Boehner Ridicules Proposals From Republican Senators (Update1)

May 12 (Bloomberg) -- House Majority Leader John Boehner dismisses recent legislative proposals on energy and immigration as ``stupid,'' ``insulting'' and ``a big mistake.''

Boehner's scorn isn't directed at his usual target, the Democrats: The proposals drawing the Ohio Republican's ire come from members of his own party in the Senate.

The harsh words reflect growing tension between House and Senate Republicans, a divide that may complicate efforts to strike compromises on legislation and retain the party's control of the House in the November elections.

``The majority in the Senate is out of step with Republican voters on spending and immigration,'' said Representative Mike Pence of Indiana, who leads a group of more than 100 House Republicans called the Republican Study Committee. ``But the House majority may pay the price.''

Senator Trent Lott, a Mississippi Republican, said the harsh rhetoric risks damaging party members in both chambers.

``I don't think it's constructive,'' said Lott, a former House member who says he often counsels House leaders. ``I've pleaded with the House, let's not be shooting shots back and forth at each other within our own party, because anything that hurts us, hurts them in the end.''

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=atFxDqXR3gYg