John Boehner Open To Repealing Oil Company Tax Breaks

John Boehner is the most powerful Republican in Washington and his remarks could signal a significant change of heart. Republicans have blocked attempts by Democrats to curb oil company subsidies.

Boehner did not endorse the idea, however.

"I want to see the facts. I don't want to hear a bunch of political rhetoric," Boehner said. "I want to know what impact this is going to have on job creation here in America."

"The speaker made clear in the interview that raising taxes was a nonstarter, and he's told the president that,” Steel said. “He simply wasn't going to take the bait and fall into the trap of defending 'Big Oil' companies.”

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) voted against a House measure yesterday that would have cut subsidies for the largest oil companies, which would have saved taxpayers an estimated $53 million. The vote came as part of the “continuing resolution” debate aimed at averting a government shutdown as Congress and the White House negotiate the federal budget.

Speaker Boehner drew immediate criticism for his vote from two public interest organizations, Public Campaign Action Fund and the League of Conservation Voters, who noted that Boehner and his leadership PAC have received at least $437,105 in campaign cash from oil and gas industry employees and political action committees during his time in Congress, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.