Obama wants payroll tax extended for entire year

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama, rebuffed by Congress on a yearlong extension of a Social Security payroll tax cut, said Saturday that it would be "inexcusable" for lawmakers not to lengthen the short-term deal when they return from their holiday break.

The measure, passed by the Senate shortly before the president spoke briefly at the White House, would extend the tax cut and long-term jobless benefits for just two months — a partial victory for Obama that also sets the stage for another fight in February.

While pleased by the Senate vote, Obama said "it would be inexcusable for Cong...