House will vote on extending payroll tax-cuts Tuesday (Photo courtesy Creative Commons)

The bill, put forth by House Speak John Boehner, is expected to pass the House vote, but stall once it reaches the Democrat-controlled Senate later this week.  Reuters reports the bill is expected to face defeat in the Senate, not because Democrats are opposed to extending the tax cuts, but because the House bill links the tax cut extension to a controversial proposed oil pipeline.

The XL Keystone Pipeline project would create an oil pipeline from Alberta, Canada to Texas.  The project has been met with opposition from various environmental groups.  President Obama opted to delay any decision on the pipeline until 2013.  If passed, the GOP-sponsored bill would force the president to rule sooner, calling for issuance of permits within 60 days unless the project is deemed to not be in the country’s best interest by President Obama.

Boehner countered the pipeline opposition, claiming the project would create much-needed jobs. “When it comes to jobs, the American people can’t wait. So we’re going to take action,” said Boehner, calling the pipeline project “as close to a shovel-ready project as you’re ever going to see,” according to the Washington Post.

Boehner expects the bill to pass the House, but 13 Democrats would need to vote “yes” in order for Senate passage. 

White House press secretary Jay Carney said the GOP bill was “essentially suggesting that there is a political trade-off to be had, that extending tax cuts for middle-class and working Americans should only occur in return for a political gift or an ideological item.”

Congress is scheduled to break for the holiday on Friday, but both parties have agreed to stay in order to work out a deal.