December 19, 2011

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) issued the following statement on the extension of the payroll tax cuts:

"If the American public needed any more proof that Washington is broken, it was just handed to them on a silver platter," Congressman Altmire said.  "Right now, tax cuts for hard working Americans are in jeopardy because party extremists refuse to accept the idea of compromise.  In just two weeks, families' take home pay will go down unless Congress acts.  I will support the Senate plan to extend the tax break because allowing it to expire would be irresponsible.  However, whether it is this week or when Congress returns in January, we must extend this payroll tax holiday for the remainder of the year, and I will work with my colleagues on the left and right to make sure that happens.  This all-or-nothing approach that Congress has become accustomed to is hurting our economic recovery and the American people expect more from us."