Washington Reacts To Kim Jong Il's Death

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney released the following statement in response to news reports that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il died over the weekend:

“We are closely monitoring reports that Kim Jong Il is dead. The President has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies.”

The White House also announced that President Obama had phoned his South Korean counterpart, Lee Myung-Bak, to discuss the news:

“At midnight tonight, President Obama spoke with Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak to discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong Il. The President reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea. The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops and agreed they would direct their national security teams to continue close coordination.”

Boehner's Opposition To Short-Term Payroll Tax Deal Befuddles White House

White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer released the following statement after House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) announced that he will not support a Senate bill to extend the current payroll tax holiday by two months:

“The bipartisan compromise passed in the Senate yesterday received 89 votes, including 39 Republican votes, and Speaker Boehner himself just yesterday called it a “good deal” and a “victory.” The near 90 percent approval by the Senate reflected the view by the overwhelming number of Senate Republicans – as well as Democrats – that the best way to achieve the President’s goal of ensuring that taxes were not increased on 160 million Americans as we enter the New Year was to support this bipartisan compromise.  

“If House Republicans refuse to pass this bipartisan bill to extend the payroll tax cut, there will be a significant tax increase on 160 million hardworking Americans in 13 days that would damage the economy and job growth. After months of opposition, we are glad that Republicans were finally showing a willingness to not raise taxes on middle class families. As the President said yesterday, it is inexcusable to do anything less than extend this tax cut for the entire year, and Congress must work on a one year deal. But they should pass the two month extension now to avoid a devastating tax hike from hitting the middle class in just 13 days. It’s time House Republicans stop playing politics and get the job done for the American people.”

Senate Passes 'Omnibus' Spending Bill

The Senate voted Saturday morning to approve a roughly $1 trillion government funding package. By a vote of 67-32, the upper chamber cleared the giant spending bill, which keeps the federal government operating through the end of next September.

In a statement, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said that the budget “cuts federal spending overall, but still protects our key investments in the American people and job-creating programs ranging from small business to health care to education.”

The measure, which was passed by the House on Friday evening, now heads to President Obama’s desk.

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Candidates Hold Final Pre-Iowa Debate

Republican candidates will hold their final debate before the Iowa Caucus on Thursday night in Sioux City.

The stage will be filled by seven candidates, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Jon Huntsman, Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum, and will likely be treated as the final chance for many of the candidates to give their campaign one final boosts as the primary seasons begin.

The debate will air at 9pm on Fox News.

The Iowa caucus takes place on January 3rd and is followed shortly after by the New Hampshire Primary on January 10th.

U.S. Officially Declares Iraq War Over

The U.S. officially declared an end to the war in Iraq Thursday, holding a ceremony in the country to retire the flag for U.S. forces in Iraq.

The ceremony, attended by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey, comes a little over two weeks before all troops are expected leave the country.

The U.S. still has approximately 5,500 soldiers still in the country, according to the American Forces Press Service.