Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today voted against a tax package that he does not believe the country can afford. He released the following statement:

"This bill does have some useful provisions to stimulate the economy, and I do strongly support extending tax cuts to New Mexicans who need it most.  But this bill goes further than that.  It extends tax cuts to the highest earners and adds a substantial estate tax cut that will make it very difficult for the next Congress to act in a responsible way to our serious deficit situation.  For those reasons, I could not support it."

The bill faces another Senate vote and consideration in the House of Representatives.