Pelosi: Middle class 'will have a tax cut'

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Friday the House may force a vote next week on tax cuts and promised "America's middle class will have a tax cut."

Speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill, Pelosi said House Democrats "will retain the right to proceed as we choose and would take it one day at a time" before deciding whether to vote next week on extending tax cuts enacted in 2001 and scheduled to expire at the end of this year. Senate Democratic leaders have indicated the Senate will not vote on the question before the November election.

President Barack Obama and Democratic congressional leaders have endorsed allowing the 2001 rates to expire for individuals reporting income of $200,000 or more and couples reporting $250,000 or more, but extending the tax cuts for the middle class.

"But let me be very clear, as we have all been clear in the House Democratic leadership," Pelosi said. "America's middle class will have a tax cut. It will be done in this Congress. There is no question about that."

Democrats urging Congress to vote on the issue before the election have argued that would pose a political problem for Republicans, The New York Times reported. Some Republican congressional leaders insist all the tax cuts should be extended permanently.

House leaders have tentative plans to adjourn for the campaign next Thursday, the newspaper said.