WASHINGTON — Republican leaders Tuesday called President Barack Obama’s handling of the economy irresponsible and certain to increase taxes and federal debt.
Responding to Obama’s speech, top Republicans said the president relies too heavily on spending, and not enough on tax cuts, to try to revive the gasping economy. They said they want to work with Obama, and they sometimes blamed congressional Democrats more than him. But their criticisms were sharp.
“The way to lead is not to raise taxes and put more money and power in hands of Washington politicians,” said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who gave the Republican Party’s official response. The massive economic stimulus bill, Jindal said, will expand the government, “increase our taxes down the line and saddle future generations with debt.”
“It’s irresponsible,” said Jindal, who is eyeing a presidential bid in 2012. The Associated Press
