Congress

“Mr. Speaker, this week’s middle class tax cut debate is an unnecessary sequel to December’s fight over extending payroll tax cuts. Republicans campaigned on a pledge to seek bipartisan solutions to our pressing challenges, but, when faced with a bipartisan agreement in December, they chose to walk away. And they appear ready to do so again this week. 

Extending tax cuts for the middle class is a concept that both parties agree on, yet Republicans refuse to compromise to provide economic certainty to American families.  So far this Congress, the GOP has created a record of obstruction, ignoring critical bipartisan Senate bills.  Instead of working across the aisle, House Republicans have wasted time on political messaging bills that protect the wealthiest in the country while ignoring the issues facing the middle class.

“Today, House Republicans wasted more time as they passed yet another anti-regulation bill that will do nothing to create jobs or grow the economy while rolling back critical protections for consumers and the environment.  With little time left on the schedule, we ought to be taking action on the middle-class tax cut extension the Senate passed yesterday.  House Republicans should pass that bill immediately, so we can extend tax cuts for families and small businesses on income under $250,000.  Passing the Senate bill would give certainty to 98% of families and 97% of small businesses that their taxes will not increase next year.                                                                                                                                                                                   

Over the last 19 months in the majority, House Republicans have wasted time passing GOP messaging bills that appeal to their conservative base, rather than working towards bipartisan compromises on critical legislation.  Meanwhile, the Senate has passed multiple pieces of legislation with strong bipartisan votes.  House Republicans continue to choose confrontation over compromise, refusing to take up any of these bills and putting American families and businesses at risk.  Here’s a look at how House Republicans are refusing to govern for the middle class:

Just wanted to make sure you saw these twin editorials in yesterday’s New York Times.  The first chides House Republicans for their continued refusal to accept the Senate’s bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, leaving LGBT, immigrant, Native American, and student victims vulnerable.  The second makes it clear who is to blame for delaying much-needed postal service reforms. 

“I am deeply disturbed that Speaker Boehner would falsely charge President Obama with putting politics ahead of the challenges facing middle-class Americans still out of work and their families, and not caring about their situation.  He should look very carefully at the history this Congress of the House over which he presides.  It tells the story of Republicans walking away again and again from their responsibility to extend unemployment insurance, keep payroll taxes from rising, maintain low interests rates for student loan borrowers, protect Medicare for seniors, and pass comprehensive jobs legislation – like Democrats’ Make It In America plan – that will help put more Americans back to work. 

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) announced today that House Democrats have begun using open tools on POPVOX.com that enable citizens and organizations to publicly weigh in on specific legislation before Congress. Whip Hoyer issued the following statement:

“Today, Republicans voted to block consideration of the DISCLOSE Act, a measure that would provide greater transparency to political financing.  This represents a disappointing setback when it comes to ensuring that all Americans have an equal voice in choosing those who serve us in office.  The DISCLOSE Act would require the disclosure of donations to organizations engaged in campaign activity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision.