McConnell: Extend tax cut in short term and long term

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Thursday that the House and Senate should meet in Washington to extend the payroll-tax cut set to expire Dec. 31.

With the clock ticking, Mr. McConnell, Kentucky Republican, said the House should pass a short-term extension that gives 160 million Americans certainty that their taxes will not rise Jan. 1. He also called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, to convene negotiators on the longer-term extension that House Republicans are demanding.

Thirty-nine of Mr. McConnell’s Senate Republicans helped the Senate pass a two-month extension last week. House Speaker John A. Boehner’s Republicans, who want a yearlong extension, were outraged and have refused to go along.

Mr. McConnell’s proposal came after Rep. Dave Camp, Michigan Republican, suggested a three-month extension.