Progressives at the Campaign for America's Future:

Washington, DC – House Republicans have announced they will block the extension of payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits that President Obama and Congressional leaders agreed to. Progressives at the Campaign for America’s Future are telling Americans this latest battle is proof that Congressional Republicans are sabotaging the economic recovery for political gain.

“There they go again. The country needs these measures to infuse cash into the economy and the Republicans torpedo them for political reasons,” said Roger Hickey, co-director of Campaign for America’s Future. “House Republicans claim they support extending payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance, but every time Congress gets close, they add on onerous conditions or renege on previous deals. We call that sabotage.”

“Even if you passed the payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance, the government would still be doing less to boost the economy than they did last year, which is folly with 23 million Americans unemployed,” said Robert Borosage, co-director of the Campaign for America’s Future. “The Republican House Majority has blocked every proposed bill that would actually create jobs. They have forced the US into austerity. It’s either pure blind stupidity or craven treachery designed for a political purpose.”

Borosage said, “If we don’t assume the Republicans are dim-witted, the only conclusion is that they are happy to go contribute to mass unemployment that they can blame the President for.”

Campaign for America’s Future’s co-directors are asking Americans to tell Republican Congressional leaders to stop playing politics with the economy and put the needs of middle class Americans first. Link to the petition to Republican leaders is here.