Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R., Wash.), the fourth-ranking member of House leadership, will be sifting through the questions that House Republicans want to ask President Obama during their meeting with him today.
In order to avoid repeat questions (and disorder), members have been asked to submit their questions to McMorris Rogers, the GOP conference chair, prior to the meeting, which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol basement. Some members remain hopeful, however, that there will also be time for an open-mic period.
McMorris Rodgers told National Review in a brief interview this morning that she expects Republicans to be talking to Obama about how to develop a “stronger working relationship” and whether he is willing to seriously work with them on balancing the budget.
But it likely won’t be an entirely warm exchange. Many Republicans are hoping the meeting will provide an opportunity to challenge Obama. Representative Bill Cassidy (R., La.), for example, would like a discussion of Obama’s “credibility gap.” Others seem more willing to sit back and see what Obama has to say, saying they are viewing the meeting as chance to listen to the president.