Tax Hike Show-Votes Won't Create Jobs

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks Thursday regarding extending tax cuts for all Americans:

"Yesterday we watched a number of Democrat senators come to the floor and express their exasperation at not being able to do what they want to do around here.

"Astonishing.

"Let's face it: Most Americans aren't particularly interested in the things Democrat leaders have put at the top of their to-do list. They thought they put a restraining order on Democrat partisan priorities early last month.

"It's time Democrats put the priorities of the voters first.

"In a couple of weeks the lights go out around here unless we do something to stop it.

"At the end of the month every taxpayer suffers a pay-cut unless we stop it.

"But Democrats would rather spend the Senate's limited time on Don't Ask Don't Tell and Immigration. They'd rather come down to the floor to talk about filibuster rules.

"So they still don't get it -- and that's why Republicans are insisting we put these things aside and finish the most important and urgent legislation before time runs out.

"Fifteen million Americans are out of work.

"More than three million of those lost jobs have come since the Stimulus was passed.

"So with all due respect for the Democrats' economic theories, a trillion dollar stimulus, endless government spending and bailouts doesn't appear to have worked.

"We've tried their way.

"Now it's time to try what businesses and families are asking us to do.

"Ask any business owner in America what we could do to help them start hiring again.

"They'll tell you the best thing we can do is give them certainty about their taxes.

"The Dream Act doesn't create jobs.

"Filibuster rules don't create jobs.

"Wasting time on votes to raise taxes won't create jobs.

"Right now, House Democrats are getting ready to send us a bill on taxes they know won't pass in the Senate.

"This is a purely political exercise.

"Just consider what number of Senate Democrats have said about this issue.

"Here's what one of their newest members said just a few weeks ago:

`I would extend them [tax cuts] for everyone.'

"Here's another one from September:

`I don't think it makes sense to raise any federal taxes during the uncertain economy we are struggling through.'

"Others said:

`I Support extending all of the expiring tax cuts until the nation's economy is in better shape, and perhaps longer, because raising taxes in a weak economy could impair recovery. Continuing all of the tax cuts could provide certainty for families and businesses nationwide.'

`I Don't Think They Ought To Be Drawing A Distinction At $250,000.'

`The economy is very weak right now. Raising taxes will lower consumer demand at a time when we want people putting more money into the Economy.'

'Raising taxes during an economic downturn, one said, `Would be counterproductive.'

"So what's the problem?

"Seems to me like we have solid bipartisan agreement on what the right thing to do is for the economy and for job creation.

"Who's holding it up -- and what do they have against helping businesses and creating jobs?

"It's time to focus.

"We've tried the tax and spend route. It hasn't worked. Let's listen to the voters.

"Let's fund the government while reducing spending and prevent a massive tax hike on every American taxpayer.

"Look: We've got bipartisan support for this in the Senate and bipartisan opposition to raising taxes on anyone.

"As the President said earlier this week after our meeting at the White House,

`I think everybody understands that the American people want us to focus on their jobs, not ours. They want us to come together around strategies to accelerate the recovery and get Americans back to work.'

"Let's get this done."

Source