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WASHINGTON — With the Senate steadily falling in line behind President Obama’s deal to extend Bush-era tax cuts, the White House yesterday played hardball in the House, where Vice President Joe Biden warned Democrats last night that “this is the deal, take it or leave it.”
During a face-to-face meeting with the Democratic caucus yesterday Biden fended off criticism from liberals in the party who feel betrayed by the deal struck with the GOP to include tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.
“What kind of a deal is that?” said Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.).
“The estate tax particularly sticks in people’s craw. The rich got everything they wanted,” he said.
Democrats in the meeting said Biden wouldn’t back down. “The vice president said this is the deal, take it or leave it,” grumbled Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.).
The House will take up the bill only after the Senate passes it.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid yesterday said his chamber could begin debate this week as deal-making continues in an effort to shore up support through “extenders” added to the legislation that would fund pet projects, like ethanol production and renewable-energy tax credits that could boost wind farms.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said any discussions of extenders had not been finalized yet.
Obama yesterday questioned the level of discontent among Democrats over the tax bill.
“I think it is inaccurate to characterize Democrats, writ large, as quote-unquote ‘betrayed,’ ” Obama said at the White House.
“I just think it’s very important for Congress to examine the agreement, look at the facts, have a thorough debate, but get this done,” he said.