WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties), issued the following statement today:

“Today, the House and Senate approved a two-month extension on the payroll tax reduction, payments to Medicare doctors and an extension of unemployment benefits.

“I would have preferred a year-long extension to provide more certainty to taxpayers, employers, doctors and seniors. In fact, I voted for a full-year extension on December 13, when the House voted 234-193 for the yearlong extension. But when the Senate made it clear they would not negotiate over the holidays, I joined with my colleagues to ensure middle class Americans were protected when the new year begins. It is time that Congress works together to resolve the pressing problems faced by millions of Americans during this time of economic hardship. I look forward to working on a full-year extension of these programs as soon as Congress returns to Washington in January."