Sept. 21, 2012--The House is set
today to recess through Election Day. Democrats held a photo op
to highlight unfinished business, citing the need to prevent
sequestration as well as pass middle class tax cuts, a jobs bills and a
farm
bill (letter). "We're fired up
and ready to stay," declared Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer.
"Congress should not leave town without passing the middle-class tax
cut," said Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn.
Meanwhile, House Republicans argue that they have kept the promises
made two years ago in their "Pledge to America," but that "President
Obama’s failure to
lead" and the Democratic-controlled Senate have blocked progress (press release). As expected,
Congress
has put off the difficult work; when Members return for the lame duck
session following the November elections, they must an agreement on
deficit reduction to avoid the sharp cuts that would be imposed by a
sequestration (this is a result of Congress' action back in Aug. 2011).
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