[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 38 (Monday, March 30, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H1705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              UNFAIRNESS IN TAX CODE: MARRIAGE TAX PENALTY

  (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, questions are often asked why should we pass 
the Marriage Tax Elimination Act, and I think a series of questions 
best explain why. Do Americans feel that it is fair that working 
married couples pay more, that they pay higher taxes than identical 
couples living together outside of marriage? Do Americans feel that it 
is fair that 21 million married working couples pay on the average of 
$1,400 more in higher taxes just because they are married? Do Americans 
feel that it is fair that there is actually an incentive in our Tax 
Code which encourages divorce? Of course not.
  Americans recognize the marriage tax penalty is unfair, that 21 
million married working couples pay $1,400 more in higher taxes just 
because they are married. On the south side of Chicago and the south 
suburbs, $1,400 is 1 year's tuition at Joleit Junior College, 3 months 
of day care at a local day care center in the south suburbs.
  The Marriage Tax Elimination Act, which would eliminate the marriage 
tax penalty, eliminate it now, now has 238 cosponsors. It deserves 
bipartisan support. Let us eliminate the marriage tax penalty. Let us 
eliminate it now.

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