BREAKING NEWS

Obama to seek 1-year extension for some of Bush tax cuts

By REUTERS

JULY 9, 2012 08:21

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama will call on Monday for a one-year extension of Bush-era tax cuts for families earning less than $250,000 a year, according to a White House official, seeking to spare the economy the impact of taxes going up on Jan. 1.

Obama, a Democrat, will make the request in a statement at the White House, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Republicans in Congress, however, are unlikely to be swayed, as they have consistently argued that the Bush tax cuts should be extended for everyone.

Obama has made what he calls "tax fairness" a key feature of his campaign for re-election on Nov. 6, repeatedly urging Congress to make the tax cuts permanent for families making less than $250,000 a year.

The tax cuts enacted by Obama's Republican predecessor, George W. Bush, will expire on Jan. 1 without congressional action, part of a so-called fiscal cliff that potentially could hit the US economy alongside deep automatic spending cuts.

Pentagon chief Austin discusses Iran, Gaza aid with Gallant

By REUTERS

04/19/2024 03:29 AM

Russian air defence intercepts 25 airborne targets over Belgorod region

By REUTERS

04/19/2024 02:03 AM

US officials say Ukraine will get weapons in weeks once aid approved

By REUTERS

04/19/2024 01:07 AM

Saudi Arabia placed this condition on normalization with Israel

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/18/2024 10:34 PM