House GOP to Dems: We did our part

House Republicans have passed bills addressing jobs, taxes and the economy, despite what Democrats said in a letter, Speaker John Boehner's office said. Democratic leaders sent a letter to Boehner Thursday asking him to keep the chamber in session until bills concerning the economy, jobs and the federal deficit are passed. Boehner spokesman Kevin Smith responded that House Republicans did pass bills addressing nearly all of those issues but they were either blocked by Senate inaction or faced veto threats from President Obama, The Hill reported. "Republicans have acted to stop all the looming tax hikes that will cost 700,000 jobs, and we've passed legislation to replace the president's sequester that threatens our troops," Smith said in an email to the publication. "The inaction from our president and Senate Democrats is a failure of leadership ... and the American people will hold them accountable." House GOP leaders plan to recess Friday for a seven-week break. On Thursday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats said going into recess without addressing a list of unfinished business would create "economic uncertainty." "Democrats do not believe the House should recess this week, or at all, until we have met our responsibilities to the American people," the letter said. The Democrats asked Boehner to hold off going into recess until the House passes legislation that would prevent the pending sequester cuts, reauthorize the farm bill and address the expiring tax cuts enacted during President George W. Bush's administration. The letter is signed by Pelosi, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Xavier Becerra and Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the ranking Democrat on the Budget Committee.