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NJ Senator: Democrats Not Bluffing On Tax Package

TRENTON (WCBS 880) -- Many people thought Democrats were just playing possum when they said they wouldn't vote for the tax cut. One local senator said those people are sorely mistaken.

House Democrats, upset that Republicans held up extending the tax cuts to give wealthy households a break, are not bluffing, said New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez.

Menendez said if the cuts expire, the amount of taxes withheld will rise.

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"The House Democrats are very, very, very sincere in that they feel too much has been given," Sen. Menendez said. "You know, there is $46 billion that's been given to multimillionaires and billionaires."

Menendez said that's made many House Democrats not want to compromise with Republicans, who refuse to budge. He said it comes down one question: whether Democrats would raise taxes on the middle class to make a point.

Menendez said he will vote for the package that many of his fellow Democrats refuse to support.

"I'm not about, in this economy, to hurt middle class families," Sen. Menendez said. "We've got to stand up for the middle class – it's what made America great."

Menendez said other needed measures are in the package, like a child tax credit and extending unemployment benefits.

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