Here's how Rangel described Bloomberg's advocacy: "Absolutely, our nation's leader on this effort."

As for budget issues, Rangel said the mayor was slightly less outspoken.

"He hasn't spoken out against raising revenues," Rangel said of the mayor. He then switched focus, saying his Republican colleagues "have, as part of their mandate, pledged not to tax anything, not even to close tax loopholes."

"You don't have to talk about raising taxes," he said, "You can talk about tax reform."