President Barack Obama again pushed Congress Tuesday to extend payroll tax cut legislation "without drama and without delay." Obama, speaking from the White House, said there were hopeful signs that Congress would be able to reach an agreement on a package to extend the payroll tax cut, along with federal unemployment insurance and a "fix" for doctors facing a cut in Medicare reimbursement.
"That is good news," Obama said. "But as you guys know, you can’t take anything for granted here in Washington until my signature is actually on it.”
As he did two months ago, Obama again reached out to the public to keep pressure on lawmakers.
“I’m asking the American people to keep their stories coming. Tell us what $40 means to you,” Obama said. He has repeatedly said that losing the payroll tax cut would mean 40 dollars less in the average pay check. “Call, tweet, write your congressmen, write your senators, tell them, do not let up until this job gets done," he said.
A two-month package on all three measures expires at the end of this month. That deadline, along with seemingly deadlocked negotiations have again sparked tensions on Capitol Hill.
On Monday three top House Republicans announced they may bring to a vote this week a "backup" bill to extend only the payroll tax holiday. The move by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio could put House Democrats into a corner. A vote could come as early as Wednesday.
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