WASHINGTON (AP) — One of President Obama’s top aides said Sunday that the White House will figure out a way to get middle-class tax cuts extended after the election. Meanwhile, the second-ranking House Democratic leader echoed that statement, saying the House probably won’t vote this week on the tax cuts and will deal instead with the issue after Nov. 2.
Senior adviser David Axelrod said the administration will continue to push the tax cuts despite stiff resistance from Republicans.
Mr. Axelrod told ABC’s “This Week” that “one way or the other, we’re going to get it done.”
He said that Republicans are holding firm to an “untenable position” and that they won’t be able to explain to the public why they’re holding up the tax cuts for the middle class.
Republicans want to extend all of former President George W. Bush’s income tax cuts permanently. Democrats are proposing to keep the rates where they are for individuals making up to $200,000 and for families earning up to $250,000.
Rep. Steny H. Hoyer, Maryland Democrat, said that because the legislation is stuck in the Senate for now, forcing a vote before the House leaves town for the fall elections would be a “specious act.”
Mr. Hoyer, appearing on “Fox News Sunday,” said Democrats will pass legislation by year’s end that ensures taxes won’t raised be raised on the middle class.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, has said a vote was possible.
House Democrats — much like their Senate counterparts — are divided on the issue. Republicans and a few Democrats want to extend the tax cuts for everyone, even the wealthiest Americans.
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