[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 111 (Thursday, September 5, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     EDUCATION SAVINGS AND SCHOOL EXCELLENCE PERMANENCE ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask all of my colleagues to vote 
against H.R. 5203, the ``so-called'' Education Affordability Act that 
would make permanent all but one of the education tax benefits that 
were contained in last year's tax cut legislation.
  I understand that some of the education provisions, such as the 
exclusion for employer provided education benefits and tax breaks for 
student loan interests in the bill today have broad bipartisan support.
  However, those provisions can be considered in separate legislation 
that does not contain such provisions as the Coverdell Savings 
Accounts, that provides tax breaks equivalent to vouchers for private 
elementary and secondary schools' attendance.
  Five similar bills have been pushed through this House that would 
make other provisions of last year's tax cut permanent. The Republican 
Leadership's irresponsible tax cuts have propelled the nation into 
deficit spending. Every dollar spent on making these tax cuts permanent 
is another dollar taken out of the Social Security Trust Fund.
  Instead of passing this bill, the House should provide adequate 
public education funding. Additional resources are needed to implement 
the new ESEA law. This bill would divert much needed money from the 
public school system where funds are desperately needed to improve 
public education for all students.
  I would urge a no vote on H.R. 5203.

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