Florida's congressional delegation voted along strict party lines this evening on a Republican plan to extend the payroll tax cut.

Democrats objected because the bill contained add-ons, including one that would speed up development of a controversial pipeline from Canada, a pay freeze for federal employees, and $20 billion in cuts to the new health care law. Obama has threatened a veto.

The reaction from two Florida lawmakers sums up the partisan differences.

Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Panama City: “The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and extends payroll tax relief for Main Street America, all without increasing the deficit over the next ten years or adding to the tax burden on the American people.  While Senate Democrats have chosen to ignore the best interests of the American people by shelving 27 House-passed job bills, I challenge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to prevent this pro-growth legislation from becoming Number 28. 

Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami: “HR 3630 is another example of political games being played with Americans’ futures," said Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Miami. " In districts such as mine where unemployment rates surpass the national average, children’s well-being are being jeopardized, and more and more families are watching the American Dream slip further and further away.  The time for political games must come to an end, and elected officials must begin to once again serve the public interest.”