McConnell predicts tax cut deal with Obama
http://dervishcom.blogspot.com/2011/12/mcconnell-predicts-tax-cut-deal-with.html
The Senate's top Republican said today that both parties will likely come together on an agreement to extend the payroll tax cut, though President Obama will have to accept a package that includes a controversial oil pipeline.
Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., predicted bipartisan congressional support for a bill that includes a one-year extension of the payroll tax cut, as well as unemployment benefits and the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas.
President Obama -- who wants a stand-alone bill -- has stressed that without an extension of the payroll tax cut by the end of the year, nearly 160 million Americans face a tax hike.
But McConnell said on Fox, "that isn't going to happen. Obviously we're going to reach an agreement."
In calling for a stand-alone bill, Obama has said the oil pipeline project needs more environmental review; the president has also suggested he would veto any payroll tax bill that includes extraneous items.
"Now is not the time for playing politics," Obama said in his Saturday radio address. "Now is the time to do what's right for the American people."
McConnell said Republican are developing a "balanced" package that includes jobs provisions as well as the payroll tax cut.
"Why not have balance rather than have the whole package designed to help those who are unemployed or preventing a tax cut on working Americans," McConnell said. "Let's have something that actually produces and saves jobs."
Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., predicted bipartisan congressional support for a bill that includes a one-year extension of the payroll tax cut, as well as unemployment benefits and the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada to Texas.
President Obama -- who wants a stand-alone bill -- has stressed that without an extension of the payroll tax cut by the end of the year, nearly 160 million Americans face a tax hike.
But McConnell said on Fox, "that isn't going to happen. Obviously we're going to reach an agreement."
In calling for a stand-alone bill, Obama has said the oil pipeline project needs more environmental review; the president has also suggested he would veto any payroll tax bill that includes extraneous items.
"Now is not the time for playing politics," Obama said in his Saturday radio address. "Now is the time to do what's right for the American people."
McConnell said Republican are developing a "balanced" package that includes jobs provisions as well as the payroll tax cut.
"Why not have balance rather than have the whole package designed to help those who are unemployed or preventing a tax cut on working Americans," McConnell said. "Let's have something that actually produces and saves jobs."
