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July 26, 2011

President Obama, House Speaker Boehner Address Nation Amid National Debt Deadlock 
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Washington remains in a stalemate over the national debt. On Monday,
night President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner both addressed the
nation on prime-time television. Obama reiterated his call for what he
described as a balanced approach to deficit reduction involving spending
cuts and tax increases on the wealthy.

President Barack Obama: “The only reason this balanced approach isn't
on its way to becoming law right now is because a significant number of
Republicans in Congress are insisting on a cuts-only approach — an
approach that doesn't ask the wealthiest Americans or biggest
corporations to contribute anything at all. And because nothing is asked
of those at the top of the income scales, such an approach would close
the deficit only with more severe cuts to programs we all care about —
cuts that place a greater burden on working families.”

Shortly after President Obama addressed the nation, House Speaker John
Boehner responded in a televised address.

House Speaker John Boehner: “The President is adamant that we cannot
make fundamental changes to our entitlement programs. As the father of
two daughters, I know these programs won't be there for them and their
kids unless significant action is taken now. The sad truth is that the
President wanted a blank check six months ago, and he wants a blank
check today. That is just not going to happen.”



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