President Barack Obama’s fiscal 2014 budget was more than two months late, but it seems like the extra time didn’t help him draft a plan to please Republicans, with Speaker of the House John Boehner calling the proposal “just not serious.”
During a budget-focused press conference on Thursday, Boehner explained that he had been hopeful about the President’s fiscal 2014 budget, but had once again been disappointed.
“It’s just not serious,” he complained. “Rather than cutting spending, this plan increases it by nearly $1 trillion.”
He said the budget was a “step backwards” even though the President “knows what needs to be done.” He told members of the press that the government cannot survive if it continues to spend beyond its revenue. He also criticized Obama’s plan for never balancing, saying that he had promised himself before he came to Congress that he wouldn’t kick the can down the road.
“I swore I wasn’t going to do it,” he said. “And I’m not.”
Boehner did have good things to say about chained CPI — a move that will make Social Security less expensive over the years. He called the switch “modest reforms” and said it was the “least we must do to solve the problem of Social Security.”
The Speaker was also asked about upcoming gun legislation and whether or not the House would take action on it. Boehner remained vague, however, saying he expected the House would act, provided it was through the proper channels and with sufficient debate and consideration.
“To make a blanket commitment without knowing what the underlying bill is I think is irresponsible on my part,” he said.
Boehner also stressed the need for enforcement of the current gun laws, calling out law enforcement officials and the Department of Justice. He added that criminals don’t follow the law anyway.
“Laws are only as good as our citizens’ willingness to obey them,” he said.
