Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas today applauded passage of H.R. 8, the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act. This legislation provides a one-year extension of existing tax rates, preventing a tax hike on January 1, 2013. It passed the U.S. House of Representatives today with a 256 to 171 vote.

“I am relieved the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act passed the House today,” said Lucas. “During this time of economic downturn, the last thing American families and small businesses need is a tax hike. This legislation will prevent a tax increase from occurring at the beginning of next year by providing a one-year extension of existing tax rates.

“The president has already called for higher taxes that could eliminate more than 700,000 jobs. This is the opposite direction we need to take when the U.S. unemployment rate remains above 8 percent. I am glad this legislation will prevent these job killing tax hikes from taking place. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to craft commonsense tax reforms that will make the tax system simpler and fairer for American families and small businesses.”

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