President Obama delivered a statement Monday urging Congress to immediately pass a payroll-tax-cut extension before the measure expires by year’s end. After he wrapped up his remarks, the White House unveiled a “If Congress Doesn’t Act” countdown clock on its website to accompany its “How It Affects You” calculator, where the public can see how much money they can save if the cuts are extended. Obama blamed Senate Republicans for punting the plan, which he said would harm the economy. “It’s the right thing to do,” Obama said. He also urged lawmakers to approve long-term unemployment insurance before they go on their holiday break.
