The Next Obstacle For The American Jobs Act: Congressional Democrats

Yesterday, when I discussed the path forward for the American Jobs Act, it seemed clear to me that President Barack Obama was working to create an environment in which the GOP leadership, seeing that job creation was in their best interests, might become amenable to bargaining, as opposed to obstruction. A pretty dicey gamble, considering how well obstruction has worked out for the GOP electorally! Of course, what I should have considered is the first major obstacle the American Jobs Act would face would actually come in the form of intra-caucus undermining from the Democrats themselves. Here's Jennifer Steinhauer, reporting for The New York Times:

President Obama anticipated Republican resistance to his jobs program, but he is now meeting increasing pushback from his own party. Many Congressional Democrats, smarting from the fallout over the 2009 stimulus bill, say there is little chance they will be able to support the bill as a single entity, citing an array of elements they cannot abide.

Kevin Drum ably distills all the static that the Democratic caucus is giving the Jobs Act. At least one outspoken Democrat, Rep. Peter DiFazio (D-Ore.), is adamantly opposed to more tax cutting, but the lion's share of the undermining comes in the form of the Blue Dogging that I should have anticipated. Sen. Robert Casey (D-Pa.) is wary of "big pieces of legislation." Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) does what she does best: shielding her ultra-profitable oil industry donors from sacrifice. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) beat the drum for austerity -- according to Shuler, "The most important thing is to get our fiscal house in order." This runs counter to the desires of the American people, who seek relief from the unemployment crisis. (In the most recent CNN poll, for example, respondents dramatically express their lack of interest in the budget deficit, preferring congressional action on jobs by a 65%-29% margin.)

Says Drum: "Republicans must be laughing their asses off right now. For a brief moment it looked as if maybe, just maybe, Obama had put them in a tough spot: either support a jobs bill their base hated or else look like mindless obstructionists on the single issue most important to the American public. But now? All they have to do is lay low and let Democrats do the dirty work of undermining the bill for them. It's a pretty sweet deal."

Indeed, it is. And one of the sources of humor for Republicans probably stems from the fact that people like Shuler, who love going on the ol' deficit peacock strut, is seemingly ignorant of the fact that the President "specifically said that in order to pay for his jobs proposals, Congress should increase the amount of deficit reduction that is mandated by the recently passed Budget Control Act."

Pushing back against the notion that some members of the Democratic caucus might step up to become the brilliant ally of their own gravediggers, however, is Nancy Pelosi. As Brian Beutler reports:

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on Thursday said Democrats overwhelmingly support President Obama's jobs bill, despite opposition from a handful of loud party conservatives.

"Let me just say that what you're suggesting is anecdotal. ... the plural of anecdote is not data," Pelosi said in response to TPM's question at her weekly Capitol press conference. "Our caucus is very unified in support of the American Jobs Act and the fact that it is paid for. It may differ with some provisions within it, or the pay-fors, but they do not differ in the fact that we must get behind it."

And behind it they may all eventually get. For the time being, we'll see how much mileage congressional Republicans get out being able to say, "The American Jobs Act doesn't even have the full backing of the President's party."

[Would you like to follow me on Twitter? Because why not? Also, please send tips to [e-mail] -- learn more about our media monitoring project here.]

Comments

[Mayor Quimby]

03:11 PM on 09/28/2011

has the bill been submitted to congress as an actual bill yet?

[laurieanichols]

05:58 PM on 09/17/2011

The democrats seem to have forgotten that they don't answer to Boehner, they answer to Pelosi. Whatever Boehner allows in his rank and file doesn't fly with Pelosi. I say that the blue dog democrats are still as much of a thorn in President Obama's side as they were before. We have forgotten that these blue dog democrats were as much of an obstructionist factor as were the republicans. We on the left can beat up on President Obama all we want but if you take a long hard look at everything that he has held to deal with and everything that has stood in his way and the lousy cards he has been handed, I still believe in him because he still believes in us and the possibilities of our nation.

