[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H4068]
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, I rise in support of this year's balanced 
budget. I think these questions best state why:
  Do Americans feel that it is right that the average working married 
couple pays more in taxes just because they are married? Do Americans 
feel that it is fair, is it right, that 21 million married working 
couples pay on the average of $1,400 more in higher taxes than an 
identical couple that lives together outside of marriage? Of course 
not.
  Americans recognize the marriage tax penalty is wrong and we need to 
correct the marriage tax penalty. Twenty-one million married working 
couples, $1,400 more in higher taxes. $1,400 is one year's tuition at 
Joliet Junior College in the district that I represent. It is 3 months 
of day care at a local day care center.
  This budget, the budget crafted by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Kasich) makes elimination of the marriage tax penalty priority number 
one, helping 21 million married working families who just happen to be 
married and just because they are married, they pay higher taxes. Let 
us pass this budget. It deserves bipartisan support.

                          ____________________