Says Congress should immediately vote to keep lower tax rates for income up to $250,000

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined an effort today to force Congressional leaders to hold a vote on a bill already passed by the Senate that would extend lower tax rates for all income up to $250,000.

"This really should be a no-brainer," Pingree said. "This bill would keep tax rates from going up at the end of the year for virtually every American family. Unfortunately, House leaders have been unwilling to let us vote on it unless it includes an additional tax break for millionaires and billionaires too. I believe a balanced approach to our budget problems includes asking the wealthiest to pay a little more, not less."

Pingree joined a number of her colleagues in signing a discharge petition, which would require House leaders to take a vote on a bill that Pingree has co-sponsored and that has already passed the Senate. The proposal would extend the middle class tax cuts on the first $250,000 of income for all Americans.

"Everyone benefits from the tax cut in this bill," Pingree said. "Extending this tax cut is something the American people want and I'm confident it would pass overwhelmingly if it came up for a vote. It's disappointing that House leaders won't let us take that vote."

The discharge petition would require 218 signatures to pass.