Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on the Vote to Extend the Payroll Tax Cut

Washington, D.C. – Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement today on the vote to extend of the payroll tax cut:

 

“While I am pleased that 160 million Americans will keep much-needed tax relief and many more without jobs will continue to receive the critical help they need while searching for work, and that seniors who depend on Medicare will be still be able to see their doctors, I could not in good conscience fully support this bill. Time and time again, the Republican Leadership has asked a single group of Americans to bear the burden of reducing the deficit. Federal employees have already sacrificed $60 billion through pay freezes, toward reducing our deficit. This is a clear assault on our public servants, the majority of whom work throughout our nation as police officers, mechanics, lawyers, environmentalists, nurses, mine inspectors and more.

 

“Further, after a long fought battle for affordable health care, this bill cuts the Affordable Care Act by over $11 billion. $5 billion in cuts come from preventative care and $4 billion from hospitals. Finally, even though this bill extends unemployment insurance, many states could lose significant benefits due to the nature of the calculation of the total unemployment rate in the overall bill. We are literally taking one step forward and ten leaps back.

 

“We cannot compromise when it comes to the welfare of our constituents and communities. Our top priority remains getting Americans back to work by creating economic opportunity for all, not cutting critical programs that negatively and disproportionally impact our most vulnerable communities.”

 

- Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II