[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 30, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H8169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MARRIAGE TAX ELIMINATION ACT

  (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELLER. Madam Speaker, let me address the House with a fairly 
simple question: Do Americans feel that it is fair that our Tax Code 
imposes a higher tax on married working couples? Do Americans feel it 
is fair that we tax married couples more than those who live together, 
with two incomes, outside a marriage? Do Americans feel that it is fair 
that 21 million average, middle-class married couples pay an average of 
almost $1,400 more in taxes than a working couple with identical dual 
incomes living outside of marriage?
  I do not believe so. I believe that the folks back home, those who 
pay the bills, pay their taxes on time and live by the rules, also 
believe it is unfair. The marriage tax should be eliminated.
  The Marriage Tax Elimination Act, which now enjoys the cosponsorship 
of 193 Members of this House, both Democrats and Republicans, will 
eliminate the marriage penalty. My colleagues, I ask for bipartisan 
support next year and we make it a bipartisan priority to eliminate the 
marriage tax.

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