South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Senate-passed, bipartisan agreement on H.R. 3630, The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 by unanimous consent with no members of the House opposing it. Last night, House Republican leadership announced they would allow the House to take a vote on the agreement.

“I’m pleased that common sense prevailed and House Republicans finally decided to allow a vote on the Senate agreement to extend the payroll tax cut,” said Donnelly. “The frustrating partisan politics of this week almost resulted in inaction that would have increased taxes on working families after December 31st. I have supported extending the payroll tax cut at every opportunity because I know how important this tax cut is to Hoosier families. This tax cut is used for car payments, mortgage payments, or groceries—it matters to middle-class families. I am relieved that my Republican colleagues finally came to their senses and put the interests of hardworking Americans above political games.”

The payroll tax cut, which went into effect at the beginning of this year, was set to expire on December 31, 2011.  The Senate agreement on The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 will extend the current tax rate for two months, preventing a tax increase while Republicans and Democrats continue to negotiate a longer term tax agreement.  Earlier this week, House Republican leadership refused to allow a vote on the Senate-passed bill.