House GOP revolts on payroll deal

[Casino67]

Politico:

House Republicans are in full revolt in the wake of Senate passage of a two-month payroll tax holiday package, casting serious doubt on the fate of a bill that already has President Barack Obama’s approval.

In a private conference call on Saturday afternoon, rank-and-file House Republicans complained bitterly about the contents of the deal, which would extend through February the president’s Social Security tax cut, unemployment insurance and Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors. The sweetener of a provision requiring the president to expedite consideration of the Keystone XL oil pipeline wasn’t enough to offset the bitterness of a deal that gives the president two more months to pillory Republicans on a tax cut that is one of his most popular policies.

Republican leaders were warned that they could expect a rebellion if lawmakers are forced to vote on the Senate version of the bill, according to a source on the line. After the call, it’s not clear whether Republican leaders will try to pass the bill with a combination of Republican and Democratic votes or try another version and bring the Senate back to town. Leadership is expected to reconvene this weekend to talk about how to proceed.

“Leaders said they held the call to get input from members. The speaker described three possible options - accept Senate bill, go to conference, or amend the Senate bill and send it back,” said a GOP aide. “Members are overwhelmingly disappointed in the Senate’s decision to just ‘kick the can down the road’ for two months. No announcement was made regarding the schedule or plans.”

[Casino67]

@edhenryTV Ed Henry

Big update: Senior House GOP aide tells me most Repubs are opposed to Senate payroll bill, will demand the legislation be amended

 

 

edhenryTV Ed Henry

That means payroll battle far from over: House now likely to pass amended version of payroll -- which will make Senators come back to work

 

 

edhenryTV Ed Henry

House Repubs privately saying two-month extension sparks "massive uncertainty" for employers & middle class ...going to get more interesting

[WestVirginiaRebel]

They got the pipeline and the light bulb repeal in the House...seems the Senate Republicans ought to be able to go forward with those.

[Casino67]

They got the pipeline and the light bulb repeal in the House...seems the Senate Republicans ought to be able to go forward with those.

 

 

edhenryTV Ed Henry

Also once House GOP tinkers with payroll part of bill they could also try to strengthen pipeline language ....