Dingell: "House Republicans Have Two Words for the American People, and it is not "Happy Holidays'."

Statement

Today House Republicans have adjourned the U.S. House of Representatives for the year without passing a vital extension of three essential policies: the payroll tax cut, emergency unemployment compensation, and Medicare physician payments.

"By adjourning, House Republicans have sent a clear message -- they have two hearty words for the American people and it is not "Happy Holidays'. Today's decision to adjourn is worse than irresponsible and reckless; it is a clear sign of the House leadership's inability to govern. House Republicans are returning home to warm homes, full pockets, and lavish dinners on their tables while the unemployment benefits of 2.3 million American workers are in dire jeopardy, doctors who treat 48 million Americans on Medicare face a massive pay cut, and 160 million Americans will see a tax increase in the New Year. The GOP strategy of trying to keep America down to win elections is sadly in full-force.

"The Speaker of the House committed to Senate leadership to moving a two-month extension through the House and now he is scared to hold a simple up-or-down vote on a bipartisan compromise. On Saturday he supported the compromise, and on Sunday he opposed it. It is clear to everyone that the Speaker has allowed uninformed extremists to jeopardize the economy, the United States' credit rating and our economic recovery. I am sure the American people will be thankful to the Speaker for endangering the country, our people, and our future.

"While the Senate's solution is less than perfect, it's a desperately needed start. Our failure to prevent an increase in payroll taxes and the expiration of unemployment benefits will cut the legs out from under our country's economic recovery. The American people need to be loud and clear with the House leadership that the GOP and the Tea Party's partisan games should come not before the livelihood of this country."

The House Republican leadership refuses to take an up or down vote on the bipartisan Senate Amendment to H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011. The Senate compromise would extend the payroll tax cut, emergency unemployment compensation, and Medicare physician payments for two months, allowing additional time for the Senate and House to work out a viable agreement on a full-year extension of these provisions. The Senate compromise won the support of 39 Republicans and 50 Democrats.

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