Altmire: Americans Can't Afford More of the Same from Washington

Statement

U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today issued the following statement opposing the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act.

"It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in this same situation every year when things get tough," Congressman Altmire said. "Rather than compromising on the issues that are important to the country, political extremists have dictated a path forward that has very little chance of seeing the light of day. I am in strong support of the Keystone pipeline project and am optimistic that we can come to agreement on its approval, but this bill does not solve the immediate tax uncertainty facing Americans or the looming cuts to Medicare reimbursements that could threaten seniors' access to care.

"Traveling throughout western Pennsylvania, I hear from small businesses every day that uncertainty is a major obstacle to their success. This bill only adds to that burden and further jeopardizes our economic recovery. Passage of this bill is in serious question in the Senate and the president has already issued a veto threat should the bill make it to his desk. Washington needs to stop letting the ideological extremists drive the agenda and start focusing on providing real solutions to the problems facing this country. We are quickly approaching a hard deadline and I will continue to work with my colleagues to develop a package that can pass both chambers of Congress and receive final approval from the president. The American people deserve better from Washington, and Congress should stop wasting time playing these types of game."

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