Merkley Joins Democratic Opposition to Obama Tax Deal

 
Jeff Merkley

All four House Democrats from Oregon have already voiced opposition to President Obama's tax deal with Republicans. Now U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) has joined their chorus with his own concerns.

Merkley said the tax package, which the Senate is expected to approve this week, would add to the national debt and do little for middle-class families.

In a statement, Merkley supported components of the plan—namely tax cuts to working families and the continuation of jobless aid to the long-term unemployed—but blasted the extension of Bush-era tax rates.

"Bonus tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires," Merkley said, "have been consistently found to be among the least effective in terms of job creation."

Here's the full statement from Merkley's office:

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