[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 16, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H1311-H1312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR REPEAL OF MARRIAGE TAX PENALTY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Schrock) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SCHROCK. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to join my colleagues this 
evening in calling for the support of Congress to set in concrete the 
repeal of the marriage tax penalty.
  I was honored last year to become president of the Republican 
freshman class of the 107th Congress. Early last year, our class 
members came together and made the repeal of the marriage tax penalty 
our class priority. Fresh from the campaign trial and living in and 
working in our districts, each of our class members came to Washington 
with the understanding that one of the major priorities of the American 
people was to bring an end to this anti-family, anti-marriage tax.
  On our third day on the job, our class joined with the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Weller) to announce our commitment to the repeal of the 
marriage tax penalty. We championed this noble cause and were 
successful in obtaining the eventual repeal of the marriage tax 
penalty.
  Unfortunately, due to Senate rules, the marriage tax penalty repeal 
legislation included a sunset provision that would automatically 
reinstate the marriage tax penalty in the year 2011. What does that say 
to the American people about this Congress?
  Marriage is the bedrock of our society. It is an institution that is 
to be honored and respected, and it is a bond that should not be put 
asunder, especially by the tax policies of the Federal Government.
  Yet until last year, our tax laws gave married couples a $1,400 
surprise on their tax bill. They saw their taxes go up for no other 
reason than they said ``I do,'' and the effect of this tax mostly 
penalized young couples trying to get their feet on the ground and 
retired couples just trying to keep their feet on the ground.
  In the second congressional district of Virginia, which I represent, 
there are over 56,000 married couples which were subject to the 
marriage tax penalty. However, if these couples decided to live 
together, rather than get married, they would not have to pay the tax. 
That is simply unfair.
  The repeal of the marriage tax penalty provides a new level of 
fairness by preventing the Federal Government from penalizing couples 
for being married. Now these families are able to keep $1,400 a year of 
their hard earned income if they can save for a down payment on a house 
or a new car, obtain health insurance, pay off student loans, save for 
their children's education or to pay off debts.
  The repeal of the marriage tax penalty passed last year is now 
helping families all across our Nation to better plan for their future. 
If they are able to eliminate debt, save for retirement or pay cash for 
large ticket items, their future discretionary income will grow, 
helping to also grow our economy.
  Between now and 2011, it is certain that many of these couples' 
income will increase from raises or from taking new jobs. Also, they 
will be able to better handle their day-to-day expenses and any 
emergencies that may come along, but in 2011, that comfort level 
provided by tax relief is set to disappear for these families. On that 
day, the penalty for being married will surprise them once again.
  I cannot stand by and allow that to happen to the 56,000 families 
that I represent. Unfortunately, there are those in this body and the 
other body that do not support making the repeal of the marriage tax 
penalty permanent. They will argue that we must work to ensure that 
Social Security is intact for future and present retirees. I could not 
agree more. Social Security is important for all Americans, and we 
should make sure that it stays protected for

[[Page H1312]]

all Americans. However, I believe we can save Social Security and 
provide meaningful tax reform at the same time.
  If we restrain the growth of government and the growth of 
discretionary spending, we can achieve both, and the economic benefits 
from tax relief will help generate greater revenues as our economy 
continues to pull out of the now ended recession.
  Therefore, the repeal of the marriage tax penalty should be made 
permanent this year. Let us show the American people that this Congress 
is determined to support legislation that helps strengthen families and 
thus our communities and economy.
  When the tax permanency legislation comes to the House floor, I hope 
that we will send a strong message in support of American families by 
voting in favor of repealing this marriage tax penalty once and for 
all.

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