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President Barack Obama suggested Monday that congressional Republicans were acting hypocritically by opposing an extension and expansion of a payroll tax cut set to expire at the end of this year.
The president assailed the GOP in a statement at the White House, accusing them of reneging on a pledge to not raise taxes by voting against a Democratic proposal that would cut extend the tax cut in 2012, and pay for it by a surtax on the wealthy.
"Now, some Republicans who have pushed back against the idea of extending this payroll tax cut have said you’ve got to pay for this tax cut. I'd just like to point out they haven't always felt that way," Obama said.
Alex Brandon / AP
President Barack Obama waves as he takes the stage prior to speaking at Scranton High School, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in Scranton, Pa.
"Over the last decade, they didn't feel the need to pay for massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans ... Indeed, when the Republicans took over the House at the beginning of this year, they explicitly changed the rules to say that tax cuts don't have to be paid for. So forgive me a little bit of confusion when I hear folks insisting on tax cuts being paid for."
Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are feuding over whether to extend and expand the one-year payroll tax cut authorized last year by Congress as part of a year-end package to extend the expiring Bush tax cuts, as well.
Obama called for cutting the payroll tax even deeper in 2012 as part of his American Jobs Act, and extending it to employers as well. The Senate voted on a version of that proposal last week, but fell short of the 60 votes needed to proceed when a handful of Democrats joined Republicans in opposition to the plan.
But there isn't even Republican unanimity on extending the tax cut. A GOP proposal to extend the tax cut -- financed by cuts to the federal workforce, a freeze in pay, and means-testing certain benefits -- failed 20 to 78 when a number of Republicans joined Democrats in opposition to the plan. Some Republicans worry that continuing the payroll tax cut, which funds Social Security, would worsen the entitlement program's already troubled finances.
The fight now revolves around how to finance the extended tax cut in a way that can win support in both parties. Obama said he's willing to work with Republicans to extend the tax cut in a "responsible" way.
"What I'm not willing to do is pay for the extension in a way that actually hurts the economy," he said.
Senate Democrats unveiled a new proposal Monday that scales back the scope of the tax cut extension, but still largely relies on a surtax on high earners to pay for the cuts. Republicans reject this surtax as a "poison pill," though it may indicate that both sides of the aisle are moving toward a compromise, especially as they work to finish up legislative business for the year.
"If the president wants to make progress, he should insist that Senate Democrats remove the job-killing small business tax hike from their partisan proposal," snapped Michael Steele, spokesman for Republican House Speaker John Boehner in a statement following the president's address.
Electoral politics compose part of the backdrop for the fight, too. The White House has pummeled Republicans throughout the fall for opposing different elements of the president's jobs plan, from infrastructure investments to the tax fight currently before lawmakers. Each vote on these components, Democrats are betting, puts Republicans in a tough spot heading into an election year that's focused squarely on economic issues.
"I know many Republicans have sworn an oath to never raise taxes as long as they live," Obama said Monday. "How could it be that the only time there's a catch is when it comes to raising taxes on middle class families? How can you fight tooth and nail to protect high-end tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and yet barely lift a finger to prevent taxes going up for 160 million Americans who really need the help?"
The president also urged lawmakers to extend expired unemployment benefits. Failing to do that "would to extraordinary harm to the economy," Obama warned.
This item was last updated at 2:38 p.m.
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Teapublicans hypocrites?? ya think............. lol
Hypoctites? What about the CLOWN in the white house, why make a decision when you can put it of for a year hoping to get a vote! The democraptic party was sued in Houston for fraud because of multiple voters using same address to fraud our system but you wont read about that with this CNN; CLOWN NETWORK that kisses any dem butt. If this FOOL wins 4 more; the middle class will be over!
while it may well be hypocritical of the GOP to not vote for the extension of the payroll tax cuts, they are hardly alone in this hypocrisy. Haven't the Dems been saying for years that tax cuts don't work?
The taxes being discussed are 2 different kinds, also. Payroll taxes are supposed to be used for funding SS and Medicare, while income taxes fund everything else. When SS and Medicare are both in trouble, how will collecting LESS be advantageous?
