WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement in support of the compromise reached by President Obama and Congressional leadership this week regarding taxes and unemployment insurance.

“Given utter Republican intransigence and the need to continue encouraging economic recovery, I am glad that the President and Congressional leadership have found common ground on the current tax rates and unemployment insurance—critical issues for all of us. The agreement to extend unemployment insurance and to provide a temporary payroll tax holiday will spur economic growth. It will provide assistance to those who need it most during these tough economic times and help keep the economy’s tepid recovery moving forward. I am disappointed with the proposed estate tax treatment and believe this agreement should be accompanied by a plan for fiscal sustainability, but I am encouraged by the progress we are making.”