How many times have repubs held something hostage in order to keep the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy

Maybe I'm wrong but it seems like, to me, over the past 4 years the republicans in congress have held, like, budgets, continuation of unemployment benefits, etc hostage unless Obama left the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy in place. I'm asking because, unfortunately, I'm debating a knuckle dragger on this and he says I'm wrong. THanks in advance.