U.S. Representative Ed Royce

Today, the House of Representatives passed, with support from Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act. The legislation extends the current payroll tax extension, delays the "Doc Fix," reforms unemployment insurance and provides new incentives for job creation, including taking action on the bipartisan Keystone XL energy project.

"With 25 jobs-related bills still awaiting action in the Democratic-led Senate, House Republicans continued their efforts to create a better environment for job creation by passing the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act," Royce said. "Instead of continuing the Administration’s failed fiscal policies and spending money we don’t have, this legislation provides assistance without borrowing from future generations. Additionally, it protects all American workers and job creators from the impending tax increases."

While speaking on the House floor in support of the legislation’s job creation incentives, specifically the Keystone XL energy project, Rep. Royce said:

"This is really a question of whether we're serious about an economic recovery, and frankly, our national security.

"We have a shovel-ready jobs project: The Keystone XL pipeline.

"This project will create jobs. Some 200,000 by one estimate. Maybe it's not quite that, but with unemployment where it is --12 percent in my state of California-- you'd think this Administration would jump to approve this project. These are good jobs: men and women manufacturing pipe and earth movers.

"Instead, it has delayed, and delayed, now waiting until late next year. It has delayed, despite detailed government environmental studies giving the green light. And despite the economic misery that so many Americans are suffering through."

NOTE: To watch Royce’s House floor speech in its entirety, please click here.

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