WASHINGTON — The House Republicans continue to take heat from their own party.

Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, both Republicans, urged the House GOP on Thursday to pass a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut.

If they don’t, workers earning $50,000 per year will see a $1,000 increase in their taxes, officials said.

President Obama and the Democrats have also criticized House Republicans for not passing the bipartisan agreement, which — if not approved — would also leave 5,200 Mainers without unemployment benefits.

For more on Collins and Snowe’s response, check out our “Maine on the Hill” blog by clicking here.