WASHINGTON - On his weekly radio call today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall urged the House to act on the Middle-Class Tax Cut bill the Senate passed earlier this year to prevent tax increases on 98 percent of working families. He also discussed the importance of extending the wind production tax credit for New Mexico before year's end.
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Below are highlights from Udall's remarks:
0:00 - Udall urges the House to vote on the Middle-Class Tax Cut Act that passed the Senate in July and would prevent an average tax increase of $2,200 on 98 percent of American families.
1:01 - "In New Mexico, where the average working family of four makes less that $45,000 a year, this bill is critical. Speaker Boehner and House Republicans have the power to prevent millions of working families from a tax increase in just a few weeks. They say they agree with us on middle-class tax cuts. If that's true, there's no reason not to pass the Senate's bill now."
1:28 - Udall previews an upcoming floor speech he will deliver on the importance of extending the production tax credit to support New Mexico's growing wind industry.
2:37 - "The tax credit has been extended seven times by presidents and congresses of both parties. And the Senate Finance Committee has already passed a one-year extension with bipartisan support. To maintain the growth of wind energy jobs, Congress should renew the production tax credit."
3:05 - Udall fields questions on the filibuster's constitutionality and his continued efforts to reform the practice.
7:12 - In response to questions, Udall describes concerns he has heard from constituents about the fiscal cliff, the potential middle-class tax increase and the impact of any federal spending cuts on New Mexico.
10:46 - Udall answers a question on a letter he sent to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the potential Lesser Prairie Chicken listing as a threatened species.
12:06 - Udall responds to concerns about the Jan. 15, 2013 REAL ID compliance deadline.
12:24 - "I think people are going to be able to fly. I don't think there is any reason to panic here. It's true that New Mexico is not a compliant state right now in terms of REAL ID, but I've been working very closely with DHS, the Homeland Security Department, and talking with them about the issue and the state of New Mexico law."
14:47 - Udall fields a question on the Farm Bill and discusses its importance during the current drought.