WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today maintained his support for a year-long extension of the Payroll Tax relief, consistent with what President Obama insisted Congress pass.  Unless Congress acts before the end of the year, American workers will see higher taxes as of January 1.  Last week, Rehberg joined Republicans and Democrats in passing a 1-year extension, although the Senate refused to give this option an up-or-down vote.

"Both Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate have already voted for bills to prevent a job-killing payroll tax increase that will hurt Montana’s families.  The only question left is whether we solve this problem the right way or continue to further delay a workable solution.  Like most Montanans, I’m at work today and I’ll be here until the job is done.  Unfortunately, the Senate left town before finishing their work.  I hope they’ll return from vacation to finish the job.  We simply cannot let congressional gridlock cause more hardship for the overburdened taxpayer.”

Rehberg also praised House and Senate leaders from both parties for continuing to support his Keystone XL legislation giving the President 60 days to make a decision on a permit for the job-creating project.  The permit process has already taken three years, and will create 1,200 jobs in Montana alone.  On December 1, 2011, Rehberg introduced the bill, which was added to the House Payroll Tax Extenders package on December 9.  In fact, this provision is one of the only aspects of this package to enjoy strong bipartisan support from both the House and the Senate.

"Even while important differences remain in the underlying legislation, one thing most in Congress seem to agree on is that we must move my Keystone XL language forward.  The American people are tired of political delays blocking good private sector job creation.  The pipeline is safe, clean, respects private property rights and will create jobs.  And that’s why it’s got strong bipartisan support from Montana and around the country.”