A showdown in Washington ends with President Barack Obama signing a two month extension of a payroll tax cut into law.<br/> Earlier a deadlock was broken when the House of Representatives signed on to the law that extends a payroll tax cut for 160 million working Americans that otherwise would have expired on December 31.<br/> Addressing reporters in the White House briefing room, Obama hailed the decision.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:<br/> "I said it was critical for Congress not to go home without preventing a tax increase on 160 million working Americans, and I'm pleased to say that they've got it done ...<br/> Congressional negotiators now will begin looking for a way to extend the lower payroll tax through the end of next year.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:<br/> "When Congress returns, I urge them to keep working, without drama, without delay, to reach an agreement that extends this tax cut, as well as unemployment insurance, through all of 2012."<br/> So far, Democrats and Republicans have been unable to agree on how to pay the approximately $200 billion cost of a full-year tax cut extension, along with continuing some unemployment benefits and doctor payments for Medicare healthcare patients.<br/> Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
