KCTV 5House decision would raise your taxes

The U.S. House of Representatives failed to take action Tuesday to extend the payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits for millions.

The House rejected a two-month extension to 160 million Americans on their payroll taxes. This means if you made $50,000 annually then you'll pay about $1,000 more in taxes in 2012.

The Senate-approved bill would have allowed millions of unemployed Americans to continue receiving jobless benefits.

The issue has divided Americans.

U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, a Republican, said 60 days is not long enough.

"We need to do this for a whole year. We need to create certainty not only for people that are unemployed but the hardworking Americans that deserve a $1,000 tax cut and the job creators so that they can plan and hopefully hire more workers," she said.

But U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat, is disgusted with his Republican colleagues.

"I'm frankly sick and tired of it. It's making me sick," Cleaver said. "I'd like to be home with normal human beings instead of people who are pathologically partisan."

Darrell and Eunice Bingham were at an unemployment office in Kansas City Tuesday. They are concerned.

"I hope these people remember who these Congressman are, who made this decision, when it comes time for elections. Let's put them on the unemployment line," Bingham said.

His wife, who is employed, concurred.

"I'm tired of this. It's families who have children who are suffering as well because this affects the parents," she said.

The Senate has adjourned for the Christmas holiday so no action is likely before the end of the year. The tax hike would take effect Jan. 1. The House vote was 229 to 193. The Senate measure had passed 89 to 10.

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