Price Statement on Extension of Payroll Tax Reductions, Unemployment Benefits, and Medicare Physician Reimbursement Rates

Statement

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA) issued the following statement after the House passed a 60-day extension of the payroll tax reduction, unemployment benefits, and Medicare physician reimbursement rates after the Democrat-led Senate agreed to appoint conferees and begin working with House Republican negotiators on a long-term solution.

"House Republicans have been in Washington fighting to get a long-term solution in place so American families, job creators, seniors and their doctors can have some measure of certainty in the year ahead," said Chairman Price. "Senator Reid and President Obama, unfortunately, felt that the best they could offer the American people at this time was a two-month punt into next year. A two-month extension to work out our differences would not have been necessary had Senator Reid and President Obama been willing to do their job today. They have shown a troubling lack of leadership, but families, job creators, and seniors should not have to face the consequences of their intransigence going into the new year. The American people have already suffered enough under the Obama economy.

"House Republicans have fought for a one-year extension of the payroll tax reduction and unemployment benefits and a two-year relief from cuts in payments for doctors treating seniors on Medicare because we understand and have heard from job creators, families, and physicians that they need more certainty. All year, in the face of political demagoguery, House Republicans have advanced bold solutions to address our nation's incredible challenges head-on and in a positive manner. We have fought to lift the crushing burden of debt, rein in the burdensome regulatory regime, and help generate greater confidence and certainty in the economy. The past few days are emblematic of how our efforts have been met with resistance and a desire to maintain the status quo. Hopefully, Senate Democrats will not continue to drag their feet over the next two months but rather get to work with Republicans in an expeditious manner to reconcile our differences."

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