U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) issued the following statement regarding the House Republicans’ motion that could likely lead to 160 million Americans facing a tax increase and 2.2 million people losing their unemployment benefits while they continue to look for a job. DeGette voted against the measure, which passed 229 to 193.
“Today I join the American people in their extraordinary frustration over the leadership of the House yet again creating a politically motivated crisis and placing the financial security of millions of American families in jeopardy. Multiple media reports made clear that Speaker Boehner did in fact agree to a deal the bipartisan leadership of the Senate worked hard to negotiate, and which passed with 89 Members of the Senate in agreement. The extreme wing of the House Republican caucus is once again rejecting the notion of bipartisan compromise, leading Speaker Boehner to renege on his agreement.
“While a two-month extension is far from ideal, given the intransigence that has marked this year in Congress, and the difficult negotiations that have already taken place on this bill, it is clear more time is needed to develop an effective year-long solution. This short-term extension would allow time for more negotiation without forcing American families to endure a tax hike or the devastating consequences of losing their unemployment benefits.
“That is why, with only 11 days left in this year, I am gravely disappointed the Leadership prevented us from even voting on the Senate’s bipartisan compromise. Therefore I had no choice but to vote against the politically motivated motion to go to conference. However, given the dire consequences for the American people, I must now strongly urge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to appoint conferees and work towards a common-sense solution for our nation before January 1. I stand ready to vote at any time to help the millions of Americans who rely upon these critical funds.”
