Reps. McCotter and McMorris Rogers on the State of the Union

Tonight’s conference call with House Republican Conference Vice Chair, Cathy McMorris Rogers, and Republican Policy Committee Chairman, Thaddeus McCotter went long but I can give you the highlights.

They’re anxiously awaiting President Obama’s speech tonight. Mrs. McMorris Rogers wonders how he will respond to the election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts. Will he pivot to the center as Bill Clinton did, or will he continue to believe he has a mandate? (Something tells me it’ll be the latter.)

The conversation ran the gamut of the issues.

Health Care – Taking a swipe at the Democrats’ closed door process, Mr. McCotter said they’d have to peek through a keyhole to gain any insight.

2001 Tax Cuts: The 2001 tax cuts were set to expire after ten years unless Congress acts to make them permanent. McMorris Rogers and McCotter hammered home the idea that the tax cuts were responsible for economic growth and increased revenue to the government. The Democrats just don’t seem to get it. They’re intent on burdening the engines of job creation. McCotter calls the notion that a tax cut is paid for by government “ridiculous” – government pays for nothing. Government only takes from the people.

The National Debt and Deficits: McMorris Rogers is appalled that so many American families and businesses are tightening their belts, while Washington Democrats have increased spending across the board and the federal government grows at record speed.

Obama the Fiscal Hawk: McCotter is hoping for the best but preparing for whatever comes. McMorris Rogers would take Obama more seriously if he were to freeze spending at 2008 levels.

Bipartisanship: McMorris Rogers – Both parties have been guilty of fiscal excess and they welcome the implementation of fiscal restraint.

The Republican Party: McCotter – Have we learned our lesson and are we prepared to prove it day in and day out? The GOP should be the party that inspires people across the country and empowers Americans.

Terror Trials and Terrorism: Republicans in Congress are against trying terrorists in our criminal courts. McCotter said the Democrats are operating under a faulty premises. We didn’t seek the war on terrorism, and it certainly didn’t come to us because we weren’t nice enough. We’re a “beacon of hope for the world”, and “we were attacked for our existence.” He also recognized how unnecessarily painful these trials will be for 9/11 families.

The Financial Industy: McCotter: Democrats view financial institutions as pinatas for more spending.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell: McMorris Rogers: Obama should listen to the military leaders before we start repealing laws.