The House of Representatives is expected to vote this week on a pair of rival bills each offering a different plan for the Bush-era tax cuts, which are set to expire at the end of this year.

The Republican plan would extend cuts for all Americans. Democrats want an extension of tax breaks for individual and families earning up to $250,000 a year. The clock is ticking and starting Friday, Congress will go on a five-week recess.

Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), ranking Democrat on the Government Reform and Oversight Committee, talks with Soledad on "Starting Point" this morning about the competing plans.

"Basically what the Republicans are doing is holding hostage the tax cut for the middle class," Rep. Cummings says. "It's - unfortunate we're in a place in Washington where right now where it seems like very little is going to be done."

See more from his interview in the clip above.