(with apologies to Dr. Seuss)

 “And what happened then...?
“Well...in the House, they say
“That the GOP’s small hearts
“Grew three sizes that day!
“And the minute their hearts didn't feel quite so tight,
“They called to their Tea Party in the faint evening light
“And they thought of the voters! And decided at last!
“And they...

“...Republicans THEMSELVES...!
“Said the bill would be passed!”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following House Republicans’ agreement to pass the Senate’s bipartisan compromise that would extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance benefits for two months while temporarily preventing a 27 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement for doctors , Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement.

“With visions of 2012 voters dancing in their heads, House Republicans have finally come to their senses. As it was in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, House Republicans saw what the world would like in 2013 if they raised taxes on 160 million Americans: a world with far fewer Republicans in Congress. Let’s hope Republicans will honor this holiday season compromise in their hearts, and try to keep it all the year.”