Sen. Daniel Akaka says he’s “hopeful” that Congress will return to Washington ready to cooperate in 2012. He issued a statement about the resolution of a drawn-out battle over a payroll tax cut extension. 

The GOP gave in to political pressure for a two-month extension on Thursday night. Congress is expected to vote on the deal Friday.

“This agreement puts American families before partisanship, and I hope it leads to better teamwork next year,” Akaka said. “When we return to Washington after the holidays we will need to resolve differences and pass a full-year extension that will save the average Hawaii family over $1,000 in taxes next year.”  

Read related analysis from The Washington Post about how a “kid gloves” approach by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, gave Democrats the upper hand in this payroll tax fight.