Pelosi, House Dems file discharge petition to force vote on middle income tax cuts

[ProSense]

Nancy Pelosi & House Dems Just Filed The Discharge Petition

by shevas01

So..I'm on twitter @AWoman'sPerspective and I get this tweet from Nancy Pelosi noting that she just filed the Discharge Petition http://clerk.house.gov/.... If Nancy Pelosi can get 218 signatures on this petition it will allow us to bypass John Boehner and the Tea Party caucus to bring the President's middle class tax cut bill to the floor for a vote. Currently, there are only 4 names on this petition. We need 218 in order for them to bring the middle class tax break bill to the House of Representatives floor. Now it is time for us to get to work and start calling representatives to make sure their names are on this list. Any ideas as to what republicans need to be targeted? We find them and get to work via phone and on the ground.

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9:49 AM PT: UPDATE III: TPM just posted the story as well
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/house-dems-file-discharge-petition-to-force-vote

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/04/1167142/-Did-Nancy-Pelosi-Just-File-The-Discharge-Petition

TPM:

House Democrats filed their discharge petition today seeking to force a vote on legislation that would extend middle income tax cuts and let the top marginal rates return to Clinton-era levels.

Filed by Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), the petition requires 218 signatories to succeed -- in other words, a significant number of Republicans.

"Our economy and our families cannot wait any longer for action and cannot afford a Republican tax increase on the middle class," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). "There’s no time to waste. The Senate has already passed this legislation; House Democrats are prepared to support it; President Obama is ready to sign it into law."

- more -

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/house-dems-file-discharge-petition-to-force-vote

[peacebird]

1. Excellent!

[Still Sensible]

2. Whether or not this gets close to the 218

necessary signatures will depend entirely on the White House political strategy. It will be interesting to see if President Obama makes a statement of support, and if so, what exactly he says. There is certainly value in getting GOP congress critters on record voting against lower taxes on 98% of the people. On the other hand, strategically, the WH could use this as a last resort, meaning let the clock continue to run to pressure for a deal and then really push for it at the end so there's a vote right before the Christmas recess.

[dmosh42]

3. It needs to be on the media to gain support....

I listen to the progressive shows on MSNBC, and haven't heard anything yet. But I read about it on DU last week!

[ProSense]

4. Boehner is delusional

Boehner To Obama: Ball Is In Your Court

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) on Tuesday responded to President Obama's assertion that the Republican counter offer on the so-called fiscal cliff was "out of balance." Full statement via his office:

“If the President really wants to avoid sending the economy over the fiscal cliff, he has done nothing to demonstrate it. Instead, he has offered a plan that could not pass either house of Congress – not the House of Representatives and not the Democratic-controlled Senate. The day after the election, I said that Republicans are willing to make concessions, but the President must be willing to lead. With our latest offer we have demonstrated there is a middle ground solution that can cut spending and bring in revenue without hurting American small businesses. The President now has an obligation to respond with a proposal that does the same and can pass both chambers of Congress. We’re ready and eager to talk with the president about such a proposal.”

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/boehner-to-obama-ball-is-in-your-court

Hey, Mr. Tears, go have a chat with Nancy Pelosi.

[Angry Dragon]

6. Boner seems to be under the impression that the president

negotiates bills ........ that is boner's job with the other people in the House

[ProSense]

5. Reid and Hoyer support Nancy Pelosi's discharge petition and call on House GOP to break ranks

Reid and Hoyer support Nancy Pelosi's discharge petition and call on House GOP to break ranks

The battle to pass the middle class tax cuts is engaged. Tuesday afternoon, Shevas01 reports that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi filed this Motion to Discharge a Committee from the Consideration of a Bill (Click on Motion to Discharge to see current count which was 59 at the time of this writing.)

- more -

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/12/04/1167160/-Reid-and-Hoyer-support-Nancy-Pelosi-s-discharge-petition-and-call-on-House-GOP-to-break-ranks

[dragonlady]

7. 151 signatures as of 6 pm EST n/t

[kentuck]

8. Good move!

At least we will get a head count of how many Republicans are willing to go down with the ship.