Sen. Brown faults House GOP for rejecting tax deal
BOSTON—U.S. Sen. Scott Brown is escalating his criticism of House Republicans after the GOP-controlled chamber rejected a Senate-approved bill designed to prevent a Social Security payroll tax increase Jan. 1.
The Massachusetts Republican said Tuesday he was angry at the move and accused House Republicans of playing politics with the nation's fragile economy.
Brown said the move will hurt Americans directly and immediately. He condemned it as part of "the ugly partisanship that has disappointed the nation this year."
Brown's comments came after the House rejected the Senate's two-month extension of payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits, demanding a year-long extension.
Brown, facing a tough re-election campaign, is pushing to bolster his moderate credentials.
Moments after the House action, former Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers also sent out statements sharply criticizing Republicans.
