Cantor confident payroll tax deal will get done

It is becoming a regular occurrence in Washington. Another deadline, another conflict and another looming showdown.

This time the showdown is over a payroll tax cut, that if a deal is not made, could lead to a 2% cut in the average American’s take home pay. Just like in the battle over the debt ceiling republicans in the House and President Obama have backed into corners with two dramatically different plans. The president wants to trade the payroll tax, which would predominately impact the middle class, for a tax hike on the rich. It is something he has attempted to do on several different occasions.

The GOP has consistently rejected any plan to increase taxes. Their counter proposal includes cuts to benefits and a process to open the door to approval of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.

It seems once again, the the two sides are as far apart as they have ever been. In fact Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the republican plan a “waste of time”.

Despite the bleak prognosis, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R- Henrico) is confident a deal will get done.

“We are going to see are way forward and resolve our differences,” Cantor said. “So that we can afford those with a job out their working hard some relief.”

Cantor seems confident, but areas of common ground appear few and far between. And with the holidays approaching, the December 31st deadline is looming large.

Video of Cantor’s remarks can be found below: