White House relents over timing of Obama's jobs speech
WASHINGTON
–
President Obama will outline his jobs program to a joint session of Congress next Thursday, the White House announced Wednesday night, following an hours-long standoff with Republicans over what day he would speak.
"The president is focused on the urgent need to
create jobs and grow our economy, so he welcomes the opportunity to
address a Joint Session of Congress," White House spokesman Jay Carney said.
Obama
had requested to speak next Wednesday, Sept. 7, but House Speaker John
Boehner, R-Ohio, suggested the next night because of logistical
difficulties. Other Republicans objected to Sept. 7 because GOP presidential candidates have a debate that night.
STORY: Jobs plan may call for repairing schools
In
a letter Obama sent Wednesday to Boehner and Senate Majority Leader
Harry Reid, D-Nev., asking to speak to Congress on Sept. 7, the
president said the nation faces "unprecedented economic challenges" and
"millions of hardworking Americans continue to look for jobs."
Boehner, citing scheduling difficulties, suggested Sept. 8 instead. That is also the first night of the 2011 National Football League schedule.
"It
is my recommendation that your address be held on the following
evening, when we can ensure there will be no parliamentary or logistical
impediments that might detract from your remarks," Boehner wrote.
The
two sides later resolved the matter after finger-pointing between
Boehner's staff and the White House, where officials said the Republican
leader did not object to Sept. 7.
Not so, said Boehner spokesman Brendan Buck. "Unfortunately we weren't
even asked if that date worked for the House," Buck said, adding that
his office was informed shortly before Obama sent the letter.
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