House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) slammed the GOP counter-offer to avoid the fiscal cliff as an “assault” on middle class Americans and the elderly, claiming it “only makes matters worse.”
She said Democrats will file a discharge petition to force a vote on middle class tax cuts Tuesday.
Her statement in full:
“The Republican proposal is another assault on the middle class, seniors, and our future. The American people made clear that they want us to work together on a balanced approach; yet, in the Republican plan, any alleged resemblance to an offer seeking balance and fairness is nonexistent. It only makes matters worse.
“The Republican plan talks about seeking middle ground, yet reiterates their party’s commitment to put millionaires ahead of the middle class and Medicare. Republicans are simply digging in their heels by refusing to ask the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share and actually calling for lower tax rates.
“Instead of wasting the public’s time, House Republicans should allow a vote on the Senate-passed middle income tax cuts to strengthen middle class families, spur growth in our economy, provide certainty to small businesses, and create jobs. Democrats are filing a discharge petition, to force a vote on extending the middle income tax cut, on Tuesday at noon. There’s no time to waste.”
