A bad deal defended by Democrats as Obama doesn't need Congress. The authoritarian tendency.

Boehner, Republicans Blast ‘Job-Crushing’ Emissions Deal With China (Updated)

By David EldridgePosted at 10:01 a.m. Nov. 12

Updated 10:20 a.m. | Republicans in Washington are already pushing back hard against the carbon-emissions deal that President Barack Obama and Chinese leaders announced in Beijing Wednesday.

“Job-crushing,” said Speaker John A. Boehner. Mitch McConnell, the presumed next Senate majority leader, also weighed in against the deal, which calls for the U.S. to cut emissions by as much as 28 percent from 2005 levels by 2025. China agreed to begin reducing its own emissions by 2030.

(Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

In a statement, Oklahoma Sen. James M. Inhofe, who will chair the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in the next Congress, called the deal a “non-binding charade.”

But Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., responding to GOP critics of the deal on MSNBC, said “the president doesn’t need the Congress” to make the agreement with China.

Boehner issued the following statement Wednesday:

“This announcement is yet another sign that the president intends to double down on his job-crushing policies no matter how devastating the impact for America’s heartland and the country as a whole. And it is the latest example of the president’s crusade against affordable, reliable energy that is already hurting jobs and squeezing middle-class families. Republicans have consistently passed legislation to rein in the EPA and stop these harmful policies from taking effect, and we will continue to make this a priority in the new Congress.”

McConnell blasted the deal as well:

“Our economy can’t take the President’s ideological War on Coal that will increase the squeeze on middle-class families and struggling miners. This unrealistic plan, that the President would dump on his successor, would ensure higher utility rates and far fewer jobs. The President said his policies were on the ballot, and the American people spoke up against them. It’s time for more listening, and less job-destroying red tape. Easing the burden already created by EPA regulations will continue to be a priority for me in the new Congress.”

In announcing the deal, Obama said the U.S. and China have an obligation to lead on the issue.

“We have a special responsibility to lead the global effort against climate change,” Obama said. “Today, I am proud we can announce a historic agreement.”

A deal that will encourage the transfer of jobs to China from the US. Some bargain.