WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons commended the announcement by Speaker of the House John Boehner that House Republicans have agreed to the compromise for a two-month continuation of the payroll tax cut approved by the Senate last Saturday.
“The decision by House Republicans today to stop blocking the extension of the payroll tax cut is a victory for America’s middle class. It is a victory for the more than 160 million Americans whose taxes will no longer go up by an average of $1,000 on January 1. It is unfortunate that, yet again, it took an over-dramatic standoff to finally reach common ground. Congress has a responsibility to work together to consider and pass legislation that helps grow our economy and create jobs. While I would have preferred the certainty of a clean one-year extension instead of the two-month compromise measure agreed-to today, I am glad my colleagues finally came together to act and avert additional financial hardship for so many Americans. I hope members of the House agree to Speaker Boehner's unanimous consent request and allow this deal to proceed. It is an important step to continue our nation’s economic recovery. I applaud President Obama and Senator Reid for their leadership in securing this victory for America’s middle class.”
Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Budget Committee.