On the recordDecember 19, 2011
It's Grinch time in Washington, Mr. Speaker. One is incredulous that the House Republicans would oppose a tax cut for 160 million Americans, but that's just what they're going to do today. Is this bill perfect? No. There are aspects upon which both sides disagree. But it is the area of agreement that should be the most important: Congress stops playing hostage politics and halts the tax hike on 160 million fellow citizens. Saturday's Senate vote was 89-10--not just liberals, I say to my friend from South Carolina--with all members of the Senate leadership, Republican and Democrat, voting in favor. If House Republicans vote against this compromise, they will ring in the new year with a tax hike of their own making. If House Republicans were serious about wanting certainty, as they claim, they would vote for this bill today and guarantee that 160 million Americans won't pay higher taxes on January 1. Mr. Speaker, rejecting this bill and holding up the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits will be a true example of how the GOP Grinch stole Christmas for 160 million Americans. ____________________
