(CNN) - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, urged House Republicans Thursday to pass a short-term extension of the expiring payroll tax cut - similar to a two-month measure demanded by President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats. McConnell also urged Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, to appoint conferees to a House-Senate conference committee - something demanded by House Republicans.

McConnell's statement:
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