Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas today joined his House colleagues in passing H.R. 3630, The Middle Class Tax Relief and Jobs Creation Act of 2011. This legislation would promote job creation in America by providing a fully-offset extension of the current payroll tax rates. The bill would also delay implementation of the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate and create an extension of reformed Unemployment Insurance benefits. Additionally, H.R. 3630 would provide new incentives for job creation by removing burdensome EPA regulations and taking initiative on the Keystone XL energy project.

“I am glad the House passed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Jobs Creation Act of 2011,” said Lucas. “I believe this legislation provides many great initiatives that will help tackle the jobs crisis we are facing today. During this economic downturn, many Americans have struggled to find jobs, and it is time to provide more certainty and put these citizens back to work.

“This bill includes legislation that will require President Obama to consider issuing a permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline project within 60 days of enactment of this Act. The President needs to issue this permit so we can proceed with this project that will create tens-of-thousands of private sector jobs and decrease our dependency on oil from other countries. We cannot continue to pass up these opportunities to boost the economy and spur job creation.

“The House has already passed 28 jobs bills; however no action has been taken on them in the Senate. It is time for the Senate to act, and I urge them to pass this bill and send it to President Obama’s desk for his signature.”

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