McConnell & Obama already discussing plans to cut corporate tax rates and pass free trade agreements [View all]

[PAProgressive28]

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Wednesday that he and President Barack Obama are already discussing plans to cut corporate tax rates and pass free trade agreements, following the GOP's major gains in Tuesday's elections.

The comments from McConnell, who is expected to become the next Senate majority leader, shed light on the Republicans' potential strategy next year. For months, Republicans have argued that if they controlled both chambers of Congress, Obama would have to moderate his own liberal positions and give more ground in legislative talks. But McConnell's early agenda suggests a different strategy: He will seek to exploit economic policy rifts between Obama and congressional Democrats to press for deals on issues where the president and Republicans already agree.

"Trade pacts," McConnell said at a press conference Wednesday. "The president and I were just talking about that, right before I came over here. Most of his party is unenthusiastic about international trade. We think it's good for America, and so I've got a lot of members who believe that international trade agreements are a winner for America."

The senator added, "I think he's interested in moving forward. I said, 'Send us trade agreements. We're anxious to take a look at them.'

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/05/mcconnell-obama_n_6109668.html