[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 23, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       STOP THE GAS TAX INCREASE

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition 
to recent proposals to raise the Federal gas tax. As the former 
chairman of the South Carolina State Senate Transportation Committee, I 
know that raising taxes on America's families is not the proper answer 
to building a better road system.
  The gas tax is a regressive tax that affects low-income Americans 
disproportionately. The revered Heritage Foundation recently noted that 
analysis shows that increasing the gas tax would depress economic 
activity and the incomes of millions of Americans. It would also 
significantly raise less revenue than its proponents project.
  Instead of raising the burden on over-taxed American families, we 
should better manage taxpayers' money. Millions of dollars are diverted 
every year on low-priority roadside enhancements that are not urgent 
safety matters. Also, we should repeal Davis-Bacon. As the Nonpartisan 
Americans For Tax Reform has noted, transportation costs would decrease 
by an estimated 8 to 30 percent if Congress would remove the Davis-
Bacon prevailing wage requirement.
  I ask all of my colleagues to oppose any attempt to raise the gas tax 
on American families.
  In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget 
September 11.

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