Hatch: Obama treated Reid in ‘shabby way’
Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said he was disappointed that President Obama treated Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in a “shabby way” last week by threatening to veto a tax extender deal.
“The plan was undercut by the president and his liberal allies in the Senate,” Hatch said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “I don’t understand why the president does some of these things.”
{mosads}Reid and House leadership had negotiated a long-term deal to extend some tax breaks, but the White House said those benefited only corporations instead of middle-class families.
Hatch, who serves as ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, said instead Congress would be forced to pass a one-year extension before Congress adjourns this month.
Hatch said he found the ordeal “mind-boggling” and commended Reid for at least trying.
“Frankly, I think the deal [Reid] worked out should have been followed,” Hatch said. “It would have been a good prelude to us working together next year, which this body desperately needs.”
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