Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin expressed support for a payroll tax extension on Wednesday, saying Democrats would seek to reach a compromise before the Christmas holiday.
Speaking with reporters, the Illinois Democrat said an earlier meeting with President Obama had left senators with the impression that the White House would seek to keep congressional lawmakers in Washington until a deal is reached.
“The president made it clear in our meeting in the Oval office this morning, he is committed to this payroll tax cut for working families across America,” said Mr. Durbin. “[President Obama] gave us fair warning: we’re staying in Washington until we get the job done. Our holiday gift to American families is not going to be a tax increase.”
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid vowed Wednesday to keep lawmakers in session until a deal is reached.
“We are not going to go home to vacations,” said Mr. Reid. “Does this mean embarrassing Republicans, humiliating them? Probably — as it should.”
President Obama said Wednesday that he will stay in Washington and miss or delay his annual Hawaiian vacation if the payroll tax cut extension, which expires at the end of the year, is not passed before the holidays. Mr. Obama has made the payroll tax cut extension a key battle in the final weeks of the 2011, citing the current economic climate, which shows the nation’s rate of unemployment above 8 percent.
