Boehner: Build Keystone, change O-Care

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) signaled the House would start off the next term with legislation approving the Keystone XL pipeline and making changes to the healthcare law. 

Boehner also vowed to re-pass a slew of House jobs bills that did not move in the Democratically led Senate, as well as a bill to encourage businesses to hire veterans. 

{mosads}”These types of common-sense solutions, so long ignored by the outgoing Senate majority, offer a good starting point,” he said. “They’ll help break the logjam here in Washington, and establish a foundation of certainty and stability that both parties can build on.”

The Speaker made a rare appearance in the GOP weekly address following Tuesday’s election, where Republicans increased their majority in the House and took back the Senate. The lame-duck session begins next week. 

The address is usually handed off to other members of the House or Senate caucus. Senate Minority Leader (R-Ky.), however, also laid out his agenda in the weekly address last week ahead of the midterms. 

Last year, the House approved constructions of the Keystone XL pipeline, but it will work to approve a number of bills next year that are slated to die when the current session ends.

Boehner also mentioned doing away with a provision of the healthcare law that defines a full time employee as someone who works 30 hours a week. 

“We’ll take on ObamaCare regulations that threaten the 40-hour workweek and the pay and peace of mind of so many Americans,” he said. 

During a press conference Wednesday, Obama said he is open to responsible change to the healthcare law but will draw lines against others, like full repeal. On Keystone, Obama said he is going to let the permitting process at the State Department play out. 

From there, The House will move on broader legislation dealing with the tax code, healthcare and the education system.

Following pickups on Tuesday, Boehner mentioned a line of scripture that reads, “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

“Republicans are humbled by the trust the American people have placed in us,” he said. “We’ll honor that trust by listening to you, by making your priorities our priorities.”