On the recordDecember 20, 2011
To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, it's not a $1,000 payroll tax reduction, just as was quoted by my colleague who just spoke. The Senate bill is 2 months. It is $160. So let's be clear and honest with the American people. What we're talking about here in the House of Representatives on our side of the aisle today is that we want to do our work. Yes, we want to be with our families for Christmas and we want to be home ringing in the new year with our family and friends. But you know what, the American people deserve better. We are willing to stay here and do the work, not do Band-Aid type of policy. Tax policy on a 2-month basis, are you kidding me? That is ridiculous. We need long-term solutions to our problems in America. We need to put the political bickering aside. Two months is not a solution. It's dodging responsibility in the Senate. And so where I'm at today is I support the underlying bill that we stand and rise to support today, and it is a vote. We will have a vote to reject the Senate's position with its amendments and its Band-Aid policy, and we will send a clear message to the American people that we in the House of Representatives are about finding solutions long term-- 1, 2 years at a minimum--and we're willing to do the work. I call on the Senate to come back to D.C. and finish the job. Hardworking taxpayers of America deserve no less than for us to honor our oath and our responsibility to govern through solutions, not political games.
