[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   AGRICULTURE EDUCATION FREEDOM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2000

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Agriculture Education 
Freedom Act. This bill addresses a great injustice being perpetrated by 
the Federal Government on those youngsters who participate in programs 
such as 4-H or the Future Farmers of America. Under current tax law, 
children are forced to pay federal income tax when they sell livestock 
they have raised as part of an agricultural education program. Think of 
this for a moment, these kids are trying to better themselves, earn 
some money, save some money and what does Congress do? We pick on these 
kids by taxing them.
  It is truly amazing that with all the hand-wringing in this Congress 
over the alleged need to further restrict liberty and grow the size of 
government ``for the children'' we would continue to tax young people 
who are trying to lead responsible lives and prepare for the future. 
Even if the serious social problems today's youth face could be solved 
by new federal bureaucracies and programs, it is still unfair to pick 
on those kids who are trying to do the right thing.
  These children are not even old enough to vote, yet we are forcing 
them to pay taxes! What ever happened to no taxation without 
representation? No wonder young people are so cynical about government!
  It is time we stopped taxing youngsters who are trying to earn money 
to go to college by selling livestock they have raised through their 
participation in programs such as 4-H or Future Farmers of America. 
Therefore I call on my colleagues to join me in supporting the 
Agriculture Education Freedom Act.

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