Statement

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) today released the following statement upon announcement of an agreement to extend the payroll tax holiday and prevent a tax increase on working Americans in January.

"I strongly believe that the House-passed plan to extend the payroll tax holiday for one year, unemployment insurance with reforms for 13 months, and a fix for Medicare reimbursement to our doctors for 24 months is the best policy that's been offered so far," Rep. Walden said. "However, I cannot stand by and watch working Americans endure a tax increase at the beginning of the year because the Senate refused to work with us on a long-term solution for America."

"While I am disappointed that we will have to revisit this same issue in January and February, I know that American families shouldn't have to worry through the holidays about a smaller paycheck and be punished in the New Year because of the Senate's insistence on punting on this important issue for two months. We will continue to work hard toward a long term solution in January and February, and I am hopeful we can reach consensus on stronger policy for the American people--after all, that's what they sent us here to do in the first place."