Obama Promotes Energy Policy
In this weekend’s YouTube address, President Obama discussed his proposals for energy policy, to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign oil and encourage the use of clean energy.
“Part of this strategy involves increasing our oil exploration right here in America. In fact, our oil production last year reached its highest level since 2003, and we want to encourage more safe, responsible drilling where we can,” said Obama.
“But the truth is, drilling alone is not a real strategy to replace our dependence on foreign oil. And that’s because even though America uses 25 percent of the world’s oil, we currently have only about 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves. Even if we used every last drop of all the oil we have, it wouldn’t be enough to meet our long-term energy needs. So, real energy security can only come if we find ways to use less oil – if we invest in cleaner fuels and greater efficiency.”
Boehner: ‘There Is No Agreement’
In this weekend’s Republican address, Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) called for larger spending cuts.
“Now, you’ve heard Democratic leaders claim an agreement has been reached on this issue, but let me be clear. There is no agreement. Republicans continue to fight for the largest spending cuts possible to help end Washington’s job-crushing spending binge.
“To support job creation in America, we need to keep the cuts coming, and we need to do much, much more. That’s why it’s important for Congress to get moving and pass a final bill that resolves last year’s budget mess while making real spending cuts – so we can tackle the bigger challenges facing job creation.”
Facing Big Decisions, Boehner Maintains Outward Calm
The Washington Post reports: “Why is John A. Boehner so calm? As a potential government shutdown looms next week, it’s the most important question on Capitol Hill. The fate of the federal budget — and the momentum of a Republican resurgence — could depend on whether the new House speaker is just faking confidence or is about to Houdini his way out of a political jam.”
As Pressure Builds, Short-Term CR Reality Sets In
Roll Call reports: “House and Senate leaders could be forced to push through yet another stopgap spending measure this week if they are unable to hammer out a deal on a six-month plan by Tuesday, House lawmakers conceded Friday. Negotiators are slowly closing in on an agreement on a six-month continuing resolution to fund the government beyond the April 8 deadline. But given the House’s three-day rule for publishing bills and the time it would take to actually write a bill, Republicans said a deal must be wrapped up by Tuesday at the latest.”
Job Growth Alters Playbook For Obama And His Critics
The New York Times reports: “PRESIDENT OBAMA has not had a lot of good news in a term defined by assorted crises. But on Friday he reported the “good news” about job growth in March to an appreciative audience at a United Parcel Service shipping facility here — and did so with a bit more of a celebratory air, and less caution, than in the past…And as the unemployment rate ticked down, the hopes of Mr. Obama and his party ticked up: perhaps by the approaching election year they could claim vindication for the stimulus policies Democrats have enacted, or at least dodge the sort of blame that Republicans so effectively stuck them with last November in the midterm elections.”
Incumbent Vs. Incumbent Races That Could Happen
The Hill reports: “Next year’s incumbent versus incumbent election battles are starting to take shape as proposed redistricting maps in three states moved forward late this week, potentially forcing four different sets of Congress members against one another in 2012. Those members are already fighting back.”
