Velazquez on House Republicans Blocking Payroll Tax Vote

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) commented today during debate on the House floor over legislation to extend the payroll tax holiday:

“In less than two weeks, taxes are set to rise, cuts to Medicare payments will occur, and emergency unemployment will lapse. With the economic security of so many Americans at stake, we cannot allow this to happen. Until an acceptable long-term solution is offered, it would be irresponsible to forego a short-term extension that enables small firms and the American people to move forward with our economic recovery.

“Almost 12 million Americans currently rely on unemployment. Without action, nearly 2.5 million of them will lose their benefits in just two months. At a time when we should be providing them a leg-up, this Republican Congress has continually failed to provide middle-class Americans the assistance they require.

“And, now, due to the Republican leadership blocking a two month extension, 160 million hardworking taxpayers are faced with a tax increase.

“We have a modest, bipartisan solution before us. While it certainly does not address all these problems, it can provide some help at a time when it is desperately needed. The House should consider and pass this extension, immediately.”