WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 – Congress today passed a $150 billion package extending a cut in the Social Security payroll tax and continuing benefits for the long-term unemployed. The House vote was 293-132. The Senate voted 60 to 36. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) voted no and issued the following statement:

“I very strongly believe the middle class needs a tax break and clearly we must extend unemployment benefits.  However, as I have stated over and over again, I am very concerned about once again diverting substantial sums of money from the Social Security Trust Fund, which is of such enormous importance to the American people.”