Boehner: Scandals, Government 'Arrogance' Hurt Economy

House Speaker John Boehner says the trio of controversies surrounding the Obama administration is indicative of an "arrogance" of power that is hurting the economy.

"In America, the people have always had a healthy skepticism about their government. But lately, they've had more reason than usual to be skeptical," the Ohio Republican said during his keynote address Thursday at the National Association of Manufacturers' annual meeting in Washington.

"They read about the IRS abusing its power and targeting Americans for their political beliefs. They wonder about what happened in Benghazi. They see reports that journalists had their phones monitored," he continued.

"Meanwhile, here in Washington, there has been no accountability ... only an arrogance of power that puts politics ahead of doing the right thing. When government is out of control like this, at odds with the people it's supposed to serve, it makes it that much harder to do our work, to grow our economy.

"The arrogance we're seeing now is the same arrogance that has left our economy plodding along."

Boehner also blamed the president's economic policies for stagnant growth and unemployment numbers, saying, "Under the Obama administration, it's become harder than ever to build in this country. Red tape, an outdated tax code, and shortsighted policies are driving up the cost of everything, stifling innovation, and sending jobs and opportunities to competitors like China.

"Politicians and bureaucrats bet taxpayer money on pet projects like Solyndra while blocking private initiatives like the Keystone pipeline," he added.

Putting in a plug for what he calls the Republican plan for economic growth and jobs, Boehner said, "We need a new approach that revives tried and true habits, an approach that removes obstacles to growth and prosperity, an approach that encourages every firm, every small business, and every person to create wealth and contribute to growth."

Boehner also used the occasion to argue in favor of immigration reform, maintaining that it would be a boon to the economy.

"To become a nation of builders again, we need to reform our immigration system," he said. "Because securing our borders, enforcing our laws, and making the process of becoming a legal immigrant fairer will help America remain a magnet for the brightest minds and hardest workers."