Banner Week for Reaching Across the Aisle in Washington

No Labels Applauds Progress in Deficit Talks, Ethanol Vote, and AARP’s Openness to Social Security Changes

On behalf of its 100,000 members, No Labels today applauded a solid week of cooperation across the aisle in Washington, with lawmakers and advocacy groups adopting the No Labels approach.

“There are now signs of a tipping point across the political world. Washington has really embraced the spirit of bipartisanship this week," said Nancy Jacobson, No Labels Co-Founder. “AARP’s openness to changes to Social Security and the bipartisan vote to repeal the ethanol tax credit could be game changers. It's exactly the type of leadership we need from both sides and has huge implications on the broader deficit negotiations."

Key No Labels moments from this week:

• On Tuesday, Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA) praised Vice President Joe Biden, telling reporters “the success of these talks thus far is due to the vice president and the way he has conducted the meetings.” [The Washington Post, 6/14/11]
• On Thursday, 33 Senate Republicans joined 38 Democrats and 2 Independents in voting to end ethanol tax credits. [The Hill, 6/16/11]
• On Thursday, Vice President Biden said he has “really enjoyed working with Eric Cantor,” describing him as "smart" and “totally, completely straightforward and sincere.” [The Washington Post, 6/16/11]
• Today, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) signaled their willingness to consider changes to Social Security as part of a balanced proposal to ensure the entitlement program remains solvent for future generations. [The Wall Street Journal, 6/17/11]
• On Saturday, President Obama, Vice President Biden, Speaker of the House John Boehner and Republican Governor John Kasich of Ohio will discuss the debt-ceiling negotiations over a round of golf. [CNN, 6/17/11]

“This week’s milestones could signal the beginning of a more open and frank dialogue between both parties about the urgent issues facing our nation. Congress and the President must continue to build on this momentum and come to an agreement on a bipartisan solution to the fiscal crisis,” added Mark McKinnon, No Labels Co-Founder. “We’re racing against the clock. Our elected officials must forgo their recesses until they reach a deal to address the crisis.”

Also this week, No Labels launched its “No Deal, No Break” campaign, directing lawmakers to delay all scheduled recesses until a bipartisan deal is reached to address the fiscal crisis. With approximately 7 weeks to go until the August 2nd deadline, No Labels members issued an open letter to every member of Congress telling them to stay in Washington until there is a solution. For the full text of No Labels’ open letter to Congress, click here.