House Passes Payroll Tax Cut Extension

Americans will have something additional to toast to on New Year's Eve: The first day of 2012 will begin with the payroll tax cut firmly—albeit temporarily—in place. The House today green-lighted a two-month renewal of the cut and unemployment benefits, passing it by a voice vote in a nearly empty House chamber. The AP reports that there was some lingering grumbling from Tea Party Republicans. Negotiations are set to begin early next year on how to cover the costs of a full year extension. (More House of Representatives stories.)