“President Obama says that Congress did the right thing for the American people by coming together to extend the payroll tax cut. December 17, 2011.”
Tim Kaine’s statement, which “applaud[s] Congress for reaching a deal to extend the payroll tax cut for millions of Americans,” while pointing out that the way this was done is “further indication of how Washington is broken,” is on the “flip.”
I applaud Congress for reaching a deal to extend the payroll tax cut for millions of Americans. While we’ve seen positive signs of economic growth, our recovery is still too fragile. Independent economists have said this tax cut is crucial to ensuring our economy continues to grow and expand, and I have long encouraged Congress to find common ground on a deal to extend this tax cut.
Today’s deal, however, is further indication of how Washington is broken. Congress had ample time to reach an agreement on a full extension of the payroll tax cut and instead political gamesmanship took precedence over real compromise. Once again Congress has kicked the can down the road with another short term measure that leaves lingering uncertainty for our families and businesses. What Washington needs right now is leaders who have the experience and the dedication to actually work together on real compromises that deliver long-term results for our economy.
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