WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement:

“As we enter the holiday season, Republicans in Washington have decided to play the Grinch to Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own while simultaneously trying to play Santa Claus to millionaires and billionaires with tax breaks they don't need and which we can't afford. It is incomprehensible to me that some of the same Republicans who would deny an extension of unemployment benefits would then turn around and vote for tax breaks for the rich.

“With passage of today’s bill, we have taken an immediate step to  prevent any tax increase for the middle class, while allowing the Bush tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires to expire. I urge the Senate to act quickly to pass this bill.”

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