Re-elected speaker, Boehner says Obama should back Republican bills on energy, jobs

WASHINGTON – Newly re-elected US House Speaker John Boehner says he wants President Barack Obama to back Republican bills on energy and jobs as a way to break the partisan logjam that has stalled legislation in recent years.

Boehner also used his first speech to the new Congress on Tuesday to rap colleagues — whom he did not name — for what he called “shadowboxing and show business.”

Boehner likened his job to a farmer’s, saying he tries to plant seeds and take care of pests. He asked lawmakers for patience.

Boehner was addressing the House shortly after he was elected to his third term as speaker. He said that Obama, a Democrat, should support bills helping workers and developing North American energy — some of which the administration opposes.