WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee and dean of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, released the following statement about the House Republican’s so-called “Plan B”, H.J.Res. 66. Under the GOP’s “Plan B”, 25 million working families would pay an average of $1,000 more in taxes, eleven million families would lose a tax credit that helps pay for college, and two million Americans would be cut off from unemployment benefits next month. Additionally, 50 million seniors’ and other Medicare enrollees’ health care would be jeopardized as doctors face a 27 percent cut in Medicare payments.
 
“The ‘B’ in the Republican so-called ‘Plan B’ stands for bogus, boondoggle, and bluff. This GOP proposal provides a $50,000 tax break to the wealthiest U.S. households, while simultaneously raising taxes on working families and the poor. House Republicans should stop playing games, allow a vote on extending the middle class tax cuts, and join with Democrats who are calling for a bold and balanced plan to avert the fiscal cliff.”
 
###