Look up the soc sec website. I was looking to see where we were collecting less and found where in 2012 we are collecting more actually. Now there may be a reduction somewhere I just haven't found it yet. But here is probably what the GOP thinks. They will let the tax cuts expire and blame Obama for raising taxes. Because that is what they do. But anytime anyone pulls fast ones it seems they backfire. Now if all goes well, the money in increased taxes will infuse into the system and the economy will do better which will in turn help Obama. Of course they will say the do nothing congress did it all themselves but we know better and it won't matter because Obama will benefit anyway. So, anyway they turn Obama will benefit because for some reason he is just lucky. Just watch! So why don't they just quit the charades and start working for us, the people who elected them and pay for them less they forgot. And then maybe sometime something will come out in their favor. When they are trying to pull fast ones like making it harder to get people to vote, it will show exactly what they don't know about their own party. And it will backfire too. Love to watch it transpire! And the sad things is they don't know anybetter. Guess it is from them being a rich kid too long or something! I think along with a candidate they need to get some clues!
All, the pay cut did was put social security in $110 million dollar further in the
hole.
Why, doesn't the worker that Obama is robbing Peter (social security) to pay Paul
and Peter and Paul are the same people (us).
When, it comes to economics, he is dumber than Pelosi and Pelosi's elevator only
stays in the basement.
Thomas, you're an ahole.
Well Thomas, what's a few hundred million to the party of NO!Honey social security was RIPPED way before Obama was the president according to the Teabaggies it's a socialist entitlement.
Another Democratic scheme to buy votes, I'm retired living off less then the median annual income. To Democrats, your not buying my vote. Also with social security and medicare funds being raid to the general fund and both parties crying the programs are in financial troubles the payroll tax cut only adds to the problem for both social security and meidcare. To the Dems I say Duh!
Bert, you're an ahole too!
Well actually the Republicans got PUNKED! my a smart half black half white man LMAO !
Obama accusing the GOP of HYPOCRISY?!
that's a good one!! Obama is the man who said "I will not have lobbyists in my White House", while he was ushering them in the back door.
Obama is the man who said "I will rise above the politics of D.C. and bring the Parties together", when for 3 years, he's done nothing but bash Repubs and tell them to "sit in the back seat."
What a farce! Obama thinks we're stupid and forget the past.
Leona are you nuts? He has tried over & over to work with republicans! He even said it again in this article "I am willing to work with republicans" In fact when the GOP created the debt crisis in the beginning of summer our president had a few trillion in cuts on the table, where were the republicans? Where? Oh yes they walked away from the table...They want it there way or no way...To bad we live in a democracy & wow they need to compromise. This issue would not even be here had The GOP worked with the President...Do some research please you can use google.com or many other search engines, and it is remarkably fast! way better then turning on Fox...and as a bonus you get to think for your self!!
These people know that Obama has done everything to try and compromise with Republicans. Its the Republicans who are deliberately sabotaging the economy. Record number fillibusters, not wanting to raise the debt limit when they did it 7 times under Bush, now creating an issue for extending tax cuts for middle class. Yet when it comes for their rich buddys they wont let the bush tax cuts expire.... Republicans dont care for the truth, all they care about is winning. They will let America burn if it means that they regain the white house. So, ya keep blaming Obama, none of us real Americans are buying it. Its going to take the independents moderates and democrats to ensure no Republican comes close to the white house. We need to make an even bigger effort to get the obstructionists out of Congress.... Get out to vote people please!
American Latina: "We need to make an even bigger effort to get the obstructionists out of Congress... "
You must mean the Senate Democrats? Harry Reid hasn't had a budget in over 900 days and he won't bring the 11+ Republican House bills up for a vote because he's afraid his own Dems will vote YES.
Dems=Obstructionists.
It serves the Dems interests to call Repubs "obstructionists" . They have nothing else to run on.
@Leona, what is wrong with you? Are you not aware that this DO NOTHING CONGRESS is the reason millions upon millions don't have a friggin' JOB right now!!! But you wouldn't see that, you believe whatever FAUX and Rush tell you don't you? I'm sorry, I forgot that I was talking to a brain dead repug...The Republicans are the reason this country is in this shape...
