[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RELATING TO CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENTS TO H.R. 1308. TAX 
             RELIEF, SIMPLIFICATION, AND EQUITY ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker. I cannot say that I'm surprised 
by the actions of the Majority today. I cannot say that I'm surprised 
that instead of voting on the Senate-passed Child Tax Credit 
legislation, we're voting on something else. I cannot say that I'm 
surprised that once again, the GOP leadership is cynically manipulating 
the process to ensure that we pass even more tax cuts that will drive 
up the federal deficit and continue to expand our national debt. Once 
again, they're playing politics when what we need is tax relief for 
working families.
  Let's review what we're talking about here. First, the President 
tried to convince us that the tax bill would help every working 
American. Sadly, though, the House Leadership gutted one of the few 
provisions that helped those most in need--the refundable Child Tax 
Credit--from the previous tax package at the last minute. Yes, in a 
bill that was supposed to be an effort to stimulate the economy, we 
didn't do anything for those taxpayers most likely to spend the money. 
Amazingly, workers who earn between $10,500 and $26,625 were left 
behind in a backroom deal. I cannot think of anyone who is more likely 
to spend that money than these working families struggling to make ends 
meet. What this sneaky deal means to New Mexico is that nearly 90,000 
families and 157,000 children aren't going to benefit under current 
law. The Republican plan also left behind many in our military, who 
would have benefited from this break.
  Once the secret was out, though, the outcry from across the country 
was clear. Nearly everyone realized how bad a deal this really was, and 
nearly everyone knew a quick fix was needed. However, it seems like the 
House Leadership are the only ones in the country who don't get it. The 
Senate voted nearly unanimously to pass a simple clean bill to give 
this benefit to the most needy. And, most importantly, the Senate bill 
won't increase the national debt by one penny. It's totally paid for. 
Even President Bush realizes how unfair this situation is, and has 
called on the House to pass a clean bill and let him sign it.
  Not surprisingly, though, the House Leadership insists on passing a 
bill that cannot make it through the other chamber. The saddest part of 
this entire charade is that this bill--just like all the tax cuts this 
House has passed--will actually hurt American children much more than 
it helps them. In the long run, this $82 billion tax-cut plan will 
further saddle our children and grandchildren with even more debt. So, 
we're giving them a small check now, but it pales in comparison to the 
huge bill they're going to see later in life. It's not only unfair; 
it's irresponsible.
  I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill. I urge my colleagues 
to demand that we vote on the Senate-passed bill immediately. We 
shouldn't delay another minute. It's too important to play these 
cynical political games.

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