Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) issued the following statement as House Democrats planned to adjourn the House of Representatives without holding a vote to stop tax increases on American families and small businesses.

“It is irresponsible for Congress to leave town having failed to put an affirmative stop to looming tax hikes on every American family and job creator,” said Congressman Price. “It shows an appalling failure of leadership on the part of House Democrats, particularly at a time when millions of our fellow Americans are struggling to find a job. At some point, the majority needs to start thinking about what is in the best interests of our economy, families, and job creators rather than what will be politically expedient. After all, we know what happens when our economy is held hostage to political considerations. We get near double digit unemployment, a permanent bailout mentality, and a growing fiscal disaster.

“There is vocal bipartisan support right now to stop all of the looming tax hikes on families and small businesses. Why will the Democrat leadership not give Congress an opportunity to protect all Americans from having to pay higher taxes next year? It is stunning that the Democrat leadership will not even let their own members be heard on this issue. Though it is emblematic of a majority that has continuously relied on backroom deal-making and a closed-door legislative process to get their liberal agenda rammed through. House Republicans believe the American people should not have to live under a cloud of uncertainty amplified by the threat of a new year tax hike. Surely Congress can find the time to act on this pressing issue before it heads home.”