[dadofoh49]

09:11 PM on 09/17/2011

Stood in his way?? The Democrarts had both Congress & the Senate his+ first two years. I suppose the $700 Billion he borrowed from China stood in his way too?? Must have because ghe wants another $450 billion. For Jobs?? I thought he had SHOVEL READY Projects in mind with his Stimulis bill??? The only thing in his way is the door and we'll open it for him in 2012. I hope it don't hit him on his way OUT

[shortandwide]

03:49 PM on 09/19/2011

She's correct your wrong! End of story.

[DocturT]

04:12 PM on 09/17/2011

I sent this text to the following recalcitrant Democrats. I'd appreciate it if you would do the same.

The President already has to fight every Republican in Congress. Why are you an obstacle? Support the Presidents Job Bill. Stand for something as a Democrat.

Rep. Peter DiFazio D-Ore. https://forms.house.gov/defazio/IMA/contact.html
Oregon Zip 97001


Sen. Robert Casey D-Pa. http://casey.senate.gov/contact/


Sen. Mary Landrieu D-La. http://landrieu.senate.gov/about/contact.cfm


Sen. Joe Manchin D-W.Va http://manchin.senate.gov/contact_form.cfm


Rep. Heath Shuler (D-N.C https://shulerforms.house.gov/contact/
North Carolina Zip Code 28801

[MoreFreedom]

03:28 PM on 09/16/2011

Considering that much of this stimulus is to bail out bankrupt states, and allow them to pay for their government employees, I predict it will reduce jobs by increasing the burden on the productive (i.e., those actually creating value in the economy) from both the cost, and the additional red tape the civil servants create to justify their jobs.

On the other hand, while I like the temporary payroll tax reductions, it does nothing to reduce the government spending gone wild. I'd advise the Republicans to craft a bill with only the temporary payroll tax reductions and let it die in the Senate or let Obama veto it. He said he wants all the provisions or none.

If Obama really wants to improve the economy, he'd submit a budget that reduces the government burden by actually reducing spending. But I don't see him, or Democrats doing anything but advocating more government.

[Iam12Vote]

08:35 PM on 09/16/2011

You and I might have to worry about state budgets and saving money. Those who are sitting on piles of undertaxed profit aren't in that position. They hold most of the wealth.

So why aren't they investing in jobs and expansion of the economy?

[Dadfirst]

03:08 PM on 09/16/2011

Just calling it a jobs act doesn't make it one. This act creates no long term jobs, only long term deficits.

[Iam12Vote]

08:38 PM on 09/16/2011

so why isn't American business responding to lower taxes and lower labor costs with more investment?

[dadofoh49]

09:16 PM on 09/17/2011

Could be they have No Faith in Obama. After all We only heard speeches and No Plans or directions. He doesn't know what he's doing so hopw can anyone invest?

[MoreFreedom]

02:31 PM on 09/18/2011

You ask "why isn't American business responding to lower taxes and lower labor costs with more investment". I ask you, what "lower taxes"? Isn't Obamacare about to be implemented requiring higher costs/taxes for businesses? Don't these mandates increase the cost of labor? I've seen nothing indicating lower labor costs. I have seen lots of information on higher costs of doing business due to government regulations. Something you've neglected to consider.

[John Di Saia]

02:57 PM on 09/16/2011

After Nancy Pelosi's comments prior to the passing of ObamaScare I wonder why they thought having her play point on this would be a good idea. Her word is about as good a measure of what is not true as anything else.

[mothergrace]

02:39 PM on 09/16/2011

Payroll tax cut holidays are a disaster. They will undermine SS and Medicare to the point where the Rupubs will get their wish of eliminating it or endangering it completely through privatization (remember how well your 401K did during the meltdown?).

If the president wants to stimulate the economy by putting a little extra into the pockets of consumers, then SS recipients should get an increase. Real, everyday expenses, such as food are not calculated into the COLA and yet food has taken a big jump.

For those depending on SS heavily, this money will be immediately spent and provide a stimulus.

