Dem Sen. Harkin criticizes possible tax compromise in 'fiscal cliff' talks

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The Hill:

Dem Sen. Harkin criticizes possible tax compromise in 'fiscal cliff' talks

By Ramsey Cox and Alexander Bolton - 12/31/12 11:23 AM ET

Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) criticized an emerging "fiscal cliff" deal on Monday, arguing Democrats were giving up too much on tax rates for the rich.

Harkin said "no deal is better than a bad deal" in reference to an agreement that could extend tax rates for households with annuals income under $450,000.

"This is one Democrat who doesn’t agree with that at all,” Harkin said.

“What it looks like is, it looks like all of the tax things are going to be made permanent, but all of the other things that the middle class in America depend on is extended for one year, maybe two years. I think that’s grossly unfair. Grossly unfair.”

Harkin argued Democrats were making permanent generous tax rates for wealthier households even as, in return, they were only winning temporary extensions of programs that would help the poor and middle class, such as federal unemployment benefits.

Harkin also voiced concern that