For three days, House Republicans refused to back a compromise that would prevent payroll taxes from rising on January 1, hitting the pay cheques of 160 million American workers.
Speaker John Boehner, the Republican leader, rejected a deal passed overwhelmingly by the Senate because it only extended tax cuts for two months rather than a full year.
But under withering fire from the White House and a growing chorus of discontent within his own party, Mr Boehner caved in tonight and agreed to pass the short-term bill.
"It may not have been politically the smartest thing in the world but our members waged a good fight," he said when asked whether he regretted his initial opposition to the deal.
Mr Boehner said he aimed to pass the legislation would be passed by unanimous consent before Christmas, meaning neither the Senate nor the House would have to formally convene.
The deal is a rare example of President Obama outmaneuvering Congressional Republicans and is a welcome boost as he heads to Hawaii for a holiday with his family.
Flanked by examples of the "hardworking Americans", the President spoke before the deal was made and railed against the "faction of House Republicans that have refused to support this compromise".
After the announcement that Mr Boehner had backed down he said: "This is the right thing to do to strengthen our families, grow our economy, and create new jobs. This is real money that will make a real difference in people’s lives".
Recent polls show his approval rating beginning to creep upwards after a dismal year in which he has taken most of the blame for the faltering economy and high unemployment.
No comments:
Post a Comment