[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 52 (Thursday, April 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PEACE TAX FUND BILL

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                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 1999

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, one of the fundamental liberties 
of our country is freedom of religion. The right to exercise our 
religious beliefs free of government coercion. The Federal Government 
must not force a citizen to act against his or her religious beliefs.
  Because of their strong religious convictions, some Americans do not 
pay their taxes. They do not pay their taxes because their religion 
forbids them from supporting war. Seventeen cents out of every tax 
dollar received by the Federal Government is spent on the military.
  This military spending is inconsistent with the religious beliefs of 
hundreds and thousands of Americans. Because of their strong beliefs, 
these people would rather disobey their government than disobey their 
God or their beliefs. As a disciple of Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr.'s, preachings on nonviolence, I understand the difficult 
choice these Americans face.
  That is why I am introducing this legislation. The Religious Freedom 
Peace Tax Fund would allow religious and conscientious objectors to pay 
their taxes without violating their religious beliefs. These taxpayers 
would have their tax payments placed in the Religious Freedom Peace Tax 
Fund. Money from this fund could not be spent for military purposes. 
Religious objectors would be assured that their tax payment would not 
increase military spending--that paying taxes would not violate their 
religious beliefs.
  The Joint Committee on Taxation has determined that the Religious 
Freedom and Peace Tax Fund legislation is a slight revenue raiser. The 
bill will not reduce military spending. It simply will allow thousands 
more Americans to pay their taxes in good conscience.

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