I had the opportunity today to be involved with another conference call with House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH). My post on the last conference call is viewable here. This call focused on some economic and budget issues, and kind of jumped around from there.

Minority Leader Boehner opened up by discussing "The Mother of All Tax Hikes." The Democrats, led by Speaker Pelosi, plan on raising taxes, affecting every American. None of the Bush tax cuts will be extended, if the Majority has their way. The Democrats just want to spend, and the only two accomplishments of this Congress (a clean war supplemental and FISA reform), were completed by Republicans. The Democrats just want to spend.

Boehner also went on to talk about the Wall Street Journal article that's becoming known as Murtha Inc. Referring to the American people and earmarks, he said the following:

"The American taxpayers deserve to know, and want to know, what these earmarks are for, who offered them, and what purpose, what public purpose, they bring."

The Wall Street Journal article has a list of the 6 biggest earmarkers in Congress. Four of them are Democrats, and two are Republicans. Congressman Boehner made it clear that the Democrats are not waiting for the Pentagon to request earmarks. When I asked him about the GOP leader of earmarks (Young-FL), he said the following:

"Young won't agree to fund things unless the Pentagon asks for it."

Gribbit decided to ask the Congressman about progress on the Internet Radio Equality Act. Boehner said he had never heard of it, but that he would get information on it. Congressman Boehner was instrumental in maintaining a tax-free internet, so I'm sure he'll take a serious look at the legislation.

Tom Blumer from Bizzyblog asked the Congressman why large economic gains aren't being touted by the Republicans. He mentioned that the economy has expanded for 55 consecutive months. His post on that is on his site. Congressman Boehner said he hadn't seen the numbers but said he would "get out there and do something" about the positive news.

Given that Pelosi spoke up about the Musharaff situation, I decided to ask Congressman Boehner about the problems that continue growing in Pakistan. His words:

"I've got real concerns about what Musharaff is doing. He's been important ally to us, and Pakistan has been important ally in the War on Terrorism. Pakistan is in an important geographic position for our country...

...I am shocked by the actions he's taken. I am hopeful he will restore the Constitution and put Pakistan back into Democratic rule as soon as possible."

The conversation then shifted to S-CHIP, and Minority Leader Boehner assured us that President Bush would continue to veto the bill until it's legitimate. The Congressman thinks the program, as written, is wide open to abuse by non-citizens. When asked about the Democrat strategy of using sick children as spokesmen:

"It's not fair but this is politics. This is the most political thing I've seen. Not one House Republican member saw this bill before it was put on the floor of the house."

There you have it. The Democrats are laying on the pork, practicing dirty politics, and aren't addressing the real issues of today. Instead of bipartisan progress, we have a tyrannical Majority. Didn't they say they would be different and work with us?