Washington, DC- U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack (MN-8) released the following statement regarding the House-Senate compromise to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for two months prior to their January 1 expiration:

A year-long extension of these provisions is truly what is best for all Americans.  However, because the Senate refused to come back to Washington to negotiate, I had no other option than to accept this most recent deal, which is similar to Senate's proposal submitted before they left Washington.  Therefore, I would rather accept the Senate's ultimatum than allow my constituents to receive a tax increase in January, allow a lapse in unemployment insurance, and jeopardize health care for our seniors.

I look forward to continuing to work towards a long-term solution next year which focuses on the needs of all Americans by creating jobs and certainty in our fragile economy.

Rep. Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.

###