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Bishop Statement on Agreement to Extend Middle Class Tax Relief

December 23, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement on the decision by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Boehner, and the House Republican Conference to agree to the passage of a bipartisan Senate bill that will extend the payroll tax cut, continue the distribution of unemployment benefits, prevent scheduled cuts in Medicare rates to doctors, and avert a tax increase on 160 million Americans:

“I am pleased that Speaker Boehner and the House Republican Caucus have ended their irresponsible and incomprehensible protest over the passage of a widely supported, bipartisan tax relief package that will ensure the continuation of vital tax cuts for thousands of hard working American families in Middle and Southwest Georgia.

“Passage of this legislation ensures that taxes will not increase for 160 million working Americans and unemployment benefits will not be discontinued for the millions of displaced workers aggressively looking for new jobs. Additionally, this legislation makes certain that 48 million seniors on Medicare will continue to have access to their doctors.

"Frankly, it is time for the political gamesmanship and partisan posturing in Washington to end. As we approach the Christmas and holiday season, it is unfortunate that taxpayers and unemployed Americans were held hostage over this matter. The people of Georgia and all Americans deserve better!

“It is my sincere hope and prayer that the New Year will bring a real spirit of bipartisan cooperation which puts the interests of hard working American families first and foremost in all we do.”