Schumer: Large Appetite To Fight Even If All Bush Tax Cuts Expire

[cal04]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/schumer-large-appetite-to-let-all-bush-tax-cuts-expire.php

At a press conference this morning after Senate Republicans blocked a bid to let Bush tax cuts for wealthy Americans expire, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said a large number of Democrats are prepared to continue this fight into next year, even if it means all the Bush tax cuts sunset as scheduled.

In response to a question from TPM, Schumer acknowledged, "there are lots of people in our caucus who do have that appetite. There are some who don't."

As he said that, several members joining him on stage -- Mark Begich (D-AK), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Al Franken (D-MN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) -- nodded in agreement.

Schumer declined to speculate whether Democrats would ultimately take that path. And just minutes earlier, Majority Leader Harry Reid announced on the Senate floor that he hopes to have the tax cut issue resolved by Friday, December 17 when, he hopes, the Senate adjourns until next year. But Schumer's willingness to float the possibility suggests a great deal of unease in the party about the idea of compromising with the Republicans on conservative terms, and extending all the Bush tax cuts temporarily.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20101204/ts_nm/us_usa_taxes_senate_5
The two Democratic plans to renew low tax rates for individual income up to $200,000 and up to $1 million both failed in procedural votes, as Republicans argued that low tax rates for the wealthiest should also be extended.

"It's not that we want to punish wealthy people," said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer, who had proposed extending the tax rates for those earning up to $1 million. "But they are doing fine and they are not going to spend the money and stimulate the economy."

[Tippy]

1. SHOW US ALL THE JOBS your dam tax break created...sorry for shouting,,,

[Nite Owl]

2. I'm glad Reid won his election

but I sure wish Schumer would have taken over as majority leader. He has his faults but no one can say he won't stand up for anything.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

6. But his tax legislation sucked more than Baucus's plan. No tax break

extension for ANYONE making over $200,000 (ind.) or $250,000 (family). Schumer wanted to make it $1,000,000. Sorry. That doesn't cut it one bit.

But yes, I've always liked Chuck Schumer and I wish somehow, some way, he was the Majority Leader. He just has more fight and passion. Harry puts me straight to sleep and just doesn't deliver the message in a compelling fashion.

[Nite Owl]

7. I thought his plan was the tax

break for anyone under $1mil? We are a high income state and 250k isn't a whole lot in the NYC area and that's why he proposed it. Whatever, it isn't going to happen.
Schumer has a mouth and isn't afraid to use it! NYer's aren't short of opinions on anything and his seat is safe unlike Reid's.
Thank goodness he won the alternative would have been a disaster.

[Laelth]

3. I hope they DO fight. Let them all expire. n/t

-Laelth

[pansypoo53219]

4. KILL THEM.

call them on their deficit message.

NOT ONE $ for the rich. NOT ONE!

[ibegurpard]

5. this is the trial balloon folks

we need to let them know we have their backs on this

[rucky]

8. That's all we expect to see.

A fight.

A signal that this is important to our leadership, and even if they lose a battle, they do it kicking and screaming - making it more painful and difficult for the GOP to pull this shit time and time again.