Rep. Schiff Applauds Passage of Payroll Tax Cut Extension for Middle Class Families
Washington, D.C.– Today, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved a payroll tax cut extension through 2012 by a vote of 293-132, extended unemployment compensation, and prevented a cut to physician reimbursements under Medicare:
“While our economy is making definite progress, we still have a long way to go. We can’t afford to damage the fragile recovery when millions of Americans are still out of work, and millions more are struggling to stay afloat. I voted today to provide economic certainty for middle class families through an extension of the payroll tax cut. This tax cut will put almost a thousand dollars a year back into the pockets of middle class families in the form of a larger paycheck every month. Additionally, this legislation will extend unemployment for those still struggling to find work, and avoid a sudden and enormous Medicare fee cut for doctors who treat seniors. We must preserve seniors’ access to the best care, and we need to find a permanent fix for this yearly problem.
“However, I am disappointed that the package is paid for again, in part, on the backs of middle class workers who happen to be federal employees. Time and time again, we pay for much-needed legislation by targeting federal workers – many of whom are also struggling to get by. We should not be extending tax cuts for America's most wealthy while cutting the compensation for working families."