House Dems Still Silent on Up-or-Down Vote to Stop Obama Tax Hike

September 25, 2010

House Dems Still Silent on Up-or-Down Vote to Stop Obama Tax Hike
Democrats Refuse to Spare Hard-Working Families and Small Businesses from Looming Tax Increases

Washington- Time is running out for House Democrats to take an honest up-or-down vote to spare working families and small businesses from the egregious Obama Tax hike, but they still won’t state where they stand. While middle-class families and small businesses are suffering the consequences of the Democrats’ failed economic experiment, the out-of-touch majority continues to run from their most basic responsibility to govern. And with less than 40 days until Election Day, it’s obvious that House Democrats have yet to understand the uncertainty that is preventing job creators from getting our economy moving again.

“Once again, the out-of-touch majority is preparing to leave Washington before failing to address the top priority for struggling middle-class families and small businesses,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “House Democrats have had plenty of opportunities to take an up-or-down vote to stop the Obama tax hike, but their continued inaction is proof-positive that they are unfit to lead the economy out of this devastating recession.”

The longer Congress takes to act, the more the economy will suffer:

“Congress’ inability to make a decision about the fate of Bush-era tax cuts is contributing to the unemployment crisis facing the country, according to the Labor Day 2010 report by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

“‘Small businesses are America’s job creators, responsible for 60 percent of the net new jobs created in the last decade,’ the report states. ‘But uncertainty about looming tax hikes has stunted employment growth and until Main Street begins to hire, the unemployment rate will remain unacceptably high.’” (Jay Heflin, “Uncertainty of Bush tax cuts affects hiring, study states,” The Hill, 09/02/10)

Now, after once again failing to follow through on their duties, House Democrats will have to spend the next few weeks defending their disastrous record of job-killing policies:

“With the House ready to adjourn historically early next week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) defended Democrats’ legislative achievements – less than a day after Democrats punted a vote on extending middle income tax cuts that expire at the end of the year.

“Senate Democrats yesterday declined to take up the tax issue, concerned that voting on a middle class extension wouldn’t get enough support from Republicans. Also on Thursday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said that Democrats don’t have to vote on taxes to show that they are attuned to the concerns of voters.” (Simmi Aujla, Nancy Pelosi defends record as Democrats look to adjournment,” Politico, 9/24/2010)

###