Hoyer Pen and Pad Transcript

Click here to read a full transcript of Majority Leader Hoyer's Pen and Pad briefing today.

Some highlights:

On President Obama’s Tax Cut Deal

“As you know, my view is that the public said two things in the election… that we haven't grown enough jobs quickly enough; and secondly, they were very concerned about the debt and the deficit. I share both those concerns…. As a result, we are trying to work on both of those. We think that the upper income tax benefits and the estate tax do not further either one of those efforts, and, as a result, you have seen opposition to that.”

"The vote in the Senate indicates an urgency that is felt by a broad spectrum that the middle income taxes not be increased come January 1."

"I think that when you look at this plan, there are some very good things in it from the perspective of growing the economy, reaching out to people who are unemployed and giving them some additional help…There are a lot of things in there that are going to help middle income families in a tough economy. So people have to weigh that."

On Introduction of Standalone Bill to Allow for Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy

“Secretary Gates… has emphasized that he wants us to pass legislation so that this [repeal] can be an orderly transition, a planned and thoughtful transition. And I agree with his comment and his desire. As I say, I have talked to him today. I asked him what he thought we ought to be doing, and he is supportive of this effort. I am hopeful that it will pass handily through the House, and then I am hopeful that the Senate will take it up.”