[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TAX RELIEF RECONCILIATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAX SANDLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2001

  Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2001, after extensive 
negotiations, the Senate agreed to a ten-year budget plan that provides 
for the consideration of significant tax relief and sets in place a 
responsible spending plan. I was glad that the Senate acted in a 
bipartisan manner passing a budget that offers immediate tax relief for 
millions of middle-class families by shifting part of the benefits to 
lower-wage earners. The Senate's action demonstrates that when both 
sides are prepared to compromise the American people win. It is 
unfortunate that the House Republican Leadership refuses to follow the 
example set in the Senate and work with Democratic Members of Congress 
in constructing a balanced and fair tax package that benefits America's 
working families.
  I support tax relief. I support lowering the tax burden on married 
couples by eliminating the marriage penalty and I favor the immediate 
doubling of the Child Tax Credit from $500 to $1,000 per child. We 
should extend tax relief for working families who pay more payroll tax 
than income tax and make the Child Tax Credit refundable. 
Unfortunately, today's vote only offers a solution to part of the 
problem of high taxes. The House Republican Leadership has chosen to 
resurrect a tax bill that provides nearly half of the benefits to the 
richest one-percent of Americans. I agree that we need to lower the 
burden of income taxes on many families, but I fail to understand why, 
when presented with the opportunity to address other important tax 
items, the Republican Leadership fails to work with Members of the 
other party. The Senate has chosen the path of compromise and embraced 
the spirit of bipartisanship in crafting a budget that makes room for a 
tax cut and also meets our obligations. I am disappointed that the 
House Leadership insists on jamming through an irresponsible tax cut 
that fails to offer relief for millions of married couples or small 
businessman. We can do better and it is my desire for Congress to 
ultimately pass a balanced and comprehensive tax relief package.
  Today's vote is not the final word on providing long-term tax relief 
to American families. Congress will have an opportunity to consider a 
package of tax cuts that is fair and that includes relief for millions 
of other Americans. I sincerely hope that the House Republican 
Leadership will choose to work with their Senate colleagues in a 
constructive fashion to incorporate additional balanced tax proposals 
that encourage savings, help married couples, and allow family 
businesses to plan for the future.

                          ____________________