Tierney Votes Against Tax Compromise

The tax cut compromise between President Barack Obama and Republican congressional leaders was passed and signed into law Friday, but North Andover's representative voted against it.

Congressman John Tierney joined most of Massachusetts' congressional delegation in opposing the bill.

"All together, this misguided bill added billions to our deficit in order to enrich only two to three percent of the population, and too much of that spending does nothing to create jobs or improve our economy," Tierney said.

The compromise bill extended all of the current tax rates -- commonly referred to as the "Bush tax cuts" -- for two years. It also included more than a year of unemployment benefit extension as well as further tax relief targeted toward middle class families.

Liberal Democrats opposed the bill because it included extension of tax cuts for those making more than $200,000. But Senate Republicans threatened to block any bill that did not include tax cut extensions for top incomes.

"There were some very good provisions in it, including the extension of unemployment benefits and targeted tax relief to middle-class Americans and small businesses struggling to make ends meet, and my voting record in support of such items is clear," Tierney said. "However, in final consideration of the tax bill as a whole, I expect it will have a negative impact on our economic security and our government's efforts to support all Americans, and it sets a negative precedent for similar compromises in the years to come."

Tierney recently  which only extended the tax cuts for those making less than $200,000.