[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PERMANENT MARRIAGE PENALTY RELIEF ACT OF 2002

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                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2002

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, once again the House is working on behalf of 
the taxpaying family by voting today on the Permanent Marriage Penalty 
Relief Act of 2002. This bill would permanently eliminate the 
destructive marriage penalty taxes that were temporarily enacted by 
last year's tax relief package. As I think about the 65,000 married 
couples in my district who will personally benefit from this bill, I am 
also reminded of the more than 100,000 children who will benefit.
  When the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act expires in 
2011, my constituents in Kansas who have decided to get married will be 
forced to pay more taxes simply because they chose to say, ``I do.'' 
When the government tells married couples they will be punished because 
of their wedding vows, we are sending a dangerous message to younger 
generations about the importance of marriage. If Congress fails to make 
permanent the marriage tax penalty relief, this country will see 21 
million married couples suffer because their taxes will be increased.
  I am especially concerned that if Congress does not act, many of our 
low-income married taxpayers will see their Earned Income Credit 
reduced or completely eliminated. This unfairly discriminates against 
poorer families who have made a commitment before both God and man to 
remain faithful in marriage to one another. I am appalled that any 
member of the United States Congress would support such discrimination 
against the institution of marriage. Most marriage penalties occur when 
the spouse earning the higher wage makes between $20,000 and $75,000 
per year. We are not talking about the rich, we are talking about low 
and middle class families who are working hard just to make ends meet.
  I would also like to remind my colleagues today that with passage of 
this bill, we will be further helping low-income taxpayers by 
preventing Earned Income Credit simplifications from disappearing in 
2011. Failure to pass this bill will increase taxes on married couples 
by $5.7 billion in 2010 and by $10.4 billion in 2011.
  Mr. Speaker, let's respect the sanctity of matrimony by eliminating 
these shameful marriage taxes.

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