OBAMA/BIDEN 2012
Leona, you're an ahole, also.
Oh REALLY Leona? LOL seems you have selective memory imbalance. You only remember the tiny bits and pieces, I know I know maybe that's all your mind can handle...You forgot to mention that the Troops are coming home from invading the wrong country. WEE! Obama followed through on that one, Oh and he sent seals in to get Osama! and other terrorist on Bushy Boys deck of cards, and he produced his long form birth certificate, The State of Hawaii had to make an exception and circumvent it's own law to do so, because my Legislature passed a law prohibiting the Hawaii Board of Health from giving those out since 2001. SHHHHEEESH! you people are un-real and take pride in being well you know.... so sad when all you know is Rush fux and all the other people who take pride and get big bucks for dumbing down Americans.
Have the Bush tax cuts been paid for? No if not for the tax cuts and the wars we would not be in debt as a nation!
Obama is right. The republicans are ready to defend cotinuing tax cuts for the very rich, but drag heels to do the same for the middle class. Whatever else you can say about either party, it`s the GOP who are raisnig the roof about the Bush-era tax cuts for the rich expiring.
@bywood and that is EXACTLY what he wanted to show the world, what hypocritical bunch punks they really are. From the start they said he would be a one term president before he even started his term.
The "greedy ol party" is downright phony. The skum around a puddle has more honor. Shameful republican politics we have these days. Voting is our only solution.
They are truly crooked! these people in the GOP have no clue! I should say no care! for the american people nor do the hear us...they can not spin this one! I am embarrassed I ever voted Republican....Never never again, they are untrustworthy! they lack integrity, honesty.. and are un american...Look how they did not want to help veterans...forced to because wow can you imagine the blow back from that! The pro war party not backing the vets... if they could have gotten away with it they would have, because after all Vets are not part of the 1%. Bastids!
I agree Dot, although I never voted Republican, my parents and grandparents have. Trust me when I say, they will NEVER vote Republican again. Not after the tantrums they have thrown, the utter disrespect they have had towards our President, and now they want to deny the middle class tax cuts all the while they bend over backwards to ensure the millionaires and billionaires receive theirs.... They call them "job creators" but where are the jobs?? Ten years of unpaid for tax cuts for the wealthy, and what jobs have they created? NONE. Instead they have given us two recessions.... Unless you are part of the 1%, there is no reason why you should vote Republican. None. they have proven who their loyalty is to, and its not to the people.... Please vote these scumbags out!
The tax cuts were across the board, at every income level. The fact you believe they were only for the "wealthy" means you read this website and watch tv, not that yuou've even made a partial attempt to educate yourself. Ignorant about the issues makes you a perfect voter for the Democrats. Jeff MCCleave -- um, what are you smoking? Clinton handed Bush a huge National Debt.
Sorry Jeff,
But you get the bull$&!t flag on that why don't you go find the truth and the facts, there was a budget surplus when ole geedubbya took the oath. Now who's looking at the wrong sites, try something besides faux news, Rush, and Ralphie....
Keep saying no Reps, you were voted in to say no.
Pony05, you're an ahole too.
I wonder when Obama will call his own Dem Party a bunch of hypocrites and lay off the Republicans??
First we find out that Blago is selling Obama's senate seat. Then we find out that Rangel (D) and Geitner (D) don't pay their taxes. Then we find out that Maxine Waters (D) funneled tax dollars to her husband's bank. Then, we find out that Weiner (D) is taking pictures of his private parts and sending them all over the country.
If we weren't already sick enough of Democrats, we then find out Pelosi (D) is wheeling and dealing with insider trading . Then we find out Corzine (D) is stealing money from clients at MF Global ( can you imagine what he stole from the N.J. voters?). To top it all off, Obama (D) tells us that we shouldn't worry about billions which were lost in his "green" pet projects because, in his words ..."you win some and you lose some."
Hey, the real irony is.....all we hear from the Dems is that they stand up for the middle class and the Repubs don't care about the "little people."
