As Republicans Let Taxes Increase on 160 million Americans, Markey Asks GOP: What Planet Are You On?
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Harvard scientists have for the first time discovered a planet the size of Earth around a star 950 light years away. Kepler-20f has a diameter 3 percent larger than Earth's, encouraging astronomers about prospects of finding other planets that can support life.  This remarkable discovery has occurred following House Republicans’ otherworldly opposition to extending the payroll tax for middle class families. Today, Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee and dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, released the following statement:
 
“Astronomers have discovered a planet in another solar system nearly the same size as Earth, offering an explanation as to where House Republicans’ thinking could be coming from as they prepare to raise taxes on 160 million Americans. With the payroll tax cut set to expire in mere days, House Republicans are putting our struggling economy at risk by taking money out of the paychecks of hard-working Americans.
 
“This year, Republicans and their extreme Tea Party faction have boldly gone where no Congress has gone before as they tried to shut down the government and brought our nation to the brink of default while protecting tax breaks for millionaires, billionaires and Big Oil.
 
“Next year, if Republicans had their way, they’d start drilling on Kepler-20f, build a pipeline straight through the solar system and export that oil to Mars.
 
“The Senate passed a bipartisan compromise to provide tax relief and unemployment insurance to Americans who need it most right now. By refusing to listen to the American people and allow a vote on the Senate bill, House Republicans are showing they really are light years away from understanding and addressing the needs of the middle class.”