehner been willing to compromise on?!
LT, were the Republicans willing to compromise when they took a categorical stand against any new taxes or when they decided they'd rather win a petty fight than pass a budget? In my book, that's the definition of refusing to compromise
The House faces an election in two years – be careful my friends.
@LT: You obviously didn't read the article. Does Boehner sound like he's open to any compromise?
The middle class pay enough!!!!!! It's time for the upper class to start pulling it's own weight in tax. Small company help this country grow more then a wal mart ever will.
The Republicans will go to any lengths, including bringing down the entire country to protect their rich friends. They are bought and paid for by the 1% at the top. I can't believe that so many Americans still believe that Republicans give one good damn about anyone but themselves and the wealthy.
Rasjr - The tax deduction on political contributions was done away with many years ago. If you are still using it, expect a visit soon from the IRS. Unless you're a billionaire, of course.
What compromise is there when Boehner says there can be NO tax increase. It seems a true compromise is some cuts and some tax increases. Compromise to Boehner seems to mean surrender by President Obama.
Fellow Americans. We need to protest in front of Congress and insist that these republicans compromise on raising taxes.
Look at what Boehner does.
What does he accomplish?
Forget the empty promises of career politicians, look at what they actually do.
This has been going on for over a century.
Paul Ryan has only passed 2 things......changing the name of a post office and excise tax for arrowheads.
And that qualifies him as the face of intellect of the republican party?
shame on you for following someone without doing your own research.
I encourage GOP house representatives to be the last firewall to resist Obama's attempts to raise tax on anyone. He's in the habit of giving handouts to his groups, then he needs to figure out how to pay for that himself.
Unfortunately for Boehner, the President is strong. He will engage in brinksmanship with the Republicans, and enough of them will cave. Because that's who they are.
Let's remember President Obama had 2 years with the supermajority in Congress. What was accomplished...Obamacare. I don't think the general public really understands this healthcare reform act as it sits and it's eventual effects on all of us. And the Bush tax cuts help the middle class people. Those disappear and we have less take home pay again! Raising taxes is not the answer. I have a hard time understanding with the deficit as high as it is and millions more on food stamps..that we all pay for, that the direction the country wants to take is to keep giving people entitlements. I am sick of paying for people to get free cell phones, food stamps, welfare etc. The country is truly broken! Get a job...oh wait..they can't! Makes sense to me..you get more Americans working, the more tax revenue that is collected the more money put back into the economy! Instead, let's give more entitlements, less people working and keep having our dollar worth crap! And let's not forget..Congress had to raise the debt ceiling for Obama to spend more..his own party didn't pass his budget so what does that say.
Interesting that LT says Boehner was willing to compromise. I did a search using google and bing and there was not one thing that Boehner offered as a compromise that would cut the deficit. Obama offered deeper cuts in medicare and Social Security than he originally asked for and Boehner refused because of tax increases on the rich. Why do you think OBama was re-elected. Most Americans can see the lies of the Republicans.
LT, I don't know which House you were watching, but as a former Republican, I have been thoroughly turned off by the Republican Party the last 4 years. It started from day 1 of Obama's election. The Republicans will not even support their OWN ideas if they come from Obama– that speaks volumes to me. I did not vote for Obama in 2008, but today I voted for a Democrat for President for the second time in almost 30 years.
actually boehner this goes to show that despite the economy the american people want the presidents plan not yours. it's a mandate from the people, to borrow a phrase. in 2 years there will be another round of mid term elections. play the obstinate child for 2 more years and see what happens to your party. the gop will be the gone old party.
Was it Boehner that said that he "looked ahead to the battle over the fiscal cliff – the GOP isn't budging on taxes".
Boy, that sure sounds like a man looking to work across the table and consider a compromise.
John Boehner would bring a hand grenade to a hostage negotiation. He gets HIS way or EVERYBODY SUFFERS.