Joe Crowley: “I thank my colleague and friend from the State of Michigan (Mr. Levin) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in…”

“I thank my colleague and friend from the State of Michigan (Mr. Levin) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3630. Today the Republican Party's true colors are fully exposed and on display--and it isn't pretty. The GOP argues time and time again against tax increases, but now it's clear. Their policy only applies when we are talking about increasing taxes on those making over $1 million a year. Now, I don't begrudge anyone from making a buck in this country. I do, however, begrudge those who want to help America's wealthiest at the expense of America's middle class, especially when working people are hurting as much as they are right now. Where is the shared sacrifice? Where is the shared responsibility? I believe Americans of all economic classes want a Federal Government that has a vision for our future and a vision for how to keep America strong. {time} 1650 That is why Democrats have a plan to provide an immediate cut in middle class taxes. We are pushing to cut the payroll tax in half for all working people, as well as expand it to small businesses, the engine creator of jobs in America. Unfortunately, this GOP bill denies any payroll tax relief to small businesses. My friends on the other side of the aisle argue taxes impede growth, hurt American businesses, and stunt our economy. But apparently those arguments don't apply when we're talking about lowering taxes for the middle class or small businesses.…”