Obama increases pressure on House GOP regarding payroll tax cuts

U.S. President., Barack Obama

President Barack Obama is using Americans’ money worries to pressure House Republicans to pass a short-term extension of payroll tax cuts.

The White House has been asking people to comment on Twitter about how their lives would be affected if Congress allows the cuts to expire at year’s end. Some of those who responded to the administration’s inquiry will join Obama at the White House Thursday.

The White House says if the current payroll tax cuts expire, it would mean a person making US$50,000 per year would get US$40 less in each paycheck starting in January.

The Senate passed a two-month extension of the tax cuts last week, but the House blocked the measure. House Speaker John Boehner wants lawmakers to negotiate a full-year extension instead.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.