Washington – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement after the U.S. House voted to adjourn without extending the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 which are scheduled to expire on January 1, 2011:

“I am very disappointed that Speaker Pelosi and the Majority in Congress voted to adjourn without holding an up-or-down vote on these beneficial tax cuts which are essential to America’s recovery.  Whenever I meet with small businesses owners in Eastern Washington, they constantly mention the economic uncertainty caused by the Majority’s agenda – the threat of higher taxes, the cost of new health care mandates, the potential that other burdensome regulations may be coming soon – as the chief reason for their lack of growth and job creation.  The fact that Congress would adjourn without extending the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 – putting America’s families and small businesses at risk of a $3.9 trillion tax increase over the next 10 years – and exacerbating the economic uncertainty already felt throughout the nation – is the height of irresponsibility and recklessness.” 

“I believe we should extend the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 and we should have done it today.  No tax ever created a job in America.  And if Congress reconvenes in November and President Obama and Speaker Pelosi go through with their plan of raising taxes, it will increase the threat of a double-dip recession.”

To watch the Congresswoman’s remarks at today’s Leadership press conference, click here.

###