Sen. Carper Statement on Payroll Tax Cut Extension Announcement

WILMINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement in response to the announcement that House Republicans will pass legislation to continue critical benefits for Americans which was approved by the Senate last Saturday:

“Today, House Republicans – after a series of partisan games and political showmanship – did the right thing and announced that they would pass critical legislation to maintain essential benefits that protect thousands of Delaware families from tax increases in the midst of economic uncertainty, ensure that doctors can care for their Medicare patients and provide important unemployment benefits for those Delawareans who are out of work. The Senate leadership, Republicans and Democrats, negotiated this short-term extension in good faith and passed the measure with strong bipartisan support – 89 to 10. I am relieved that House Republicans have finally kept their word and announced that they will pass this important legislation. Now that the House has joined the Senate in supporting this measure, families across Delaware and America can rest easy that they won’t lose benefits that they depend on. When Congress convenes in January, our top priority will be to work together to reach an agreement that will maintain the payroll tax cut through 2012.”

###