Terri Sewell: “Instead of doing what's best for the American people, we are once again dealing with the same old partisan politics that…”

“Instead of doing what's best for the American people, we are once again dealing with the same old partisan politics that has plagued this Congress this entire year. The Senate amended and passed a bipartisan bill that would extend the payroll cuts for millions of workers and families and protect unemployment benefits for Americans while ensuring our seniors have access to critical health care. This Senate version reflects a compromise that was negotiated in good faith, Mr. Speaker, by both Senate Democrats as well as Senate Republicans. It was overwhelmingly approved by 89 Senators, including 39 Republican Senators. As Members of Congress, it is absurd, I believe, that we are being deprived the opportunity--denied the opportunity--to vote for a bill that would add certainty to the economy and to the people that we represent. It is unacceptable that some of my Republican colleagues in the House have once again refused to compromise. Our constituents elected us here to make their lives better, not worse. This latest Republican grandstand will cost the American public dearly. As a result, 160 million middle class Americans will see a payroll tax increase, and over 2 million Americans, including almost 25,000 Alabamians, will begin losing their unemployment benefits. While I had hoped for a 1-year extension, like many here, this 2- month compromise is better than the alternative, which is to let millions of Americans suffer economic hardship.…”