Political Quotes

“Once again we are presented with a false choice today. In the Alice in Wonderland world of the House, Republicans oppose payroll tax cuts unless they can be used as a vehicle to cut unemployment benefits. According to the majority, it isn't worth passing a simple payroll tax cut without eviscerating Americans' health care. In this warped, parallel universe, payroll tax cut extensions must be accompanied by gratuitous measures to punish Federal employees and civil servants like Border Security agents and FBI agents. And, of course, the majority seems singularly incapable of writing any bill, especially at this time of year, Christmas, that doesn't contain several special provisions to benefit the Koch Brothers and Big Oil giveaways. Sadly, this bill is consistent with the Republican pattern of extortion on behalf of an extreme special interest agenda. After almost shutting down the government, furloughing FAA employees, and blocking the appointment of a director to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other agencies, now, believe it or not, they are holding tax cuts hostage. President Obama sent a simple legislative package to Congress: Extend the payroll tax cuts, saving the average American family $1,500 a year. Extend unemployment insurance benefits to create 1 million jobs and add 1 full percentage of growth to the economy. This very proposal received a majority vote in the Senate but, of course, was blocked by a Republican filibuster.…”