[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 25, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               TAX REFORM

  (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, when considering the tax burden imposed 
on the American people today, I am reminded of an observation that was 
made by Mark Twain: ``What's the difference between a taxidermist and a 
tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin.''
  According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, the average American 
family is now paying more in taxes than they spend on food, clothing, 
and shelter combined. That, I believe, is an outrage. Working families 
should be allowed to take care of their basic needs before being 
required to finance the whims of politicians.
  Last year's tax cut did improve the situation, but more work needs to 
be done. If we exercise the courage and discipline to cut wasteful 
spending and make the Federal Government more efficient, the American 
people can have some of their money back.
  Mr. Speaker, let us do the right thing. Let us cut taxes again, this 
time for everybody, so working Americans can then keep more of their 
hard-earned money. They can spend their money better than we can. Let 
us allow them to do so.

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