This morning’s GOP leader of the House of Representatives gaveled in and out as the Democratic leader attempted to push for a vote on the payroll tax cut. This shocking image of the Hose Republicans opening and closing the floor without conducting one iota of business is an affront to every working man and woman and every American family.
Congressmen get paid regardless of whether or not the come to work or not, while millions of working Americans are about to receive a tax increase, and millions of unemployed are about to lose their benefits, thanks to the Republicans.
This should be the video of 2011. It exemplifies everything that the House GOP stands for: getting paid, while literally doing absolutely nothing.
Nancy Pelosi, the House Minority Leader and former Speaker of the House, offered this video and the following statement:
This morning, Speaker Pro Tempore Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), under orders from Speaker Boehner, refused to allow Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer to speak on the floor and ask for unanimous consent to bring up the Senate bipartisan compromise to extend the payroll tax cut. Whip Hoyer and Congressman Chris Van Hollen are continuing to try to offer the Senate compromise even though Republicans walked off the floor. Once again, Republicans are risking a tax increase on 160 million Americans and the loss unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
Additionally, Nadeam Elshami, spokesman for Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, released the following statement this morning on House Republicans’ vote to raise taxes on the middle class:
House Republicans voted yesterday to raise taxes on the middle class. House Republicans stand alone, and unless they act responsibly and agree to the bipartisan short-term bill approved by Senate Republicans and Democrats, millions of Americans will see a tax hike.
The House GOP leadership must listen to the American people and allow a vote on the bipartisan Senate compromise.
Hat tip: Pam Spaulding