JUNE 6, 2011
Rep. Diane Black sent a letter to President Obama wrongly accusing him of lacking leadership on the debt ceiling. [Black.House.gov, 6/6/11]
Black’s Letter to the President: “The current debate over what it will take for Congress to agree to raise the debt ceiling is one of the most vital debates the 112th Congress will engage in, yet the voice and leadership of the President of the United States is missing. Americans deserve to hear your plan.”
TODAY (June 29, 2011)
President Obama at a press conference—specifically addressing Republican criticism of his leadership: “They need to do their job.” [CBS.com, 6/29/11 VIDEO at 0:35]
Obama: If Malia and Sasha can finish their homework a day early, why Congress can’t treat their responsibilities — namely, reaching a deal on the debt ceiling — the same way.
BACKGROUND
FACT: Rep. Diane Black and Republicans already voted for a budget that would increase America’s debt more than 60% (and destroy Medicare), but voted AGAINST raising the debt limit.
Los Angeles Times: PAUL RYAN BUDGET WOULD INCREASE U.S. DEBT 60%. The Paul Ryan Budget that U.S. Reps. Phil Roe, Jimmy Duncan, Chuck Fleischmann, Scott Desjarlias, Diane Black, Marsha Blackburn and Stephen Fincher voted for, would increase the debt limit over 61.5% from $14.3 trillion today to more than $23.1 trillion by 2021. [Los Angeles Times, 4/15/11]