Pence vows press to keep Bush-era tax cuts

WASHINGTON, July 24 (UPI) -- Republicans pledged an all-out battle to make permanent several expiring tax cuts, chiding U.S. President Obama and Democrats for not acting on them.

During the GOP's weekly radio and Internet address, House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana charged that Democrats want to embrace an unprecedented tax hike in part by letting the tax cuts sunset, The Hill reported Saturday.

"After 18 months of runaway spending, bailouts and takeovers, Washington Democrats are poised to allow the largest tax increase in American history to take effect next year," Pence said. "The American people know we can't tax and spend and bail our way back to a growing economy."

He referred to tax cuts established in 2001 under President George W. Bush's administration that are due to expire at the end of the year, The Hill said. Obama and Democratic leaders have said they intend to extend tax cuts affecting middle-class taxpayers who make less than $200,000 individually or $250,000 for couples, but have been looking to delay extending tax cuts for wealthier tax brackets.

Pence, the third highest ranking House Republican, vowed Republicans in his chamber would oppose allowing the Bush-era cuts to expire "with everything we've got."

Pence also criticized Obama's economic agenda in broader terms.

"The economic policies of this administration have failed," he said.