Reichert Votes to Extend Payroll Tax Cut, Unemployment Insurance

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today released the statement below after supporting the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act (H.R. 3630), which passed the House by a vote of 234-193.  The fully offset legislation extends the payroll tax cut through 2012, reforms and extends unemployment insurance, and ensures Medicare providers will continue to be reimbursed for healthcare services they provide to seniors.

"This package is critically important to many of this country’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Reichert.  “It is a comprehensive bill made up of proposals from both sides of the aisle.  Extending the payroll tax cut without raiding Social Security will allow middle class families to keep and spend more of their hard-earned wages next year.  Those who are currently out of work also won’t see their temporary assistance disappear.  This bill extends federal unemployment insurance while also granting states the flexibility to test new strategies to help people get back to work more quickly.  Inaction is unacceptable.  Congress cannot stand by while families continue to struggle and seniors need care.”