[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 61 (Monday, April 3, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H4034-H4035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        LANDMARK TAX RELIEF BILL

  The SPEAKER pro tempor. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 4, 1995, the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Sam Johnson, is 
recognized during morning business for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week Republicans will 
complete the historic 100-day contract by passing a landmark tax relief 
bill.
  Democrats will rise and denounce Republicans as friends of the rich 
and enemies of the poor. They will replay again and again the same old 
tired argument of class warfare, trying to pit Americans against 
Americans.
  Just last week Mr. Gephardt said, ``Republicans believe in giving 
money to the people that are the most privileged in our society. And 
they believe that ultimately it will trickle down to the rest of 
society.''
  I ask this question: Is repealing the Clinton tax on Social Security 
benefits for senior citizens giving money to the most privileged? No.
  Is increasing the earning limitation for seniors from $11,000 to 
$30,000, giving money to the most privileged? No.
  Is providing a savings account that allows any individual or family 
the opportunity to save and invest in a first home, send their children 
to college, or help pay high medical bills giving money to the most 
privileged? No.
  Is increasing the amount small businesses may expense from $17,500 to 
$35,000 giving money to the most privileged? No again. This will free 
up needed capital to invest in new equipment and create more jobs.
  [[Page H4035]] Is providing families with a $500 per child tax 
credit, giving money to the most privileged? Definitely no again, 
especially when 74 percent of the benefits go to families earning less 
than the $75,000. Actually there should be no cap at all.
  I guess the liberals have to engage in class warfare because liberal 
Democrats are the party of failed promises and broken dreams. This is 
the only defense they have, since, for over 30 years they have done 
nothing to slow spending, just raise taxes.
  Look at the facts. President Clinton promised middle class tax cuts 
in 1992 and failed to deliver. But he did pass the largest middle-class 
tax increase in history.
  And after the last election, the President and the minority leader 
proposed tax cuts, only now to withdraw them.
  The President promised deficit reduction but his current budget 
continues $200 billion deficits from now to eternity.
  Mr. Speaker, Republicans have kept their promises, and the liberal 
Democrats have kept their tired rhetoric. It is the Republicans that 
will lower taxes, balance the budget, and downsize Government.
  Republicans are showing the Nation they have the courage and 
integrity to create a stronger America.


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