Pelosi Calls for Payroll Tax Cut Conference Committee to Get to Work

Statement

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats held a press availability in the Capitol today calling on House Republicans to immediately begin working with Democrats on a long-term agreement to extend the payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans--and avoid taking us to the point of brinkmanship once again.

This morning, Republican Speaker Pro Tempore Jeff Denham, under orders from Speaker Boehner, refused to allow Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn to speak on the floor and call for the payroll tax cut conference committee to get to work.

Americans are out of work and we've got work to do, but Republicans are out of session. We can't wait.

Below are selected quotes from House Democrats at today's press availability as well as Leader Pelosi's opening remarks and closing statement.

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi:

"The American people are crying out for jobs. They want us to work together. We can do that. I don't know what the Republicans are afraid of. Where are they? They are telling us that they were in late in December so they can't be here in January? What is this one month on, one month off? The American people want jobs. We have a job to do. We can't wait."

Source