[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 130 (Friday, September 25, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H8720]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AN HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE TAXPAYERS THE FIRST BACK-TO-BACK TAX 
                         CUTS IN MODERN HISTORY

  (Mr. BLUNT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, so many of our colleagues are for tax cuts in 
the abstract, until there is money to actually give some relief to 
working families.
  This week we have to deal with really what can be a defining moment 
in the history of this Congress. We have an opportunity to give 
American taxpayers the first back-to-back tax cuts in modern history.
  Last year we had the first tax cuts in 16 years, and revenue 
increased as the Federal Government encouraged work and productivity. 
We have the unique opportunity for the second time in 2 years to let 
hardworking families keep more of their money.
  It is unreasonable to spend the surplus on more government when 
American families are forced to spend 40 percent of their income on 
taxes. This plan has a win-win-win formula. It ensures the future of 
Social Security with $1.4 trillion. It simplifies the tax filing 
system. We begin the process of eliminating the marriage penalty, that 
currently forces 21 million couples to pay an average of $1,400 a year 
in extra Federal taxes because they are married.
  Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford not to do a tax cut and give tax relief 
to working families this year.

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