Unemployment Benefits Extended, House Agrees to Payroll Tax Cut Deal (with Poll)

Caving in to political pressure, House G.O.P. leaders have agreed to extend the payroll tax cut beyond the end of the year, allowing 160 million jobless Americans unemployment benefits, the Washington Post reported.

House Speaker John Boehner released a statement saying the agreement should be voted on by unanimous consent before Christmas.

This comes two days after Republicans, including Glendora’s Rep. David Dreier, voted to nix the bill 22-193.

According to congressional aides, as part of the deal, Senate leaders will have to appoint a committee to negotiate a full-year tax cut when the new year begins.

The measure will allow unemployment benefits for two months and avoid slashed reimbursement rates for doctors treating Medicare patients.

Republicans have called the bill irresponsible, especially for small businesses, but the extension comes with the promise of quick negotiations over how to pay for the tax cut.