Newly elected to a third term as House speaker, Republican John Boehner promised to send President Obama bipartisan legislation aimed at boosting energy production, the economy and jobs and dismissed claims by “pessimists” that a Republican-led Congress would lead to nothing but gridlock with the White House.
“We’ll invite the president to sign these bipartisan initiatives into law,” Boehner said, adding that if Obama agrees to sign the bills, “It will be a sign the logjam is breaking and it will be a foundation on which to address the bigger challenges in the pursuit of freedom and security.”
Boehner’s words will soon be put to the test.
Congress this month is expected to send Obama legislation authorizing the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a bill Obama is threatening to veto despite support from Democrats.
The House is also likely to send other legislation that passes with bipartisan support, including a bill to increase the hours defined as full time work under the healthcare law from 30 hours to 40 hours.
Boehner acknowledged signs of economic improvement, but warned many people are still out of work and suffering from stagnant wages.
“We can do better, and we can build an economy that furthers better-paying jobs, more growth, and more opportunity for the nation’s middle class,” Boehner said. “This is our vital task.”
A teary-eyed Boehner took the gavel after winning re-election with 216 votes and despite 24 Republicans voting for other candidates.
Before Boehner delivered his remarks, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi told House lawmakers that Democrats plan to introduce their own agenda that would focus on closing tax loopholes and requiring millionaire CEOs to provide “well-deserved” pay raises to their employees if they want to claim certain tax deductions.
“The financial stability of a strong middle class and those who aspire to it is the bedrock of our economy,” said Pelosi, who served as speaker from 2007 until 2011.
Boehner, despite several dozen GOP members who opposed him, received several robust standing ovations, prompting him to dab his eyes continually with his handkerchief.
He touted an open-door policy for lawmakers to talk to him, but joked that they shouldn’t get carried away with the invitation.
“It’s still just me,” he told lawmakers, before swearing them into office.
