Political Quotes

“we are soon going to vote on the bipartisan compromise on extending the expiring tax cuts and unemployment benefits. Although, as I described yesterday, it is a bitter pill to swallow because of the extended funding that will cause the deficit to rise, I doubt there is anybody in this Chamber who wants the alternative; that is, inaction or a political stalemate which is certainly not an option. Job growth remains anemic. For many of our constituents who are struggling to make ends meet in the midst of this jobless economic recovery, unemployment benefits have already expired. Without action, on January 1, those fortunate enough to have a job would see a significant drop in their paychecks as the middle-class tax cuts enacted 10 years ago also expire, with the effect that the taxes would be going up all across the income spectrum. So out of this stark reality facing us on January 1, this is when people of good will have come together--people of good will who have different opinions, and who, as I said, have to swallow hard on some of the parts of this package. It is my intention, as we vote in just a few hours, to vote for this package. It does provide relief that is critical for middle-class families. For example, for a family making $63,000 a year, if we didn't pass this bill, and the existing tax law expired, then that income level, a family earning $63,000--their taxes would go up by $2,000. This bill prevents that.”