House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement after House Republicans approved a tax bill that would raise taxes on middle-class and working families:
"There is no way for Republicans to spin this: today's vote was a lavish gift to well-connected GOP donors. The simple truth is, this scam of a bill will raise taxes on middle-class families and working Americans who are seeking financial stability in an uncertain economy. I'm particularly disappointed in my New York colleagues who voted for this bill and against the best interests of their constituents and our state.
"This bill will force homeowners and renters to pay more just to stay in their homes. It will force teachers to pay out of their own pockets for necessary school supplies. And it will make it harder for veterans to find meaningful work when they return to civilian life. I cannot understand how Republicans can justify hurting hard-working men and women in Queens, the Bronx, and across the country just so their special interest friends can cash-in on an unneeded tax break."