http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/13/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
In a vote that was essentially split down party lines, the House of Representatives passed through legislation involving Social Security Payroll Tax Cuts(SSPTC) tonight that will effect approximately 160 million Americans nationwide. This piece of the legislation was pushed through at President Obama's request. However, the Bill is likely to meet it's demise when it reaches the Democratic lead Senate. Why? Because also included in the bill is the proposed construction of a Canada to Texas pipline, the Keystone XL Pipeline. Despite his support for the principles of the SSPTC, President Obama himself has said he will veto the Bill if it reaches his desk, due to concerns over how the Pipeline will be paid for. Republican House Speaker John Boehner spoke regarding both the SS Tax Cuts and the Pipline following the passage of aforementioned legislation through the House this evening.
Regarding the Social Security Payroll Tax Cut, Boehner said the following:
With regards to the Pipline, Boehner said:
To truly understand the nature of what Boehner is referring to, I find it very important to look at the key elements of what exactly has been passed tonight. Regarding the Social Security Payroll tax Cut, the following measures have been passed.
It's a sharp cut in UC Benefits, almost halving them in fact. I'm all for it, personally. The current plan prior to this evening extended benefits to almost 2 years for those who lose their jobs. There are also provisions in there for people to receive partial unemployment benefits, which again is a necessary thing for those who lose jobs and are only able to find jobs that pay significantly less. But one would think that over a year would be satisfactory time for the individual/family to adjust, especially if they know the deadline is fast approaching.
Again, something I fully support. In theory, there's no way to be certain that the money given in unemployment isn't being used to by illicit drugs, but having a system in place should at least serve as a mighty deterrent. Further, having those who don't have a high school degree pursuing them will only benefit them in their hireability, which will lessen their need for UC benefits in the long run.
To me, this can only serve as being beneficial for our healthcare in general. The "doc fix" would cut the amount paid to doctors with Medicare patients by 27%. This would inevitably lead to a lower quality of health care, and less options for those on Medicare as a result.
Both the Republicans and Democrats are essentially in agreement about the above three. Before we move on, just one question:
Where do you stand on the above three provisions that are apart of the Social Security Payroll Tax Cut Legislation?
While the Republicans and Democrats agree on the principles being espoused in the legislation, the amounts proposed to be spent are far less then Obama and the Democrats had hoped for. But the disagreement, and what will essentially doom the bill, is the Keystone XL Pipline, and how the passed legislation will be paid for.
The Keystone XL Pipeline is an oil pipeline that will extend from Canada to Texas. Estimates amongst Congress and the Pipeline construction company are arguing that the jobs created by the Pipeline will help defray many of the costs that arise from building said pipeline. Estimates as to created jobs are anywhere from the State Department estimate of 6,000 jobs to House speculation today that over 100,000 jobs will created.
The real problem that arises here is the question of how to pay for the pipeline, or more importantly, whose wallets will take the biggest hits. Democratic party senior lawmaker Sander Levin on the Ways and Means Committee said the following regarding who this bill will affect:
Obviously, the speculation here is that the lower and middle class will ultimately take the larger hit, while the upper class will see nothing. Whether this is accurate remains to be true, but one thing is all but certain: While the bill passed through the House, it is all but DOA when it reaches the Senate. Still, one can't help but see this as a step in the right direction, with hopes that a separate deal benefiting all involved will eventually pass.
Is the initial passing of this bill through the House a step in the right direction? Why?
Thoughts on the proposed Pipeline construction and subsequent legislation? Does it belong on the same bill as the Social Security Payroll bill?
Any other thoughts or discussion on this topic are welcome and encouraged.
In a vote that was essentially split down party lines, the House of Representatives passed through legislation involving Social Security Payroll Tax Cuts(SSPTC) tonight that will effect approximately 160 million Americans nationwide. This piece of the legislation was pushed through at President Obama's request. However, the Bill is likely to meet it's demise when it reaches the Democratic lead Senate. Why? Because also included in the bill is the proposed construction of a Canada to Texas pipline, the Keystone XL Pipeline. Despite his support for the principles of the SSPTC, President Obama himself has said he will veto the Bill if it reaches his desk, due to concerns over how the Pipeline will be paid for. Republican House Speaker John Boehner spoke regarding both the SS Tax Cuts and the Pipline following the passage of aforementioned legislation through the House this evening.
Regarding the Social Security Payroll Tax Cut, Boehner said the following:
With regards to the Pipline, Boehner said:
To truly understand the nature of what Boehner is referring to, I find it very important to look at the key elements of what exactly has been passed tonight. Regarding the Social Security Payroll tax Cut, the following measures have been passed.
It's a sharp cut in UC Benefits, almost halving them in fact. I'm all for it, personally. The current plan prior to this evening extended benefits to almost 2 years for those who lose their jobs. There are also provisions in there for people to receive partial unemployment benefits, which again is a necessary thing for those who lose jobs and are only able to find jobs that pay significantly less. But one would think that over a year would be satisfactory time for the individual/family to adjust, especially if they know the deadline is fast approaching.
Again, something I fully support. In theory, there's no way to be certain that the money given in unemployment isn't being used to by illicit drugs, but having a system in place should at least serve as a mighty deterrent. Further, having those who don't have a high school degree pursuing them will only benefit them in their hireability, which will lessen their need for UC benefits in the long run.
To me, this can only serve as being beneficial for our healthcare in general. The "doc fix" would cut the amount paid to doctors with Medicare patients by 27%. This would inevitably lead to a lower quality of health care, and less options for those on Medicare as a result.
Both the Republicans and Democrats are essentially in agreement about the above three. Before we move on, just one question:
Where do you stand on the above three provisions that are apart of the Social Security Payroll Tax Cut Legislation?
While the Republicans and Democrats agree on the principles being espoused in the legislation, the amounts proposed to be spent are far less then Obama and the Democrats had hoped for. But the disagreement, and what will essentially doom the bill, is the Keystone XL Pipline, and how the passed legislation will be paid for.
The Keystone XL Pipeline is an oil pipeline that will extend from Canada to Texas. Estimates amongst Congress and the Pipeline construction company are arguing that the jobs created by the Pipeline will help defray many of the costs that arise from building said pipeline. Estimates as to created jobs are anywhere from the State Department estimate of 6,000 jobs to House speculation today that over 100,000 jobs will created.
The real problem that arises here is the question of how to pay for the pipeline, or more importantly, whose wallets will take the biggest hits. Democratic party senior lawmaker Sander Levin on the Ways and Means Committee said the following regarding who this bill will affect:
Obviously, the speculation here is that the lower and middle class will ultimately take the larger hit, while the upper class will see nothing. Whether this is accurate remains to be true, but one thing is all but certain: While the bill passed through the House, it is all but DOA when it reaches the Senate. Still, one can't help but see this as a step in the right direction, with hopes that a separate deal benefiting all involved will eventually pass.
Is the initial passing of this bill through the House a step in the right direction? Why?
Thoughts on the proposed Pipeline construction and subsequent legislation? Does it belong on the same bill as the Social Security Payroll bill?
Any other thoughts or discussion on this topic are welcome and encouraged.