Press Releases

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2011

Contact:  Apryl Marie Fogel, aprylmarie.fogel@mail.house.gov

Gosar Votes to Protect American Workers, Seniors and Doctors

Today, Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-01) voted to send the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 to conference, so that the House and Senate versions of the legislation can be reconciled.  

Over the weekend, the U.S. Senate amended the House-passed plan which provided tax certainty for millions of middle-class Americans by extending Social Security payroll contribution reductions for a year, reducing federal spending, reforming and extending unemployment insurance for millions of Americans out of work, and ensuring access to millions of seniors by avoiding impending cuts to physician payments under Medicare for two years.  Specifically, the Senate version of the legislation would only extend the Social Security payroll contribution reduction and unemployment insurance and avoid the impending cuts to physicians providing health care to our seniors under Medicare for only two months. 

Today, I voted for a measure which would send H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 to a conference committee; instructing them to reconcile the House and Senate versions.  I trust that the conferees will agree that it is time to stop playing politics with legislation which affects the livelihood of millions of Americans.  President Obama got it right when he said it would be “inexcusable” for Congress not to extend this tax holiday for a full year. 

It is inconceivable that Congress would play politics with such important issues affecting the economy and health of our nation as they rush out the door to head home for the holidays.  Americans deserve better.

The legislation the House passed last week was not perfect but it was certainly a step in the right direction.  It included a full-year payroll tax cut extension that would prevent 160 million Americans from starting their new year off with a tax hike and much needed budget and policy reforms.

This is not about getting a bill passed.  It is about getting a good bill passed.  As a small business owner, I know a two month extension of these critical programs is not real relief.  It is clear the Washington establishment pushing for this inadequate proposal just do not understand how people on Main Street America, particularly in rural Arizona, plan and budget.  I remain committed to fighting against nonsensical “solutions.”  I challenge Minority Leader Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid to appoint conferees who will put partisan gamesmanship aside and do what is best for our nation.

After the vote Speaker of the House John Boehner announced House Republican conference representatives.   House Democrats, Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats must now name their conferees so that the legislation can be reconciled.

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