Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 20, 2011.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today sent the following letter to President Obama.
Dear Mr. President:
You and I both understand the economic uncertainty many Americans are feeling this holiday season. They are worried about their families and futures, and they are looking to us to find common ground to help create jobs. As you requested, the House passed legislation last week to extend the current payroll tax holiday for a full year, extend and reform unemployment insurance (UI) for a full year, ensure American seniors still have access to their doctors for two years, and advance other measures we believe will boost private-sector job creation. It is a responsible bill, with reasonable offsets – most based on your own proposals. On Saturday, the Senate also passed legislation, although shorter in length. You have said that providing Americans anything less than a full year of tax relief and UI benefits would be inexcusable.
We agree. That is why the House will vote today to go to conference, as outlined in the Constitution, so the two chambers can negotiate our differences, finish our work, and send a bill to your desk in an expeditious fashion.
The differences between the two different bills can be quickly reconciled to provide the American people the certainty of a full-year bill. There are still 11 days before the end of the year, and with so many Americans struggling, there is no reason they should be wasted. You have said many times that Congress must do its work before taking vacation. Because we agree, our negotiators and the House stand ready to work through the holidays. I ask you to call on the Senate to return to appoint negotiators so that we can provide the American people the economic certainty they need.
The American people need leadership, Mr. President. I hope you will call on the Senate to do the right thing and work with us to pass a bill to extend payroll tax relief for a full year before December 31, 2011.
Sincerely,
John A. Boehner
Source: boehner.house.gov