Corporations have shown no inclination to create jobs in return for tax cuts so, please, some common sense, no more tax cuts.

[dudervision]

02:39 PM on 09/16/2011

Now a key truth about Obama's lack of a truly progressive agenda is revealed. This brings back horrible memories of all the times he would set out to do something really groundbreaking and DINOs (Democrats In Name Only) would stand in his way and force him to water it down. Yes, he has been far too accommodating of the GOP's demands, but he also should have told these "Teamocrats" they are either part of the solution or part of the problem.

[John Di Saia]

02:59 PM on 09/16/2011

I think President Obama is finding that he in not really in the position to tell anyone anything.

[dadofoh49]

09:18 PM on 09/17/2011

Nice Speech but as for now Obama is the PROBLEM

[KitchenCabinet]

02:24 PM on 09/16/2011

Who do these so called democrats think they represent? Why did they buy the Teathuglicans big lie that deficit reduction will fix the economic disaster their policies created? We must first put the country to work, then when everybody (and I include you GE, Bank of America and Chevron) is paying taxes, we will have bring our deficit down responsibly and effectively. The Bohner plan is a sham and a frighteningly naive one.

[Agy Wilson]

03:09 PM on 09/17/2011

The Dinos are indebted to big business. Mary Landrieu has intimated she'd fight the rescinding of the oil subsidies with her last ounce of breath. Really? BP has tarnished our land and guarantee you the tax payers and public will pay the lion's share of that debacle. And my goodness record profits, for years and years, and years, is not enough? Middle class America has to SUBSIDIZE those bozos or be accused of being UnAmerican? Blergh.

[craig2574]

02:19 PM on 09/16/2011

The bill is not really a job bill but a band aid that will give the middle class tax cuts the help them get by but hit the job producers with a higher tax. A lot of the rich who who are paying low tax rates (Warren Buffett) just pay capital gain taxes. You want to get people working again building great things like the Hoover Dam you can not allow the EPA to hold up a project for years.

[lonerangers]

02:09 PM on 09/16/2011

So sad no one cares 5.1 percent cut from SS to balance Obama's tax cut plan out O'so sorry I Mean Job plan . An the rest of the cuts come from Medicare an Medicaid cuts .

For yet another Obama tax cut for the Corporation this time on the backs of our parents the Seniors the Disabled our Elderly not to forget the KIDS" that will fell pain with yet another cut for the neediest American citizens among us gutted from Medicaid .

Yet another Obama tax cut .. tax cut = gutting SS an medicare =no jobs

The reason no jobs is ? Supply an Demand is just not there . America after out sourcing no demand for your products .. Obama plan pass three more Free Trade Agreements?

These FTA" are Anti American worker an that the best we get from a Democratic Pres. Obama ?

[Genders]

02:04 PM on 09/16/2011

As long as you folks do not get what the DLC has done to the democratic party, it will seem baffling what they do.

Obama, Rahm, Clinton, are all DLC "new Dem" blue dog Reagan democrats. The believe tax cutting, regulation cutting, privatization, trickle down, and deregulation. As a result they big the big money, and they run the professional campaigns, and you voters are charmed and vote for them to your detriment. Yes they are better than the GOP/Tea, but they are also enablers of the GOP/Tea agenda.

You need to ignore charm, slickness, and vote for the people who are for the citizens. You need to vote smart, and the Primaries are far more important than the general.

Vote for the Locke liberal US founder types, the CPC Progressive caucus, Kucinch folks in the primaries:
http://cpc.grijalva.house.gov/
Not the Obama Clinton Rahm Blue dog new dem DLC corporatist anti-populist folks:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Leadership_Council

Then vote straight Dems in the general, because the GOP/Tea are much worse.

[Enock Zamora]

02:00 PM on 09/16/2011

It's not inconsequential Jason Links that 'The American Jobs Act' was formed the way it is. Surely you can agree that there is good & bad in this world yes? Do not be 'prejudiced' by the fact that he left some out of the matter in 'your book of exceptions yes?

