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It's All Politics
Some Friday Political Stories Worth Noting
February 17, 2012 A roundup of some of Friday's political stories.
It's All Politics
In Payroll Tax Tug-Of-War, House GOP Lets Go, Forcing Democrats To Adjust
February 14, 2012 The unexpected move was described by some as a cave by Speaker Boehner and his leadership team. But others interpreted the act as more of a crafty strategic retreat meant to accomplish at least two key ends. One, it was intended to prevent Republicans from incurring any more self-inflicted wounds on the issue. Two, it was meant to confuse Democrats, throw them off balance and divide them.
The Two-Way
Keystone Pipeline's Connection To Payroll Taxes? It's Up For Debate
January 25, 2012 The White House says it makes no sense to link the controversial pipeline's fate to an extension of the payroll tax cut. Republicans say both issues are about jobs.
The Two-Way
Payroll Tax Cut's Last Hurdle Cleared: House Gives 'Unanimous Consent'
December 23, 2011 As with everything happening in Congress these days, the deal reached Thursday to pass a 2-month extension of a payroll tax cut and jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed wasn't a "done deal" until one more step was taken.
It's All Politics
In A Year Of Partisan Brawls, Congress Goes One More Round
December 21, 2011 At stake are billions of dollars in tax breaks and unemployment benefits for millions of Americans set to expire Jan. 1, after the House rejected a bill that would have extended jobless benefits and the payroll tax holiday for two months.
It's All Politics
Does Payroll Tax Stalemate Favor Obama, Democrats Over House GOP?
December 20, 2011 For the present impasse to work to the political advantage of House Republicans, Speaker John Boehner and the members of his Congress would have to convince enough of the public that it's Republicans, not Democrats, who are more concerned about the taxes middle-class Americans pay. That's a major challenge.
The Two-Way
House Rejects Senate's Extension Of Payroll Tax Cut
December 20, 2011 With the Senate in recess, the move leaves the bill in limbo and could mean that millions of Americans could lose their long-term unemployment benefits and see their taxes increase in January.
It's All Politics
Lobbyists For Payroll Processing Firms Want Year-Long Extension
December 19, 2011 House Republicans got support for their stance that Congress pass a year-long extension of the payroll tax holiday instead of a two-month stopgap from those with a particular dog in the fight — the companies that process all that payroll data. The lobbying organizations for payroll processors said that a two-month extension of the payroll tax would be a processing nightmare.
It's All Politics
Payroll-Tax Stalemate Lets Democrats, GOP Underscore Key 2012 Messages
December 14, 2011 Another holiday season finds the nation dealing with a seasonal tradition that's becoming as routine as background Christmas music at retail establishments, the threat of a federal government shutdown and congressional Republicans and Democrats locked in stalemate as they each try to gain the political upper hand.
It's All Politics
GOP Objects To 'Millionaires Surtax'; Millionaires We Found? Not So Much
December 9, 2011 The Senate has again rejected proposals to extend the payroll tax holiday through next year, with Republicans objecting to using a "millionaires surtax" to pay for it. NPR tried to find millionaires who also object — but with little success.
It's All Politics
Update: Story About Payroll Tax Cuts Harming Social Security Draws Reaction
December 7, 2011 There's been quite a response to an earlier NPR story on concerns that the payroll tax holiday is undermining the Social Security program — everything from genteel but firm phone calls from the White House to angry emails from the press secretary of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
It's All Politics
Can Congress Really Compromise On Extending The Payroll Tax Cut?
December 5, 2011 Congressional leaders from both parties say the payroll tax cut is a must-pass measure. It's just not entirely clear how it's going to happen.
It's All Politics
Congress' GOP Tries To Blunt Obama, Democrats' Use Of Payroll-Tax Issue
November 30, 2011 What politician wants to be on the side of not extending the very populist payroll tax holiday at a time when many Americans with jobs are struggling to pay their bills?Certainly not congressional Republican leaders who realize that's a dangerous spot to be in as your party gets ready to defend its House majority and try to gain control of the Senate in 2012.
