WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner says it's time for President Barack Obama to help end Congress' impasse over renewing the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits.
The Ohio Republican said Tuesday that he wants Obama to call on the Democratic-led Senate to return to Washington and bargain with the House over a compromise plan. He said at a news conference, "I need the president to help out."
The Senate has passed a bipartisan plan to extend those expiring tax cuts and unemployment benefits for two months, giving negotiators time to agree to a year-long plan.
The GOP-run House has rejected the Senate plan and wants to start bargaining now. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he won't negotiate until the House approves the Senate's two-month package.
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