[dmortonrei]

01:54 PM on 09/16/2011

Jay,

President Obama's "Jobs Bill" is nothing more than doubling down, or tripling down, on policies that have ALREADY FAILED!!!

Nearly HALF of the $450 billion in Obama's new stimulus 3.0 being marketed as a "Jobs Bill" is to continue programs like payroll tax deductions that have been in place for a year and have done NOTHING to improve the economy.
Removing administration obstacles and the EPA from hindering our oil iindustry would allow our oil industry to get back up and running in the gulf, would lower gas prices and put $20 -$40 in nearly EVERY working American's pocket WITHOUT costing the taxpayer a dime!!!

With 9.1% unemployment going into a re-election campaign Obama can ill afford to have millions of unemployed cut loose from government dependency, so he HAS to extend unemployment. Those unemployment dollars very likely have a high bang, or "vote", for the buck for Obama.

That leaves the other half of the $450 billion for "targeted spending" to his union buddies via "infrastructure improvements" Obama gets to pick and choose what cities and states get the most money to do OBAMA the most good........ all at taxpayer expense!!!

[lonerangers]

02:14 PM on 09/16/2011

Lower Gas price ? You do know QE2 all the money went into OIL" an Commodity's .

Speculation in these markets is why oil is sky high ? No new oil refinery built in America since 60s ? You mean gut out our land an send the oil over there anywhere but here .

[incognito-ergo-sum]

03:13 PM on 09/16/2011

People inside the oil and gas industry love it when Americans say "Our oil industry" as if the oil and gas companies were American owned and run. They are multinational corporations that care nothing for this country. They own leases to land that is sitting without rigs, or in the case of Western Colorado, wells with natural gas capped off and not producing, even though we would love to convert our cars to run on our abundant natural gas.

The oil industry is perfectly happy with the situation as it is. How many new refineries and pipe lines have they asked the EPA for in say, the last 15 years? You will be surprised to find out. How many have been approved? Again, this would surprise you.

There is no American oil and gas industry. When a new field does open up, workers are hired and moved in from all over the world, when the product comes out of the ground it is sold on the world market.

Once again, just so you get the point: There is NO American oil and gas industry.

Now if we nationalize some of the lowest producing ones and let the workers run them, with all the product sold here, that would finally give us an American Oil Industry.

[GrafZeppelin127]

01:38 PM on 09/16/2011

I can't stop thinking about Rep. Boehner's execrable speech from yesterday.

What he, his party and its fans/supporters/enablers are telling us, basically, is that American businesses are afraid to hire the workers they need, because they're afraid of tax and regulatory changes that may be coming in the near future. They're also telling us that those businesses are moving to other countries because it's too difficult and costly to do business in America, where you're not allowed to pollute, abuse and exploit people and natural resources the way you can in other places.

Here's reason #241 why I know it's a lie: American businesspeople are -afraid-? Seriously? They have products and services that people want and need people to make them, but they're not going to because they're -afraid-? Hogwash. Americans are not cowards. If it were true that businesses are too afraid of taxes and regulations to participate in the market, and just can't hack it anymore in an environment where they have to, you know, comply with the law, then other American businesspeople who -do- have the courage to innovate and adapt, who -do- have the courage and the acumen to succeed and comply with the law at the same time, would step in, take their places, start providing those products and services that these cowards are too afraid to provide, and hire the people that these cowards are afraid to hire.

American businesses are -afraid- of the -law-? Seriously?

[incognito-ergo-sum]

03:18 PM on 09/16/2011

Wonderful post. Amazing how people like you pick out what the rest of us should have noticed. What an insult to our business people. In the last 5 years I know of half a dozen people who have had the guts to start businesses. One restaurant, boy is that risky, one home decoration store, I wouldn't have done that for a million dollars, what a risky business that is and last, a wine tasting bar and restaurant where you can buy as little as 1/2 a glass of any wine you want to try.

I am thrilled to see all these little businesses make it past that first awful year, and keep going.