Do Democrats ever tell the truth ??!
Leona Americans are suckers. PT Barnum was right. There's a sucker born every minute. Both parties are bought and paid for. Politicos all retire millionaires. We need term limits, 8 yrs max and no more taxes on anybody. The money just goes down the politico corruption black hole.
Let me get this straight. There is no social security lock box. All the money that was ever collected thru social security payroll taxes has already been spent. Social Security is the proud owner of a bunch of congressional i.o.u.s. The Feds are in a 14 trillion dollar hole and a payroll tax cut should be extended without paying for it by reducing the federal budget. Instead we'll pay for it by instituting a tax surcharge on millionaires. Problem with this is that the surcharge will go to the same place all the social security payroll taxes went to. The govt corruption black hole. Starve the beast. No more money for the feds. It's like giving money to a crackhead.
All these politicos from both parties retire millionaires and the American people are 14 trillion in the hole. Yeah sure a social security payroll tax cut extension paid for by a tax surcharge on millionaires and not by a reduction in the Fed budget. Where do u think the surcharge will go. Same place the social security payroll taxes went. To the politico corruption black hole. Suckers.
Obama is full of *rap. Te 'payroll tax' is killing your social security bene's - or SSI bene's if you get disabled. With Social Security bleeding, ALL the politicians want to open another artery.
Really Terry? I thought it was already dead! my goodness.
Thank You Mr. President OBAMA , we are with you .
republicans do not care about anything but what benefits them and their lobbyists of their corporate buddies.
I remember when Obama wanted to keep the tax cuts for the middle class and working poor until the economy could right itself, but the Rethugs used the UN-employment benefits (extension) hostage. so now turn about is far play. The Rethugs are all about no Tax hikes even signed a pledge...LOL this is where it get's interesting, I seem to recall that the president wanted to cut loop holes for the rich, the Rethugs screamed no Tax hikes!!! at every turn no tax hikes, Jobs creation, No tax hikes...now when it comes to the middle class "BOOOOM KANANI" TAX HIKE! I know it's for social security...But Obama put the Rethugs in a corner big time. "You can raise taxes on the middle class but not the top percent...BTW Kanani means Beautiful in Hawaiian. Now let us see how the party of NO! is gonna act.
WHAT CAUSED THIS DISASTER........Two weeks after the mortgage meltdown and world financial collapse, Bill Clinton and Robert Reich, were asked "what caused this financial crisis?". They both answered essentially the same. Clinton said it began with Jimmy Carter's "affordable housing" initiatives, which pretty much faded into the background during the Republican administrations that followed. Clinton revived "affordable housing" but claimed that "the Democrats in Congress" failed to properly regulate or oversee the mortgage and banking practices that evolved from the enactment of "affordable housing" programs. Clinton claimed the Dems didn't heed his own warning prior to the collapse. Robert Reich also predictably distanced himself from the crisis by emphasizing that he was no longer Clinton's Treasury Secretary when things in the mortgage and banking world started breaking down. Both cited Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as being right at the center of the crisis. These two placed blame directly on Dodd, Frank, Waters, etc. I didn't hear a single word from either of them blaming Republicans, but Clinton did say that Republicans tried several times to warn Congress of impending doom and were rebuffed by Democrats. On a separate but related note, people often say the Dems only controlled Congress for the last 2 of 8 years of the Bush administration, but anybody remember when Jeffords jumped ship and went independent and control of the Senate and all the Senate Committees shifted back to the Dems until the next election? The Liberals have their hands all over this financial meltdown from beginning to final crash and beyond (Tarp, Stimulus, Obama record deficit spending, etc) . . . Face it, SOCIALISM does not fix, repair, or improve economies, it only destroys them. Obama may be a failure and incapable of doing anything helpful or positive for the U.S. Economy, however he is a GREAT SUCCESS as a Socialist/Communist idealogue. He does it right in front of our face, as the Obama-worshipping mainstream media makes excuses for him and looks the other way. Don't allow the truth to get in the way . . . JUST BLAME THE TEA PARTY (and Sarah Palin).