Influence Alley

Chris Frates On Power, People And Influence From Capitol Hill To K Street

Pelosi, Hoyer to Make Rare Rules Committee Appearance

By Chris Frates // July 31, 2012 | 3:35 p.m.

The House's top two Democrats are planning to testify at tonight's House Rules Committee hearing in support of the Democratic plan to extend the Bush tax cuts for families that make under $250,000 annually.

The rare appearance by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer in front of a committee that deals heavily in byzantine House procedures underscores the aggressive messaging tactics Democrats have taken on the tax debate.

Congressional Democrats and President Obama are arguing to only extend the tax cuts for those that make less than $250,000 -- adding the voices of Pelosi and Hoyer will boost the echo ahead of tomorrow's scheduled floor debate.

"House GOP want to give an extra tax break to the richest 2 percent - tax cuts they don't need and our country can't afford," said Pelosi spokesman Nadeam Elshami.