GOP leaders oppose payroll tax cut, Boehner says

Following the Senate's passage Saturday of a short-term extension of a payroll tax cut, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Sunday that House GOP members oppose the legislation, indicating Congress is not finished for the year.

Included in the Senate bill—which differs from legislation the House passed earlier in the week—is a provision that would place a two-month freeze on Medicare payments to physicians, averting a 27.4% cut that is scheduled for Jan. 1.

"You know, the president said we shouldn't go on vacation until we get our work done," Boehner told David Gregory on NBC's "Meet the Press," according to a transcript. "And frankly, House Republicans agree,” he said.

“We passed a one-year extension of the payroll tax credit, unemployment insurance with reforms, making sure that those doctors who treat Medicare patients are not going to see their reimbursements cut,” Boehner said. “We had a reasonable, responsible bill that we sent over to the Senate.”

And, you know, if you talk to employers, they talk about the uncertainty. How can you do tax policy for two months?” he continued. “So, we really do believe it's time for the Senate to work with the House, to complete our business for the year. We've got two weeks to get this done. Let's do it the right way."

Boehner then said the Constitution allows for a formal conference between the House and Senate so the two chambers can resolve their differences.

Meanwhile, the president on Saturday signed a continuing resolution on appropriations to keep the government operating through Dec. 23.