Republican Leaders Urging Bipartisan Approach to Auto and Financial Crisis

It was encouraging to see both the leaders of the Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate urging a bipartisan approach to the financial and auto crises facing America today.  What America does not need right now is for taxpayers to bail out yet another inefficient industry adding to the financial burdens of the American people. 

Indeed, the deficit for fiscal year 2009 has been estimated between one and one and a half trillion, that's trillion with a "T".  This has occurred only a few years since the Republican Congress passed budgets resulting in surpluses several years in a row; which Bill Clinton signed into law. 

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, leader of the Republicans in the Senate said with regards to the auto crisis that only a bipartisan approach will result in legislation passing the Congress.  Leader McConnell said this yesterday about a bipartisan approach:  "There is a way forward that will help protect the jobs in the auto industry, while also protecting the taxpayers. Senators Voinovich and Bond are working with colleagues across the aisle to protect taxpayers and our long-term economic health. Should this compromise approach be approved by the Congress, it is the only proposal now being considered that has a chance of actually becoming law.  As we move forward we must do so in a bipartisan way on this and the myriad issues to come.  We should start now."

On the House side, Congressman John Boehner, R-Ohio, reelected yesterday as the leader of the Republicans in the House of Representatives, said about bipartisanship with regards to the financial crisis in America as a whole:  "Mr. Obama has expressed a desire to govern from the center, and I believe he is sincere about that. In that spirit, I hope he will give this rapid economic-recovery plan his full consideration. Likewise, I hope his Democratic colleagues who run Congress demonstrate a willingness to work across party lines on the economy as well. The time for endless and aimless Washington spending has passed. The time has come to commit to a real pro-growth economic plan based on tax relief, comprehensive energy reform and more job creation."

Only time will tell as to what Republican leaders McConnell's and Boehner's colleagues on the other side of the aisle will do.  If the Democrat leaders seek a bipartisan solution to the auto and financial crisis within the next few days and before Obama is sworn in as president, it will be a very encouraging sign.