[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 23 (Thursday, February 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TAX REVENUE NONDISCRIMINATION 
                              ACT OF 1997

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 1997

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the District of Columbia 
Tax Revenue Nondiscrimination Act of 1997, a bill which would remove 
congressionally established tax exemptions that prevent the District of 
Columbia from taxing favored special interests within its borders. The 
bill targets 36 organizations, without regard to political affiliation 
or influence, which have been given property or income tax breaks on an 
ad hoc special interest basis.
  Congress granted each of these tax exemptions prior to home rule--
many in the 19th century--when Congress governed the District and 
freely allowed tax breaks for Members' favorite special interests. My 
bill would remove these prehome rule exemptions.
  Removing these congressionally mandated tax exemptions will not solve 
the District's financial crisis, but will correct profound 
discrimination and inequity at a time when the District is on its 
financial knees. Congress should no longer contribute to the District's 
financial crisis by denying it access to ordinary revenue. I urge my 
colleagues to pass the District of Columbia Tax Revenue 
Nondiscrimination Act and let Congress finally become a part of the 
solution to the District's financial crisis, rather than remaining a 
major contributor to the District's financial problems.
  The following is a list of the 36 organizations covered by this bill: 
American Chemical Society, American Forestry Association, Brookings 
Institution, Medical Society of the District of Columbia, National 
Academy of Science, American Pharmaceutical Association, National 
Geographic Society, National Lutheran Home, American Association to 
Promote the Teaching of Speech to the Deaf, Disabled American Veterans, 
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, Jewish War Veterans, 
Louise Home, Oak Hill Cemetery, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Luther Statue 
Association, Young Women's Christian Association, Young Men's Christian 
Association, Edes Home, General Education Board, Daughters of the 
American Revolution, National Society United States Daughters of 1812, 
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, American 
Legion, National Education Association, Society of the Cincinnati, 
American Veterans of WWII, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Women's 
Party, American Association of University Women, National Guard 
Association of the United States, Woodrow Wilson House, American 
Institute of Architects, Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie 
Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and Student 
Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae).

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