[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1293]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2003

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant opposition to the 
rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1308, the Relief for Working 
Families Tax Act. Today, we have the opportunity to help 6.5 million 
working families with 11.9 million children while maintaining fiscal 
responsibility. However, the Majority does not wish to do that. Rather, 
they would prefer to pass an $82 billion tax package without any 
provisions to offset the cost. The Senate overwhelmingly passed a $9.8 
billion tax package that would immediately benefit our children and not 
increase the deficit; we must do the same.
  The federal deficit has now exceeded $400 billion for 2003, a new 
record, and is approaching $500 billion for 2004. Yet, the Majority 
wants to borrow another $82 billion. In a time of exploding budget 
deficits as far as the eye can see, we cannot pass a plan that will 
further compromise our economy. It is imperative that we put money back 
in the hands of working Americans to create jobs and build a strong 
future. The bill before us today, however, only serves to further 
weaken our economy and burden our children.
  The child tax credit legislation passed by the Senate on June 5th, 
2003 extends relief to families making between $10,500 and $26,625, who 
were left out of the Majority's irresponsible tax package we recently 
considered. Just examine the facts: one in six families would gain from 
the child credit refund increase; in my home state of Wisconsin alone, 
11 percent of families would benefit. In thirteen States, at least 20 
percent of families would be helped. In addition, the legislation 
passed by the Senate would provide benefits for the children of the 
brave men and women of our Armed Services. However, the House Majority 
is offering a partisan obstruction impairing our ability to help these 
children, by adding $70 billion worth of additional tax cuts.
  In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule and bring up 
the legislation the Senate passed so we can get it to the President's 
desk by this weekend. We must not let the Majority solve a $3.5 billion 
dilemma with an even greater $82 billion dilemma. It is evident that 
this plan creates more harm than good; it not only increases the budget 
deficit of today, but also increases the debt of the future. Thus, for 
a better today and a brighter tomorrow, I firmly oppose this bill and 
encourage my colleagues to oppose it with me.

                          ____________________