Press Releases

Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08) released the following comment in regards to today’s vote on the yearlong payroll tax extension.

Congressman Bucshon (IN-08) states:

“I support a one year extension of the payroll tax cut and extension of unemployment insurance benefits with the significant reforms contained in the House bill.  Both of which are necessitated by the failed economic policies of the Obama administration.  I cannot accept a two month bill that does not provide certainty to taxpayers, job creators, and our nation’s seniors.  It is irresponsible to govern this way and working out the details in conference is the right thing to do for the American people.  Congress has been working out the differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill by going to conference since 1789.

“In addition, I support a permanent solution to the Medicare physician payment formula, which currently puts seniors at risk of losing access to quality healthcare and may force them to change doctors.  I was willing to accept a 2 year fix when it became evident a long term solution would not be completed before seniors would be put at risk.  I cannot accept a two month extension of the Medicare physician payment formula since it continues the uncertainty for America's healthcare providers and America's seniors.

“Congress needs to go to conference and work out a one year extension of the payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits, as well as a two year fix to the Medicare physician payment formula.  This is the right thing to do for the American people.”

Background:

Former Indiana Senator Evan Bayh made the following comment on Fox News Sunday in regards to the two month extension, “This should have been extended for a full year. The pipeline ought to go forward, but this allows the President a pretty quick out after 60 days, he can say there's just not enough time to decide. So, you know, look, I think the House has got a decision to make here. It ought to be extended for a full year.”

The National Payroll Reporting Consortium, a non-profit trade association, stated on Monday, December 19, 2011 that there is concern regarding the implementation of a two month bill.  The letter can be read on ABC News website here.

The Senate version would only extend the payroll tax cuts, unemployment insurance benefits, and the Medicare reimbursement rate fix for two months.  The House version extends the payroll tax cuts for a full year, the unemployment insurance benefits for 13 months with necessary reforms to protect taxpayers, and the Medicare reimbursement rate fix for two years to provide certainty to our nation’s seniors.

In addition, under the Senate bill, only the first $18,350 of wages would be taxed at the lower rate.

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