Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday that he would seek to persuade Republican leaders in Congress to extend a payroll tax holiday.
The Kentucky Republican says he agrees with President Obama and Senate Majority Harry Reid, both of whom have pushed for an extension of the payroll tax cut in recent weeks.
“I believe that we should extend the payroll tax holiday another year to avoid a tax increase on working people,” the Kentucky Republican said. “I also agree with Senator [Harry] Reid, my counterpart, that we ought not to do it again next year.”
Mr. McConnell said he believed both chambers would approve the House Republican plan, which extends the payroll tax holiday and includes a controversial provision on the Keystone pipeline project. President Obama has said he will veto any measure including a proposal including the Keystone pipeline project. The project, which has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, is likely to remain stuck in Congress until the conclusion of the 2012 election.
Speaking Sunday, Mr. McConnell said the latest proposals, which Democrats have proposed, are unlikely to pass the House. Congressional Republicans have said they will oppose any measure including an increase in taxes, a provision the Democratically-controlled Senate has pushed for.
“That isn’t going to happen,” Mr. McConnell said.
Still, the Kentucky Republican expressed confidence regarding whether Congress will ultimately pass a measure extending the payroll tax cut.
“Obviously we’re gong to reach an agreement,” said Mr. McConnell. “The president is posturing here.”
