[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 57 (Thursday, April 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  PERMANENTLY EXTENDING INCREASED STANDARD DEDUCTION, AND 15-PERCENT 
  INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RATE BRACKET EXPANSION, FOR MARRIED TAXPAYERS 
                          FILING JOINT RETURNS

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                               speech of

                     HON. C. A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 4181. It will 
permanently get rid of the marriage penalty. I voted for this tax cut 
as a matter of equity and fairness. I do not believe couples should be 
penalized for getting married. The standard deduction for a single 
person should simply be doubled when a couple gets married. This 
measure does this and makes it permanent. Under current law, relief 
from the marriage penalty ends in 2010.
  In our current economic climate, families across our country deserve 
tax relief from the time they are newlyweds to the time they are 
parents with children to the time they are enjoying their golden years. 
This move is a good first step to help all families.
  But, I am disappointed that the Republican leadership brought this 
bill to the floor without a plan or a means to pay for it. This move 
will add to the deficit. I believe the U.S. House of Representatives 
has a responsibility to fund this cut. We can no longer cut taxes and 
increase the deficit. We are borrowing against our children and 
grandchildren's future.
  I supported the Democratic Alternative that would have permanently 
eliminated the marriage penalty while not adding to the deficit. Here 
on Capitol Hill, we should provide tax relief but at the same time we 
must exercise fiscal restraint.
  The Republican leadership intends to bring more tax cuts to the floor 
and I will consider each on a case by case basis. We must find the 
right tax cuts for the right time. Our children and grandchildren 
deserve it.

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