

In a significant demonstration of opposition to President Obama's tax deal with Senate Republicans, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today joined 53 of his colleagues in the U.S. House in opposing the president's proposal, because it includes excessive tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans.

In a letter sent to Speaker Pelosi, Hinchey and his colleagues called the proposal "fiscally irresponsible" and "grossly unfair."

"The wealthy now hold more of this nation's wealth than at any time since the Great Depression," said Hinchey. "Billionaires like Warren Buffet pay a lower percentage tax rate than the secretaries they employ. Middle class families are barely holding on. Our country is in a debt crisis, and now the president has brokered a deal that costs us an additional $900 billion, placing the greed of a few before the needs of many. I agree that we need to extend tax cuts for 98 percent of working families and unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs, but we simply cannot afford another tax cut for the rich. Not now - not during this crisis."


The full text of the letter is copied below:

Dear Madam Speaker,







Maurice Hinchey, aforementioned co-signatures